the center consloe

[Bill Creller]

I'm just getting into the '87 El Camino project. Doing small items until I can move it to the shop, for the major work. ( if it ever quits snowing & raining here for a while )
The center console between the bucket seats appears that people had been sitting on it, which left a lot of cracks in the plastic around the cover for it's compartment.
I'm reinforcing it on the inside with aircraft aluminum sheet stock. The vinyl top on the compartment cover has shrunk a bit, and I'll have to heat it with the heat gun to make it pliable & stretch it to the size it's
suppose to be, to get it back on the lid parts.
It also needs a hinge on the cover. Original bendable plastic hinge ( another GM bad idea) failed like expected. I'm gonna use a mil-spec aluminum hinge in place of the trashed plastic hinge, which I hope will do OK...

 

[clean8485]

Wouldn't mind seeing a photo of your console hinge when its done.

 

[Longroof79]

Most guys just replace the original plastic hinge with a piano hinge that can be purchased at any home improvement store.
I've also repaired my console lid using a series of clamps and construction adhesive. It turned pretty nice.

 

[L.A.X-RATED]

Hey Bill! Glad you made it over to THEE BEST gbody forum!!! It's Jose🙂I'll send you some pics of a console lid I fabbed up with hinge(yes I hate the GM hinge "try" as well,wtf!)also I'll get with you on the shipment once I see it off tomorrow😉

 

[G-boz]

They make aftermarket console lids with a piano hinge in factory colors....

 

[Longroof79]

They make aftermarket console lids with a piano hinge in factory colors....

Yes, they certainly do, and I think they're an improvement over the OEM lid.

 

[G-boz]

I have one on my Monte console, big improvement and great fit

 

[Geo's66]

Guys- great thread, I also have that consol, where do you get the aftermarket lid with that piano hinge?

Also, the manual trans I'm putting in my 78 Monte build comes thru the floor 3" further into vehicle than the Saginaw did. My console will either have to be moved back, or I could go aftermarket with something different- any ideas as what to do?

 

[Longroof79]

Geo,
Here's one from DixieRestoration http://www.dixierestorationdepot.com/Product/Detail.aspx?s=DM00117 UNPAINTED
For a few bucks more, you can get it finished in your interior color.

 

[Geo's66]

Ok, great- thanks for the help... My issue is whether I'll be using my current one at all with having to move it back. Then, I heard some guys use a 90's camaro unit.