shift console 1970

[dennis]

When I take out my gauge bezel, I want to replace the damaged shift console. I'm sure it was damaged in an attempted to remove it without knowing exactly how.


Someone once showed me a very detailed explanation of the procedure to remove/install the shift console on a 70. Seemed to cover all the little maneuvers most manuals assume you can contort your arms and elongate your fingers to accomplish.


Of course now that I have a need for the information I can't remember the source. Any suggestions on obtaining detailed info on this subject? Thanks, Dennis

[Bob Booth #33372]

Re: shift console 1970

Dennis,


I looked in my Haynes manual and it has a very general (but definite) description of how to change it. It says things like "...remove heater and side vent controls then lift the console up and rearward..." but doesn't say the best way to do it. I can tell you from personal experience that there's no easy way to do this that I know of. Removing it was fairly easy. Putting it back together was a nightmare. The logical way, it seems, would be to intall the gauge bezel first then the console, which I tried to do, but I could see no way of getting things connected in the console with the bezel in the way. All I know is that I got the console set in first then the bezel but this is obviously not the way to do it as I scratched the *%#@ out of the console in the process. You might try one of the many "how-to" books available in the Driveline. Just make sure when you buy a new console to get a good quality one. The one I got was theoretically the best quality from a large, well known supplier and yet the shift plate did not fit quite right. It took alot of squeezing and pressing and fitting to get it to fit. A heat gun or hair dryer is very useful for this project.


Good luck,


Bob Booth

[Roberto L.]

Re: shift console 1970

I did it sometime ago, very unpleasant job. If my memory still works, the crucial part was the heater control. It is mounted in a bracket and this one mounts in the console. Take out shift boot (unscrew shift ball), the bezel (4 screws) and you will see the mentioned bracket which uses some screws. First big problem is releasing side vent control in the sides (my car is NO AC), more difficult will be to reassemble them. Then you will be able to disconnect vac houses in left side, some wires (lights, etc) and finally the heater will come out. The console has screws at dash level (front) and at the back. If radio is a problem you have to find the correct wrench or perhaps move a little the central dash. Extracting the heater control is the nightmare, you have to be VERY carefull to avoid scratching. Patience and steel nerves required. Roberto (from the hospital after dissasembling the console) :-) NCRS #30019, RMC