I recently purchased a fiberglass reproduction lower console, for my 79 Fiat Spider restoration project, from Allison Automotive. This unit is a well formed, durable replacement that should outlast the original by many years. However, I find that the unit has 2 major flaws.

1- The glove box liner must be modified, because it will not fit in the opening behind the glove box door-

2- I was very disappointed in the quality of the finish on the console that was sent to me. The console is advertised as "ready to install or paint to match your interior." But the surface of the console is as rough as sandpaper, with short, stiff fiberglass hairs over the entire surface. It is as though the outer gel coat finish was left off. It must be sanded and painted prior to installation, because the surface is so rough it would scrape the skin off your hand if you brushed against it.

The rough surface finish is not due to the fact that it has a simulated, grain textured finish. I purchased a fiberglass replacement dash a couple of years ago, with a similar grain textured finish, and it was as smooth as glass and ready to install as received. It is so smooth you would need to lightly scuff the surface for proper adhesion if you decided to paint it.

Has anyone else recently purchased one of these lower console units? Did the glove box liner fit without modification? What was your opinion of the finish quality? Was it smooth to the touch, or rough like sandpaper? Was it ready for installation, or did it need a lot of prep and paint? I am just looking for a fair customer evaluation of the product, to help others considering the purchase.

I will not be returning this console, but I was disappointed in the fit and finish quality. What do you think?

I haven't purchased one, but I would suggest you call the vendor directly, My experience is that the regular vendors on this site provide quality materials, and are pretty responsive if something purchased is out of sorts for some reason.

That is a manufacturing defect and never should have been sent out that way. The vendor may just on a photo that clearly shows the issue cross ship you a new one that's been inspected and verified defect free along with a prepaid return shipping label.

DieselSpider wrote:That is a manufacturing defect and never should have been sent out that way. The vendor may just on a photo that clearly shows the issue cross ship you a new one that's been inspected and verified defect free along with a prepaid return shipping label.

I was not expecting a replacement, but I was expecting a response that the issue would be dealt with for future purchasers. However, during a 2 week series of emails with Mark, he refused to acknowledge there was even a defect. He also told me he considered our emails on the subject to be a private communication. I disagree, but I have not posted his responses for this reason.

76was124 wrote:I haven't purchased one, but I would suggest you call the vendor directly, My experience is that the regular vendors on this site provide quality materials, and are pretty responsive if something purchased is out of sorts for some reason.

I had an email conversation with Mark over a 2 week period- See below reply to DieselSpider

That is a manufacturing defect and never should have been sent out that way. The vendor may just on a photo that clearly shows the issue cross ship you a new one that's been inspected and verified defect free along with a prepaid return shipping label.

I second that.
I have not done business with all of the Fiat vendors but years ago with IAP (no longer in business) I ordered the wrong part and they shipped the correct part on my word that I would return the incorrect one. Even though it was clearly my error.

I worked in small customer service aviation business for 50+ years. Like a Fiat Vendor it is a small captured market. Word of mouth is the businesses best advertisement.

daveindenver wrote:

76was124 wrote:I haven't purchased one, but I would suggest you call the vendor directly, My experience is that the regular vendors on this site provide quality materials, and are pretty responsive if something purchased is out of sorts for some reason.

I had an email conversation with Mark over a 2 week period- See below reply to DieselSpider

So you should already have the replacement in-hand with no drama. If the glass fiber is sticking out all over the place it was not laid up and molded correctly so therefore defective end of story. If you already started cutting it etc maybe a vendor could squawk a bit if you decided that you did not like it however for something that is obviously defective most would just eat it and send out a new one.

On a grain finished item there is really no good way to clean it up 100% unless you sand it completely smooth and remove the grain at which point you will have a semi-smooth plasticy console with pinholes that you will have to fill and just live with for years or upholster in grained vinyl.

I hope that there was a full refund to make up for the work you are going to have to go through to make it usable.

These items are not defective. The fiberglass items come with a texture coat. The alleged "fibers sticking up" are the texture coat. I install these items on a regular basis and finish them to match the particular interior, whether it's painted, vinyl covered etc.
As for the glove box, yes the pocket has to be fitted. This is part of the installation.
Yes, both items take time to be fitted during installation. The advantage is you have a fiberglass part that won't deteriorate over time like the original cardboard parts that Fiat used.

I also am thinking of replacing my lower console (80 2L FI) with a new one because the original is so badly cracked and has small pieces missing here and there. A couple of Pictures of what the defect is would be very helpful in solving this kerfuffle.

So Cal Mark wrote:These items are not defective. The fiberglass items come with a texture coat. The alleged "fibers sticking up" are the texture coat. I install these items on a regular basis and finish them to match the particular interior, whether it's painted, vinyl covered etc.
As for the glove box, yes the pocket has to be fitted. This is part of the installation.
Yes, both items take time to be fitted during installation. The advantage is you have a fiberglass part that won't deteriorate over time like the original cardboard parts that Fiat used.

Then are you saying it must be finished/painted before installation since its already roughed/textured to take paint? I would take the verbiage on the site, "Vinyl grain look, paintable to match interior color." to mean the finish is suitable for installation as is without the need for anything more than trimming some of the edges for fitment.

Good to know those are texture coated for paint and not ready for use out of the box without a surface treatment of some sort.

Do you have a preferred surface treatment to mute the roughness when you wish to keep them black?

I had one of the fiberglass console/mine was nice,I did sand with a fine grit just to get the finger print oils or any other crap that was on it, painted it, looked great