Is Console Reinforcement Needed with New Console?

[Bolisk]

My project car came with a brand stinking new (not yet installed) shifter console. The old one appeard to be fiberglass. . .and very weak . . .as it broke in multiple places. The console reinforement bar is beyond repair. . .and rivited to the old console.

The new console appears to be hard ABS plastic. . .or some other more sturdy material. So the question is, do I need to order a new console reinforcement, and rivit it to the new shifter console. . .or is the new console strong enough to withstand the weight of the upper dash?

Thanks,
-Bolisk

 

[6880 Mike]

My advice is to use the reinforcement. You may not need a replacement. I took my old original out of the previous console and swapped it in to my replacement.

 

[Bolisk]

My advice is to use the reinforcement. You may not need a replacement. I took my old original out of the previous console and swapped it in to my replacement.

The one from my origional is broken, twisted. . .and compleltly unuseable. Having said that . . . did you rivit your old one to the new console?

 

[6880 Mike]

...The one from my origional is broken, twisted. . .

Geez, those things are metal. Wonder what the story is for that?!

...did you rivit your old one to the new console?...

Yes. Pop rivets did the trick.

 

[red70vette]

I have not had to deal with this issue as my original console is in place. Saying that, the console does not appear to support the guage cluster, it almost appears as though the shift consle is suspended from the guage cluster. The metal reinforcement may just serve to support it if the new one is strong enough you may not need the metal support.

 

[Artsvette73]

Two studs from the gauge bezel go through this metal reinforcement and is secured with two nuts. I would find another one it is available. The console will crack eventually. And the bezel will be secure.

 

[6880 Mike]

Two studs from the gauge bezel go through this metal reinforcement and is secured with two nuts. I would find another one it is available. The console will crack eventually. And the bezel will be secure.

I agree. The reinforcement also comes into play where the front of the console is secured to the underbody. Better to have it than not to have it.

 

[Bolisk]

I found an old one in good shape in the parts box I received from the previous owner. I will pop rivit it on this wekend. Thanks again for the good advice.