1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

[David S.]

Hi All,

Can someone explain the differences between a 1969 vinyl shifter console and a 1970 vinyl shifter console?

Thanks,
Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

Hi All,

Can someone explain the differences between a 1969 vinyl shifter console and a 1970 vinyl shifter console?

Thanks,
Dave

Dave------


The primary difference is that the 1970 forward console has "stitching" around the upper perimeter. The 1968-69 forward consoles do not have this "stitching". The 1970 console can be used to SERVICE 1969 applications, but it's not correct.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

I believe there is an additional difference in the configuration of the front of the console. I remember an event where Jay Kellogg (one of the seven NCRS founders) explained about this. He worked for the Inland Guide division of GM and was tasked with solving a shipping problem with the 1969 consoles. There were "points" on the front that suffered an unacceptably high rate of damage in transit to St Louis. A redesign of the front, and the small close-out panels on each side for the 1970 and subsequent model year solved that problem.

We were blessed with a 1969 & 1970 with reasonably original interior that he used to demonstrate his story. The above is my "cliff notes" of what was about a 45 minute impromptu "tech session." And yes, some of us got into it with him about the jigsaw-like complexities of the interior pieces. It was another of those you-had-to-be-there events that make NCRS meets so rewarding.

[Michael F.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

Terry, who were the founding members of ncrs??? thanks.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

Terry, who were the founding members of ncrs??? thanks.

On the Masthead on Page 3 of EVERY issue of The Corvette Restorer:
John Amgwert
Dick Campbell
Joe Chess
Tom Essig
Sam Folz
Jay Kellogg
Gary Mortimer

Edit add: I confess I cheated and looked in the last Restorer just to be sure I spelled the names correctly. It was the least I could do to honor those fellows who stood up to be counted, when it counted the most. I believe the next issue of The Restorer will have much more on this subject. Be patient grasshopper.

[David S.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

Thanks Guys.

That said, if the 1970 - 1972 consoles these same? Yes I have an original for my late production LT1 but the thing is cracked beyond repair. I need to round up a solid original.

Thanks,
Dave

[Warren F.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

1970 is slightly different from '71 & '72.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

Thanks Guys.

That said, if the 1970 - 1972 consoles these same? Yes I have an original for my late production LT1 but the thing is cracked beyond repair. I need to round up a solid original.

Thanks,
Dave

Dave in actuality all 3 years are different to a degree. A 1972 does not have fiber optics so no front slot or opening. Plus I do not remember what the slight difference between a 1970 and 1971 is but I am sure some will help with that difference.

[David S.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

Thanks Guys.

Dave

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

I don't understand the reference to "vinyl". Isn't the shifter console made out of pot metal?

[Warren F.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

You may be thinking of the shift console plate that attaches to the top of the forward console.

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

yes, I was.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 Corvette Vinyl Shifter Console

I believe there is an additional difference in the configuration of the front of the console. I remember an event where Jay Kellogg (one of the seven NCRS founders) explained about this. He worked for the Inland Guide division of GM and was tasked with solving a shipping problem with the 1969 consoles. There were "points" on the front that suffered an unacceptably high rate of damage in transit to St Louis. A redesign of the front, and the small close-out panels on each side for the 1970 and subsequent model year solved that problem. We were blessed with a 1969 & 1970 with reasonably original interior that he used to demonstrate his story. The above is my "cliff notes" of what was about a 45 minute impromptu "tech session." And yes, some of us got into it with him about the jigsaw-like complexities of the interior pieces. It was another of those you-had-to-be-there events that make NCRS meets so rewarding.

I thought the snipped tips of the left and right lower consoles started in the 71 model year. Which changed the front design of the center console to a tab type design locking in the pieces. Those 2 designs don't interchange