Console

In this section I will cover some issues I had with my console. Since some previous owner decided to cut a slot in my 4-speed console to fit a straight-line shifter, I was left with some problems to solve. First, I could pay the e-bay thieves an extraordinary amount of money for an original console. Second, I could try to patch the one I had but that was not a real option as the repair would show and that is a no-no. Third, I could get a fiberglass console from Stinger Fiberglass http://www.stingerfiberglass.com and convert it from an automatic one to a 4-speed. I looked at my options and selected the Stinger console as it is stronger than the original and is a great reproduction piece right down to the correct grain in the shell. Since Stinger only offered it in an automatic version, a conversion was in the making and the following pages & pictures will document it for those that need a great 4-speed console for less than a King's ransom. Since this was writen there is a plastic repop one being made that is pretty nice and only around $200.00. If that was available at the time I did the car I probably have gone that way as it sems like it would save a ton of time. DSCF0027.jpg When my console arrived I was very impressed with the quality of the piece. The fiberglass was well molded and the details of the console were crisp and accurate. DSCF0028.jpg This is the side where the surgery will take place. Since Mopar 4-Speed cars have the hump extension on their floors, this side of the console must be cut to clear the extension and provisions must be made to mount the fiberboard cover to the console. I had Stinger not cut the hole for the light since I wanted to see where the hump cover would mount first. DSCF0029.jpg Here you can see the construction of the inside of the console. The bracing is very stong and the fiberglass robust so this console will take abuse much better than the stock plastic one. DSCF0033.jpg This is my original console and the missing piece is very evident. I just wish that the man that butchered this one is being forced to watch non-stop reality TV somewhere. DSCF0034.jpg A closer shot of the missing piece. I had considered grafting a piece form a donor console into this area but after fitting all the pieces to the console and looking at it's appearance in the car, I decided to let this one rest and move on to the Stinger piece. DSCF0036.jpg The first step was to stabilize the wound, which I did using a paint stick and some tape. I mounted the top plates to ensure the plastic was correct then taped the splint across the gap. By getting the correct measurement I will be able to get an accurate tracing of the contour of the lower edge. DSCF0037.jpg I taped a piece of poster board to the console using the inside edge as a guide and then measured down from the front edge 5" and made a reference mark as this is where the cut starts on the 4-speed console. DSCF0038.jpg I then taped the poster board to the fiberglass console and measured down from the front edge to align the poster board and marked the line with a Sharpie marker. I then removed the poster board and cut the console using a Dremel tool. The Dremel tool will be a handy device to use in this entire project so if you don't have one I suggest you go out and spend the $50.00 to get one. I have used my Dremel for many things on the car so pony up and get one and you will be glad you did. Besides that they make so many attachments and tools for them it always gives you an excuse to buy some more tools!

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