Al Knoch Center Consoles Fitment Issue
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: SC
Posts: 523
Received 249 Likes
on
110 Posts
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Al Knoch Center Consoles Fitment Issue
I have the forward console completely butted up to the instrument gauge bezel. The rear console is butted against the rear deck attachment fitting. Is this overlap normal? It would appear the forward console would need to move further forward but I don't see how. My previous consoles where bubba-fied so they are bad examples to judge from. The AIM page J98 seems to indicate the two consoles should abutt at the flanged end of the forward console. It's kind of like trying to stuff 1 ounce of cream in a half ounce puff...it ain't going to fit! What say you?
Forward Console on the left:
Regards,
Tom69
Forward Console on the left:
Regards,
Tom69
Last edited by Tom69; 02-20-2018 at 11:54 AM.
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: Southbound
Posts: 38,928
Likes: 0
Received 1,468 Likes
on
1,247 Posts
Cruise-In II Veteran
#3
Pro
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: SC
Posts: 523
Received 249 Likes
on
110 Posts
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I, snif, snif, took a dremel to the forward console to enlarge the slots that that engages the studs. I also slotted the metal reinforcement bracket that engages the studs to allow max forward movement of the console. From the photo below, you can see the forward console appears to be fully engaged forward. I don't see what else I have to work with.
Slots enlarged to accommodate the bezel studs:
Forward Console if full forward position:
Regards,
Tom69
#4
Where does the floor shifter (auto or manual?) sit within the console opening? That should also tell you how far forward it would need to still move.
I'm guessing something is holding your center cluster and radio rearward.
Looks like you've got one of those retro-look modern radio units which will have a lot more wires behind it. When I installed mine, it took a lot of extra care and wire organizing to make sure it all fit as far forward as possible. I think the heater duct is the forward limit to the whole cluster module's position.
I'm guessing something is holding your center cluster and radio rearward.
Looks like you've got one of those retro-look modern radio units which will have a lot more wires behind it. When I installed mine, it took a lot of extra care and wire organizing to make sure it all fit as far forward as possible. I think the heater duct is the forward limit to the whole cluster module's position.
#5
Pro
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: SC
Posts: 523
Received 249 Likes
on
110 Posts
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Where does the floor shifter (auto or manual?) sit within the console opening? That should also tell you how far forward it would need to still move.
I'm guessing something is holding your center cluster and radio rearward.
Looks like you've got one of those retro-look modern radio units which will have a lot more wires behind it. When I installed mine, it took a lot of extra care and wire organizing to make sure it all fit as far forward as possible. I think the heater duct is the forward limit to the whole cluster module's position.
I'm guessing something is holding your center cluster and radio rearward.
Looks like you've got one of those retro-look modern radio units which will have a lot more wires behind it. When I installed mine, it took a lot of extra care and wire organizing to make sure it all fit as far forward as possible. I think the heater duct is the forward limit to the whole cluster module's position.
Regards,
Tom69
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
Posts: 30,173
Likes: 0
Received 2,878 Likes
on
2,515 Posts
Hi Tom,
In order to end up with things fitting I suggest that:
the parking brake console go in first... we know that it needs to be tight back against the seat bulkhead.
Then the shifter console.... ensuring that the fit between the FRONT of the parking brake console and the REAR of the shifter console is satisfactory.
Then the center gauge cluster bezel can be positioned.
IF the shifter console isn't in place first the bezel tends to slip down and rearward when it's installed
Having the shifter console where it needs to be helps with positioning the gauge bezel between the lower dash pads and in starting the screws through the sides of the bezel into the dash pads.
I do this WITHOUT the radio in place because the weight of the radio pulls the gauge cluster bezel down and to the rear.
Be extra careful pushing on the gauge bezel... it's extremely easy to break.
I put the right side lower dash pad in place last... after the rest of the dash parts are in place and the gauges and lights have all been tested.
Regards,
Alan
Perhaps these will help you with locating the shifter console.
In order to end up with things fitting I suggest that:
the parking brake console go in first... we know that it needs to be tight back against the seat bulkhead.
Then the shifter console.... ensuring that the fit between the FRONT of the parking brake console and the REAR of the shifter console is satisfactory.
Then the center gauge cluster bezel can be positioned.
IF the shifter console isn't in place first the bezel tends to slip down and rearward when it's installed
Having the shifter console where it needs to be helps with positioning the gauge bezel between the lower dash pads and in starting the screws through the sides of the bezel into the dash pads.
