[Gary U]

The 68 consoles did not have a latch on the lid while the 69-72 models did. To my knowledge, the 69-72s use a spring which pops the lid open when the latch is released. Is the spring reversed for the 68's to keep the lid down (no latch)? If not, how does it work? Is it feasible to put a repo 68 lid on a 69-72 console using the 69-72 hinge?

Thanks

 

[Dean]

Just FYI, the 69 lid did not have any latch either.

 

[Gene McGill]

My 68 has never had a spring--gravity holds it closed.

 

[Bill Rose]

Gene... The 68 lid should have have a spring on the front right inside corner. My 68 has it and it is also shown in the 68 assembly manual in the D55 section. Maybe yours is missing but it was originally there...

 

[Merlin]

69 consoles do have a latch, but they do not have a lock, as the 70 to 72 models. The 68 lid has no latch, no catch, and no liner. The 69 latch or catch if you prefer, is nothing more than a spring loaded ball on the rear of the console opening that catches a plastic lip that is screwed onto the front edge of the consloe lid. Other than the latch and the flocked lid liner for 1969, the lid is identical to the 68, including spring and hinge.
For what its worth, the console shell is slightly different between 68 and 69 also, with regard to placement of the seatbelt buckle retainers/holders.
Can you use a 68 lid on a 69-72? Absolutely, but with slight modifications.

 

[Dean]

ok, correction, the 69 has no latch button on the outside of the lid which I thought was what he was talking about