console

66gtk · July 27, 2011 at 2:48 PM

I just spent 3 hours in my very hot garage trying to install my full length console in my convertible. I removed the choke cable bracket and all the seats. I was able to test fit it in there without the support braket. Once I installed the metal support braket (area under the glove box), I cannot get the console in there. I can't see how it will fit under the dash and get over this bracket. The bracket will not install if the console is in place first, so what can I do? Also, the shift lever (4 speed) in the way also is a bit of a problem, but not as much as the clearance under the dash.

I have mass backed carpet w/jute over the factory style sound deadening mat. It was killer trying to get the bracket to even mount through all this, but I eventually got it done and tightened down.

CharlesTurner · July 27, 2011 at 3:22 PM

The bracket needs to be mounted flush to the floor. If you've got it mounted on top of your sound deadener, that is only aggravating the issue.

66gtk · July 27, 2011 at 4:02 PM

I suppose I could try cutting out the carpet around the bracket base, but the under carpet padding is already cut in this area and if I cut the carpet, there is no turning back. not sure it will give me much more clearance - maybe an 1/8"??? I will try it. Do I at least have it positioned the right way? If it's flush to the floor, will I have trouble getting my console to seat close enough to the floor with the thick carpet and such?

AAGGGHHH!!!

65Rangoon_old · July 27, 2011 at 4:24 PM

Ran into the same issue on the F/B about 6 yrs back. My fix was to make another bracket, but I shortened the height a little something north of 1/8" and concaved the lower flange to better comply to the tunnels' shape. Still a bear to get the console in (and out I might add), but doable.

CharlesTurner · July 27, 2011 at 4:45 PM

Shouldn't be any problem with the thickness of the carpet as the console doesn't start making contact with it until a little forward of the shifter area.

The orientation of the floor bracket how you have it is correct.

66gtk · July 27, 2011 at 6:20 PM

I have to let things simmer before attacking again. A clear head does wonders (:

In the meantime, here's how I found my floors. Did the factory use all this sealer, or a PO? It's a Dearborn car. Also note the high beam, power top and fog light wiring....any comments? Looks like a repair splice and a bunch of old original wiring.

CharlesTurner · July 27, 2011 at 11:23 PM

Floors and seam sealer look fine to me. Hard to tell from the pics, but the metal drain plug on the driver side looks like it might be upside down.

C6ZZKGT · July 27, 2011 at 11:29 PM Official Post

I know that this has nothing to do with your console fit issue but why is the choke cable on the right hand side of the steering column?

-Fred-

66gtk · July 28, 2011 at 12:20 AM

kind of crowded on the left - no? where is it suppose to go?

bob 66_old · July 28, 2011 at 7:50 AM

I just put the console back into my 66 fastback the bracket was long gone, i purchased a new Scott Drake bracket mounted it to the bare floor, slit theunderpad and carpet, no problems with te install.

C6ZZKGT · July 28, 2011 at 8:20 AM Official Post

Troy, I had three Hipo GT convertibles with power tops and the choke cable mounted to the far left under the dash pretty much below the fog light and top switches.

-Fred-

66gtk · July 28, 2011 at 2:36 PM

I got it in - success! Thanks for the tips.

6hypo5conv_old · July 28, 2011 at 5:53 PM

Troy, I thought you removed your console a couple of years ago??

(I like having a console in an early Mustang....)

66gtk · July 28, 2011 at 6:29 PM

Yep, I removed it when I put the carpet in, and now I'm going back to the console. I got all new reproduction metal top pieces and repainted it to look like new again. I like to keep things changing every once in a while (:

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