1969 Forward console repair

[Dave R.]

Where the side panels attach to the forward console on my 1969 Corvette; the screw hole seems to have cracked. I think a previous owner tried to install a larger than stock screw to attach the panel and that may have cracked the console. Other than replacing the forward console, is there anyway to repair this mounting hole so I can use the proper screw to secure the side panel?

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

There are several real good plastic repair products available. Two that come to mind are 3M and SEM. I have used SEM problem plastic repair to repair several broken C-3 forward consoles. From what you are saying all is needed is to repair the crack and maybe fill an oversized hole. Just follow the instructions on the tube and I think that either of these products will work

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

Dick,

Any idea where I could find these products? I think they might work and I'd like to try to make the repair as soon as possible.

Thanks

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

Most original consoles will be cracked in several places and the tabs for the shift plate are likely to be broken off...people put more weight on them than the design will support.

The plastic support under the covering is fiberglass...I used polyester resin and fiberglass cloth from Home Depot to repair and reinforce mine. With a little resin and fiberglass cloth, and you have a bullet-proof console. If the console plate tabs are broken off, Eckler's sell a console repair kit consisting of four aluminum tabs and u-nuts...you fiberglass the tabs at the proper location inside the console.

[Tom S.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

The Eckler's repair kit work's great I used and was very satisfied. Tom

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

The 3M and/or SEM products should be available at most any automotive paint jobber. I personally like these over fiberglass because there is less mess and does not take the extra time.

[Clarence K.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

I have used the fiberglass and resin as Chuck stated, got it from Farm and Fleet. Be sure to put some masking tape on the outside of the console so that the resin doesn't wick through. Drill your hole and some counter sinking if necessary, then dab on some touch-up paint and it will be as good as new. I have to do the same task on one of my seat backs pretty soon.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1969 Forward console repair

Thanks for covering the masking, Gene. It's essential to keep the resin from making a mess of your console. A good thorough masking is probably the most tedious and time consuming part of the job.