I am working to complete the interior of my 69 Chevelle and need to make a decision regarding a console. When I purchased the car the console was not provided. My question, should I buy a new clone console or an original which needs to be or has been reconditioned? I am concerned regarding fit and finish, the interior is black. If anyone has had experience regarding this topic, comments would be appreciated.


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Gary, have used both and ended up with a combo of the two. Repros are pretty good except for the door hinge which has to be shimmed to fit properly. The big question is did the car originally come with a console? If not the shifter hump has to be changed in order to install a console.The black base of the repros are very nice and this is usually what is cracked and has to be repaired. I would use a repro again.

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69 Chevelle SS 396 350hp convt. 4spd w/ac
69 SS-RS Camaro GMPP ZL-1
w/DNE 5-Spd
70 Chevelle LS-5 M-22 Cpe
ACES 1805

[This message has been edited by alss (edited 03-15-2001).]

I ended up getting a reproduction kit, yes you have some work to do fitting the console door but it came out great. Now I was not impressed with the quality of the glass faceplate and chrome/ stainless trim. I used original pieces for these

I suppose it would depend on the condition of the console needing repair, and the level of effort you are willing to expend. I have heard some good things about reproduction bases, but not so regarding the other elements, i.e., top plates, hinges, doors, etc.
I recently rebuilt a console for my car. I started with a badly broken unit that was, except for some missing plastic in several areas, a complete four speed console. With a little time and effort, I repaired/replaced the broken areas, polished or painted everything and even re-flocked the inside of the storage compartment. I also re-located the seatbelt retaining clips to the correct position for a 68 console. The only thing I replaced were the brushed aluminum top plate inserts and the top plate mounting screws. Everyone who has seen the console, say the repairs are invisible and they would never guess that it was ever so badly broken.
It was a time consuming project, but personally rewarding. And definately cheaper!
I've never been very good with a welder, so for me, the installation of the console shift hump was more of an ordeal than restoring the console.
Having said all this, let me address your specific question... The fit should be about the same for a reproduction base as for an original unit, understanding that you must have the correct shift hump and mounting bracket. The finish is no problem. SEM offers a great line of products that give outstanding results.

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Patrick, aka Merlin
1968 SS 396/325 4-Speed, White with black vinyl top & black interior.
TC#1017

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by alss:
The big question is did the car originally come with a console? If not the shifter hump has to be changed in order to install a console.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hu, nothing had to be done to the hump on my 70 to add a console to a non console car
I would have had to weld on the new hump for a 4 speed but not for an automatic console
Is the 69 Different ?

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Dean Call
Team Gold member #3
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Thanks to all for the quick response. To address the shifter hump question, I like Merlin am not a welder so I had this installed professionally. Can some one further explain what you mean by shimming the console door. Do I need to assemble the console? If I purchase an original unit it will be completely restored. The cost is about $60.00 difference, the original being more expensive. Also, if I did not mention the car is a four speed.

Thanks again,

Gary

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Gary,
I'm not sure exactly what is involved in shimming a console door, but I do know that I have never seen an original that needed to be shimmed. I would imagine though, that it involves shimming under the hinge in whatever way it takes to make the door fit properly when closed. I might suggest that you verify whether or not any parts, including the hinge, have been replaced on the "restored" console you are looking at. If it has been restored with reproduction parts, why pay more? Also, there are subtle differences between a 68 and a 69 console. If correctness is an issue with you, you may want to keep that in mind.

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Patrick, aka Merlin
1968 SS 396/325 4-Speed, White with black vinyl top & black interior.
TC#1017

the hinge for the console door has 3 screws I think on each side. I used the original door as a template and drilled the holes for the new door, and attached the hinge. The tricky part is drilling the holes for screws that attach to the base. I didn't need shims; but, it took a while to line up the lock-button lever and catch. Just take your time,

The 69 console does not have a push button but only a small latch plate at the front. I just completed a rebuild of mine but had to replace the lid with a repo. It attached just fine and matched the paint perfectly.