68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

[Joel K.]

Reassembly of the '68 L79 continues, with little challenges and issues almost daily! Today, when I was reinstalling the forward console and e-brake console, I could not get the forward console to line up correctly so the e-brake console would fit. Slots at the top front of the forward console line up OK with the studs on the bottom of the gauge cluster, but the holes on the front side of the console are nearly an inch away from the bracket on the trans tunnel and screw holes at the back edge of the console are about the same distance from the U-nuts. I've looked at the thing from all sides and angles and cannot see how it can line up! Gauge cluster is original, w/aftermarket radio that is about the same size as the original. Anyone else ever run into this problem? Thanks!

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Joel,

A picture or two would be good to see just exactly what you are up against.

Terry

[Bryan M.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Reassembly of the '68 L79 continues, with little challenges and issues almost daily! Today, when I was reinstalling the forward console and e-brake console, I could not get the forward console to line up correctly so the e-brake console would fit. Slots at the top front of the forward console line up OK with the studs on the bottom of the gauge cluster, but the holes on the front side of the console are nearly an inch away from the bracket on the trans tunnel and screw holes at the back edge of the console are about the same distance from the U-nuts. I've looked at the thing from all sides and angles and cannot see how it can line up! Gauge cluster is original, w/aftermarket radio that is about the same size as the original. Anyone else ever run into this problem? Thanks!

Joel,
The installation of my 68 forward console and e-brake console did not just lay into place. After installing the forward console, I had to push it forward which moved the instrument and dash panels forward enough to then wedge the e-brake console into place. The parts are original. It's a tight fit.

[Joel K.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Thanks for your suggestion, Brian. Terry, attached are some photos -- you can see that the top of the console is up against the gauge cluster, but the screw holes are waaaay off. Brian, I'll try your approach but that gauge cluster doesn't have a lot of "give."

[Joel K.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Bryan, apologies for misspelling your name. I saw it, I read it, but the fingers just went to the "i" instead of the "y". Sucks getting old....

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Joel,

How much of the dash did you remove?

I've seen it where the dash "sags" enough to create this problem, and you just have to shove it all up and forward to get the holes to line up. Of course, be sure everything else above is in correct alignment so you don't break anything. All of the screws for the gauge cluster must be loose or removed for this to work, and then you'll have to use an awl or similar to "persuade" the center cluster into position at the screw holes.

Patrick

[Steven C.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Joel, do I feel your pain. I spent many hours "finessing" my console on my 69. One item to look at is the fresh air vent connecting wires. They inhibit the forward movement of the console and may be hung up on something. Just be careful because those consoles are fragile. Also, try to loosen the two dash pads.

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

As I recall on my 68 L79 the front bracket has some movement for alignment and I think it can also be installed backwards by mistake.
This can affect the alignment of the holes.
Make sure you have it in the correct orientation and then use drift pins to align and start ALL fasteners before final tightening.
Kurt

[Joel K.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Joel,

How much of the dash did you remove?

I've seen it where the dash "sags" enough to create this problem, and you just have to shove it all up and forward to get the holes to line up. Of course, be sure everything else above is in correct alignment so you don't break anything. All of the screws for the gauge cluster must be loose or removed for this to work, and then you'll have to use an awl or similar to "persuade" the center cluster into position at the screw holes.

Patrick

Patrick,

I had the whole dash out, to replace the top pad and clean up speedo/tach/gauges, etc. Up to this point, everything had gone back in fairly easily. I can see that things are sagging a bit, so maybe that's the key. Thanks to all who have replied with some great suggestions!!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Patrick,

I had the whole dash out, to replace the top pad and clean up speedo/tach/gauges, etc. Up to this point, everything had gone back in fairly easily. I can see that things are sagging a bit, so maybe that's the key. Thanks to all who have replied with some great suggestions!!!

No problem. Let us know what you find out.

I had a similar issue on Dad's 72. Gentle persuasion is your friend.

[Paul O.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Joel looking at your photos the second one looks like your radio is hitting the trans hump and there is no support bracket attached to the forward j-nut. This maybe whats causing your problem the original style radio was some what raised up not resting on the hump. Paul 18046

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

Joel looking at your photos the second one looks like your radio is hitting the trans hump and there is no support bracket attached to the forward j-nut. This maybe whats causing your problem the original style radio was some what raised up not resting on the hump. Paul 18046

Good eye.
You're right - the radio angles down "more than expected."

[Joel K.]

Re: 68 Forward Console Fit - Curiouser and Curiouser!

A somewhat belated followup on this thread. Thanks again to all who posted replies and suggestions. I took some time off from this project, and pursued a few other tasks before coming back to it. With the right amount of "gentle persuasion" and a few other modifications, the two consoles finally fit properly. Now there are some other issues, which I'll address separately.