1977 vs. 1978-1982 console side trim

[1981]

I have been looking at replacing my carpet and will replace my Console Side Trim Panels also. Has anyone used the 1977 side panels rather than the carpeted 1981 side panels?
These are the two panels that go between the seats and the Shift console.
They sell in the catalogs but are grouped as
- 1968-1977 side trim
- 1978-1982 side trim

Will they fit or are they interchangable? I like the look and would like to use the 1977 type.

1981

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I don't know if they will fit but I would stick with the carpeted. The vinyl on the 77 gets marred and scuffed. It would seem to me that the carpeted would wear better.

 

[chuck]

I would say yes they will fit as I have the carpeted ones on my 77. I think the carpat looks better.

 

[vmrod]

The original panels on my 1977 are horribly marred, worn, and soft. I plan on going to home depot and finding some suitable pressboard or other building material, and cutting out the same shape. I cover that stuff with carpet afterwards.

-Vic

 

[1981]

The vinyl on the 77 gets marred and scuffed.

I see your point, I really did not know it was vinyl. I would love to have leather, but then I would have to custom make them. Looks like I may be sticking with the carpet.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[1981]

vmrod,

What about using sheet metal or Stainless Steel to cut a patern and then carpet? Home depot has this material. I started to rewire my stereo system and broke one of the side trim panels trying to put it back in. But a solid sheet metal panel would hold up nicely. What do you think?

 

[vmrod]

Not a bad idea. In fact, I have some sheet metal lying around too. I'm just wondering if it may be too flimsy. But definetly something I can investigate.
-Vic

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I was thinking of making my own as well. Shouldn't be too difficult. The existing will lay in place as a template and a scroll saw should make short work of it.

 

[Corvette Craig]

Side Panels

I made mine. I used hard pressboard from Home Depot.
I took the old ones out and used them for the pattern.
Piece of cake to do.
I also made sure to cut the carpet 1" larger all around, spray adhesive on, cover and tuck where needed.

Tip: If you do make some, I suggest to install a hinge in the center of the panels. This makes it very easy to remove one screw below the radio, open up and have access to work.
This will keep you from having to remove the entire seat.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Re: Side Panels

Tip: If you do make some, I suggest to install a hinge in the center of the panels. This makes it very easy to remove one screw below the radio, open up and have access to work.
This will keep you from having to remove the entire seat.

Excellent tip. I have mine out now and am tired of playing around behind and between the seat trying to get the screws out.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Great tip!

Tip: ...I suggest to install a hinge in the center of the panels. This makes it very easy to remove one screw below the radio, open up and have access to work.
This will keep you from having to remove the entire seat.

I have another caution for people considering the metal plate idea...I'd be concerned that it would turn into a burner with radiating heat.
Heidi

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Re: Great tip!

I have another caution for people considering the metal plate idea...I'd be concerned that it would turn into a burner with radiating heat.
Heidi

Definitely would need insulation on the inside.

 

[MaineShark]

I think pressboard would be fine. It is a lot more flexible, so it would be less likely to dent than metal.

Now, a piece of ABS or Kydex plastic would probably be an even better idea. Kydex, in particular, is very durable plastic. It's often used in aircraft interiors and hospital walls and such. A little pricey (probably a bit under $100 for a 4'x8' sheet, versus somehere around $20 for a 4'x8' sheet of ABS, if I recall correctly), but very durable and easy to work with. Plus, it resists solvents very well, which would be helpful around a car.

Joe

 

[Flared69]

a suggestion would be checkerplate or whatever its called.

metal sheeting made for floorage and stuff - http://www.gobobpipe.com/images/Floor Plate x copy.jpg

looks pretty decent, and would look nice with some black enamel paint.

 

[1981]

Wow, I did not realize the extent of this topic.

Glad to see that this area of the car has so many of us doing the "noodle dance". Sorry about that, my 1 yr old son watches playhouse disney everyday and it has permiated into my daily life. The sheet metal would tend to get hot, so wood or the high performance plastic would be a better choice. The hinge idea is absolutely perfect.

What is the thickness of the presswood that should be used? And why not a plywood, presswood does not work well with water. Just worried about condensate over time or whatever else may be a water issue over time.

 

[ironmoo]

I had mine cut from 1/8" thick hard plastic sheets. Found that the stock fiberboards start to look cheap as the carpet and top of the board frays apart where it meets the center console. With the hard black plastic cut to fit using the stock boards as a guild, now I have a tight clean fit with carpet and center console...even 6 years after I did the job. BTW I glued the carpets on the plastic board with epoxy and so far, they are still appear tightly together as one.


Hope this helps!

 

[DDLS3]

My original side panels on the 81 were in rough shape and didn't look good. I made new panels from some scrap 3/16" thick wood paneling. I reglued the original capet after I gave it a buzz with an electric hair razor to remove the fuzz. Looks like new!!! I have seen another vette where 1/4" oak plywood was used with a light brown stain and polyurethane finish which was quite striking.