I do this WITHOUT the radio in place because the weight of the radio pulls the gauge cluster bezel down and to the rear.
Be extra careful pushing on the gauge bezel... it's extremely easy to break.
I put the right side lower dash pad in place last... after the rest of the dash parts are in place and the gauges and lights have all been tested.
Regards,
Alan
Perhaps these will help you with locating the shifter console.
Last edited by Alan 71; 02-20-2018 at 02:38 PM.
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: SC
Posts: 523
Received 249 Likes
on
110 Posts
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Hi Tom,
In order to end up with things fitting I suggest that:
the parking brake console go in first... we know that it needs to be tight back against the seat bulkhead.
Then the shifter console.... ensuring that the fit between the FRONT of the parking brake console and the REAR of the shifter console is satisfactory.
Then the center gauge cluster bezel can be positioned.
IF the shifter console isn't in place first the bezel tends to slip down and rearward when it's installed
Having the shifter console where it needs to be helps with positioning the gauge bezel between the lower dash pads and in starting the screws through the sides of the bezel into the dash pads.
I do this WITHOUT the radio in place because the weight of the radio pulls the gauge cluster bezel down and to the rear.
Be extra careful pushing on the gauge bezel... it's extremely easy to break.
I put the right side lower dash pad in place last... after the rest of the dash parts are in place and the gauges and lights have all been tested.
Regards,
Alan
Perhaps these will help you with locating the shifter console.
In order to end up with things fitting I suggest that:
the parking brake console go in first... we know that it needs to be tight back against the seat bulkhead.
Then the shifter console.... ensuring that the fit between the FRONT of the parking brake console and the REAR of the shifter console is satisfactory.
Then the center gauge cluster bezel can be positioned.
IF the shifter console isn't in place first the bezel tends to slip down and rearward when it's installed
Having the shifter console where it needs to be helps with positioning the gauge bezel between the lower dash pads and in starting the screws through the sides of the bezel into the dash pads.
I do this WITHOUT the radio in place because the weight of the radio pulls the gauge cluster bezel down and to the rear.
Be extra careful pushing on the gauge bezel... it's extremely easy to break.
I put the right side lower dash pad in place last... after the rest of the dash parts are in place and the gauges and lights have all been tested.
Regards,
Alan
Perhaps these will help you with locating the shifter console.
Regards,
Tom
#8
Just another Corvette guy
Tom,
I just happen to have my factory console out right now so I thought I'd post a measurement just so you can clarify.
I measured from the first indentation where the small forward cover fits to the rear indentation where the E brake console fits. I thought this would be more accurate than an overall length which could vary. As you can see, measurement is just under 19 inches. Hope this helps.
Greg
I just happen to have my factory console out right now so I thought I'd post a measurement just so you can clarify.
I measured from the first indentation where the small forward cover fits to the rear indentation where the E brake console fits. I thought this would be more accurate than an overall length which could vary. As you can see, measurement is just under 19 inches. Hope this helps.
Greg
#9
I can't really offer any help, however if the early models are like the later ones, apparently the whole console provides the support for the center dash. I had my gauges, radio, shifter console, and parking brake cover out all one winter. When I went to put it back together, nothing seemed to fit. All I replaced was the shifter console. I did some research and learned the 80-82 dash has a tendency to sag if it's left unsupported for very long. Doing as Alan71 suggested, starting at the back and working forward, I finally got it all back in and lined up. IIRC I took a couple of 2x4s and wedged up under the center dash and left it for a week till the next weekend to take some of the sag out when I finally got it to fit. Still was a dickens. YMMV. Good luck.
#10
Racer
Oh man, putting all of that back together is a huge pain. I have a 69 also. And I’m actually planning to take it all apart again to fix up the dash and console areas. I think what Alan said is probably the best process. Certainly measure your console against the old one. Is that the same radio you had in there previously? Is your gauge cluster going back in all the way? If not figure out why first. That was my big problem. But it’s a huge pain for sure.
#11
Pro
Do you have the correct console? I believe the 68-69 consoles are 1/2" shorter than the 70-72 consoles. I could be wrong but I know they have different part numbers in the catalogs.
#12
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
Posts: 30,173
Likes: 0
Received 2,878 Likes
on
2,515 Posts
Hi,
"Do you have the correct console? I believe the 68-69 consoles are 1/2" shorter than the 70-72 consoles."
