C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

[Eric F.]

My 75 convertible came with the deluxe interior; therefore the door panels and the center console have woodgrain inserts. The TIMJG manual states the inserts are simulated wood. The ones in my car are real walnut veneers. The center console is damaged and needs replacing but the only ones I can find are made of vinyl.

I've talked to a few suppliers that say the factory installed vinyl and other suppliers say the factory installed wood veneer. I'd sure like to know for sure so I can replace mine. Can anyone give me the real scoop.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

Wood veneer. As far as I know they are not being reproduced. Several have talked about doing the reproductions, but I have not seen any. If you find NOS GM replacements, most likely the wood will be buckled

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

Dick and Eric-----

Attached is a photo of an NOS GM #3964126 console insert. This particular insert was used for 1970-71 Corvettes with 4 speed and C-60. This is a SERVICE piece that was boxed in 1986, but may have been manufactured well prior to that time. In any event, this one does not appear to be a real wood veneer. It appears to be a VERY thin sheet of vinyl wood grain laminated to a VERY thin aluminum sheet with pressure sensitive adhesive backing.

[Bryan K. Montford]

Re: C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

Joe,
That looks like what's in my deluxe interior with a/c 72. I lifted the corner by a screw hole to see what it was made out of. It appears to be as Joe describes the NOS piece
Bryan

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

Joe the last pieces that I bought from GM were in fact grained vinyl, but the originals were real wood veneer. If they got wet they would buckle up.

[Geoff C.]

[Eric F.]

Re: C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

Thanks to all of you for the information. That answers my question and explains the reason for the differing information.

Dick I guess it's time to clarify this in the 75-77 TIMJG.

Thanks again all!

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 Ctr. Console-Real wood or vinyl insert?

Eric, I cannot speak for the '75's. I wished you had asked this question about a month ago. I had an original low mileage '75 in here that had the woodgrain.