65 seat belt question

[John C.]

Hey fellas, I'm having trouble figuring out how the console seat belt latch mounts. The latch that mounts between the arm pad and the rear of the console was missing on my car. I bought a new one from LIC, but there isn't anything to attach it to. Did all the 65's have the storage latch point mounted in this position ?
There is a single attachment point right in the center to attach the arm pad , nothing else.
JC

[Marco H.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

John, there should be 2 small holes in the console to attach the bracket.

[John C.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

Well, that's what I thought, but nothing. Any idea why they wouldn't be there ?
JC

[Marco H.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

Only thing I could think, not original console. Possibly from a 64 or 67.

[John C.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

Hum . I just looked at LIC to see what they offered, and, it says their new console requires the holes for the seat belt bracket be drilled. I guess it is either a replacement or like you said, out of a different yr model. I ordered a new shifter trim piece which hasn't shipped yet and am trying to spruce everything up while I have the dash apart. I don't see where the existing trim plate can be separated from the console. It appears to be one complete piece. Thanks for the reply.
JC

[Russ S.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

The NOS console I purchased years ago didn't have the mount holes either. I am wondering if over the counter consoles came with out the holes.

[Marco H.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

Correct. As they were "67's".

[John C.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

Thanks guys. Considering buying a new one, so I guess I'll be drilling holes in a new $575 console. Not a comforting thought. Seems like the chrome plating would flake off during the drilling process.
JC

[James W.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

Russ,

I'm looking at an NOS center console that I just pulled out of the GM box as I type this and the holes are not pre-drilled. It would make sence to only have one P/N since this console was used from 1964 through 1966/1967? I am getting ready to drill the holes in my NOS console for the '65 seat belt buckle bracket.


Regards,

James West

The NOS console I purchased years ago didn't have the mount holes either. I am wondering if over the counter consoles came with out the holes.

[John C.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

James, I would be interested in knowing how the drilling procedure turns out. Any issues with the plating flaking off. What size bit did you use ?
JC

[James W.]

Re: 65 seat belt question

JC,

I measure the screw thread diameter and decided to use a #30 drill bit. I transfered the hole locations from the old console to the new one and mark their locations with a center punch. The center punch will keep the drill bit located and keep it from walking out of position. I used a dab of Rapid-Tap cutting oil while drilling each hole and had no problems at all. I chose to use a new drill bit and did not experience any flaking of the chrome while drilling. Since I used the #30 drill bit, installing the screws in the newly drilled holes was difficult. You might want to go up one more drill bit size to a 1/8" dia. I also used the Rapid-Tap cutting oil when istalling the screws. I wouild recommend installing each screw into the holes and then removing them and then installing the bracket.

Hope this is of some help.


Regards,

James West

James, I would be interested in knowing how the drilling procedure turns out. Any issues with the plating flaking off. What size bit did you use ?
JC