This is an interesting question!
I thought the difference between the 68-69 and 70+ shifter console was in the added stitching detail that 70+ consoles have, not in it's size.
IS there a difference in length?
If there is, WHAT ELSE changed to allow for that?
Regards,
Alan
"Do you have the correct console? I believe the 68-69 consoles are 1/2" shorter than the 70-72 consoles."
This is an interesting question!
I thought the difference between the 68-69 and 70+ shifter console was in the added stitching detail that 70+ consoles have, not in it's size.
IS there a difference in length?
If there is, WHAT ELSE changed to allow for that?
Regards,
Alan
#13
Melting Slicks
you have to really push the console forward big time, do not bolt the radio strap
on yet, if you have ac its even tighter in there, 68,69 consoles are the same size
as 70-72
on yet, if you have ac its even tighter in there, 68,69 consoles are the same size
as 70-72
#14
Drifting
This is on my 68. It looks like your gauge bezel has to go in a lot further. The points on the bottom outer edges of the bezel should line up with the points on the lower dash pads. Do the holes on the sides of the front of the shifter console line up with the tabs on the transmission tunnel?
#15
Pro
[QUOTE=LT-1 kid;
68,69 consoles are the same size
as 70-72[/QUOTE]
When I asked Brian Bair (Bair's corvettes) if I could use a 68-69 console in my 72 he said no, it would not fit. That's my reference.
68,69 consoles are the same size
as 70-72[/QUOTE]
When I asked Brian Bair (Bair's corvettes) if I could use a 68-69 console in my 72 he said no, it would not fit. That's my reference.
#16
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: Southbound
Posts: 38,928
Likes: 0
Received 1,468 Likes
on
1,247 Posts
Cruise-In II Veteran
#17
Pro
In your photos it appears to me the gauge bezel is not situated correctly. Looks like the radio is sitting low and the gauge bezel needs to be higher in the dash and further in toward the engine compartment. It seems that would effect the location of the locating studs for the center console thus allowing the center console to fit further toward the engine compartment. Not sure that's correct maybe other members can comment.
#18
Pro
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2014
Location: SC
Posts: 523
Received 249 Likes
on
110 Posts
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Tom,
I just happen to have my factory console out right now so I thought I'd post a measurement just so you can clarify.
I measured from the first indentation where the small forward cover fits to the rear indentation where the E brake console fits. I thought this would be more accurate than an overall length which could vary. As you can see, measurement is just under 19 inches. Hope this helps.
Greg
I just happen to have my factory console out right now so I thought I'd post a measurement just so you can clarify.
I measured from the first indentation where the small forward cover fits to the rear indentation where the E brake console fits. I thought this would be more accurate than an overall length which could vary. As you can see, measurement is just under 19 inches. Hope this helps.
Greg
I also have ac.
So yesterday I started the installation process per Alan's recommendations. Had to run out to Home Depot to get some fresh u-nuts. The mounting screws for the rear console were barely bitting into the nuts. May need longer screws...which implies something else may be wrong or perhaps cut away more carpet. The center gauge cluster is out.
Here is the preliminary fitting before I started playing with the console mounting hardware.
Once again, thank you everyone for your wonderful support.
Regards,
Tom
#19
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
Posts: 30,173
Likes: 0
Received 2,878 Likes
on
2,515 Posts
Hi Tom,
It looks like you're making considerable progress!
A couple of things:
I get all the pieces (except the right-side lower pad) in place with all the screws started, but not tightened.
I then begin to tighten the screws gradually and in sequence making sure that the screws are NOT pulling any of the parts out of position.
When the screws are tight I then get the right lower pad in place... it seems to be the easiest and causes the least problems.
DON'T, DON'T, DON'T push on the top of the gauge bezel.... breaking it will spoil your day!
Carry On!
Regards,
Alan
It looks like you're making considerable progress!
A couple of things:
I get all the pieces (except the right-side lower pad) in place with all the screws started, but not tightened.
I then begin to tighten the screws gradually and in sequence making sure that the screws are NOT pulling any of the parts out of position.
When the screws are tight I then get the right lower pad in place... it seems to be the easiest and causes the least problems.
DON'T, DON'T, DON'T push on the top of the gauge bezel.... breaking it will spoil your day!
Carry On!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; 02-21-2018 at 12:10 PM.