72 console replacement

[Rick M.]

Who makes the best replacement console that fits correctly? Or does anyone know of a good used one (black)? Mine most of the tabs are broken off. Thanks for any help I can get. Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 console replacement

Who makes the best replacement console that fits correctly? Or does anyone know of a good used one (black)? Mine most of the tabs are broken off. Thanks for any help I can get. Rick

Rick------


The tabs can be repaired. If the console is in otherwise good condition, that's what I recommend you do. It's not very difficult and kits are available.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 console replacement

Hi Mike,
I guess you've decided that your tabs aren't repairable? Remembering your earlier post.
I took a quick look at 5 vendors and they're selling them at the same price which just MAY mean they're selling the same console. So, I'd pick a vendor you're comfortable with, and make sure you can return it if it's not to your liking, when you receive it.
Good Luck.
Regards,
Alan

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 console replacement

Hi Mike,
I guess you've decided that your tabs aren't repairable? Remembering your earlier post.
I took a quick look at 5 vendors and they're selling them at the same price which just MAY mean they're selling the same console. So, I'd pick a vendor you're comfortable with, and make sure you can return it if it's not to your liking, when you receive it.
Good Luck.
Regards,
Alan

Rick and Alan------


It's hard for me to imagine tabs that are not repairable. Even if it can't be done with the available kits, it should be able to be done with fiberglass cloth and resin. Of course, if the console covering is in poor shape, that's another matter. I know of no way to repair that.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 console replacement

From what I have seen none of the vendors make a good reproduction. Now, Corvette America has revamped many items the past few years so you may want to see if this is one of them.

Given that that yours is black I would search for a good original before I would purchase a reproduction.

[Edward J.]

Re: 72 console replacement

Joe, You hit the nail on the head, I had two broken tabs on my 72 and made new ones with fiberglass cloth and resin. worked great.

[Robert S.]

Re: 72 console replacement

I repaired the broken tabs on my 74' console a few years ago. To do the repair I made (2) L shaped metal pieces using the flat cover used on electrical boxes as the source for the metal. The upper side of the metal pieces were clamped to the console by two screws using the threaded holes in the unused metal bracket located at the top, center underside of the console. The lower end of the metal pieces ended just below the missing plastic tabs with holes drilled to accept the sheet metal screws of the console plate. As I recall I had to put a small "s" shaped kink in the metal near the missing tabs such that the metal would sit just below the surface of the missing tabs. I think I made a cardboard mock up of the metal pieces before I cut them out of the electrical box cover. The dimensions of the metal pieces are not critical.
Bottom line: About 45 minutes of work and about one dollar in parts and I had a repair that was stronger than the original and completely invisible unless the console is removed and turned over.

[Bill L.]

Re: 72 console replacement

I tried the reproduction consoles for my 70 and they did not fit well. Could not return them so I gave them away.

I ended up finding a black NOS console with couple broken tabs.

I bonded some fiberglass from an old fender to the console and ended up shaping them with my dremel and files, then drilled the holes.

Way stronger than it ever was new!

[Sal C.]

Re: 72 console replacement

The front console area is not very forgiving, clearance wise. The reproductions almost never work with good results. Stick with a repaired original.

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 console replacement

I tried the reproduction consoles for my 70 and they did not fit well. Could not return them so I gave them away.

I ended up finding a black NOS console with couple broken tabs.

I bonded some fiberglass from an old fender to the console and ended up shaping them with my dremel and files, then drilled the holes.

Way stronger than it ever was new!

Bill------


Yes, the original tabs are quite fragile and break easily. Repairing with fiberglass cloth and resin yields tabs which are far stronger and more durable than the originals. I repaired mine this way more than 30 years ago and have never had another problem.