I've looked high and low through search and haven't found my specific question addressed. (OK, I probably missed it out of the thousands that are there)!
Anyway, what I plan to do this weekend is replace my center console with one of the fiberglass repros from Mark. I'm just about finished up with the carpet replacement, so now's the time. When I took the old one out, I didn't care how I did it as it was shot, so I just yanked it, bent it, etc. until it came off. My question is, how the heck do I get the new one on over the damn hand brake handle? If I have to remove or reposition the handle, what am I looking at time and technical wise, to do so? Also, with the new carpet running up and over the driveline hump, it looks like it's going to be a REAL tight fit.
I'll take any and all advice at this point. I don't want to destroy the new console!
TIA

you have a few hurdles to face. the original consoles were quite flexible. dont know how rigid the fiberglass ones are, but im sure stiffer than the originals. Its been a while since i've done this, but recall you may need to loosen your e-brake handle adjust from underneath so you can get the handle as vertical as possible. Then you will need to drop the handle as you lower the console into position. The old factory carpet did not go over the top of the tunnel, just the underlayment. If you have too much carpet on top or if the padding and carpet is too thick on the side, you may have problems getting it down. the console only has 3 bolt down point. 1 place on each side at the front that screws into the tunnel and the other one under the rear ashtray.

azruss wrote:you have a few hurdles to face. the original consoles were quite flexible. dont know how rigid the fiberglass ones are, but im sure stiffer than the originals. Its been a while since i've done this, but recall you may need to loosen your e-brake handle adjust from underneath so you can get the handle as vertical as possible. Then you will need to drop the handle as you lower the console into position. The old factory carpet did not go over the top of the tunnel, just the underlayment. If you have too much carpet on top or if the padding and carpet is too thick on the side, you may have problems getting it down. the console only has 3 bolt down point. 1 place on each side at the front that screws into the tunnel and the other one under the rear ashtray.

Thanks for that info. Yes, the f/g console is pretty rigid, but not so much so that I can't maneuver it side to side and spread it a little if need be. I can easily cut back the carpeting. I thought it was a bit too high, anyway. So basically, just leave enough carpet to stuff underneath the sides of the console, which I might be better off leaving until after the install and then just "spatula" the carpet into place. This repro doesn't have any of the the screw in mounts, not even under the ashtray. It's supposed to stay put under the pressure of the radio console. We'll see.

i was able to remove the lower console
i removed the upper one then removed the screws (3)
lift the console and push forward "e brake pulled"car in 3rd
a little nudge and its over the handle
up and out it came

124JOE wrote:i was able to remove the lower console
i removed the upper one then removed the screws (3)
lift the console and push forward "e brake pulled"car in 3rd
a little nudge and its over the handle
up and out it came

Getting out wasn't a problem. I'm not as confidant getting it back in. I just tried several different ways, and I'll be damned if I can figure a way to maneuver it over the e-brake without loosening the handle. I think I'll be able to trim/spatula the carpet under it, though.

you need some way to bolt down the tail of the console. just the 2 screws in front or the upper console will not do the job. you may need to glass a bracket back there. it will go under the rear ashtray. can send pic, or look at the old console

azruss wrote:you need some way to bolt down the tail of the console. just the 2 screws in front or the upper console will not do the job. you may need to glass a bracket back there. it will go under the rear ashtray. can send pic, or look at the old console

Thanks. That's what Mark mentioned, too. I'll probably glass or screw a small "L" bracket under there. Still gotta figure how to get the damn thing on, though.

you have your e brake pulled all the way?
in my pic its not all the way
did you try loosening the nut under the handle?
that will give you a few more clicks
just remember to tighten it back where it was

Well blow me down, I got it to fit! A little patience (of which I'm not long on) and slow going, didn't even have to undo the e-brake handle. But then of course, I realized that I hadn't put the boot and shifter plate, etc. under it.
It does still need a bit of tweaking, the fiberglass mold is off in some areas so the good old file will be employed. I actually even did it with the seats still in and the seat belt posts in the way. Thanks for all the encouragement!