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Topic: 74 Console Replacement

in Forum: C3 Interior


74 Console Replacement

Posted: 11/13/05 8:12am Message 1 of 4
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Waxhaw, NC - USA
Joined: 11/8/2004
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1974 Red with Black Interior. This vehicle was originally purchased and owned by my father and past down to me.

I am getting ready to replace my console, gauges, stereo and clock in my 74.  I am not very auto mechanically inclined but learning a lot since acquiring this vehicle from father (which he purchased new when I was nine years old).  I would like to overhaul the console/shifter area and wanted any advice before I tackle such a project.  I have read many of the "console" posts on here and realize this is a pretty big deal.  Any recommendations or tips would be appreciated and your thoughts on a novice actually attempting this would be taken in consideration.  I would not be adverse to outsourcing this to a professional if I had to either.

Thanks in advance.

Rob

 




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74 Console Replacement

Posted: 11/14/05 9:24pm Message 2 of 4
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Suffolk, VA - USA
Joined: 7/26/2005
Posts: 59
Vette(s): 1972 Convertible, A/C, with matching numbers. Sunflower yellow.

At first it seems like a tough job, just take your time and lots of pictures.  This will help for installation.  Do you have a illustrated parts breakdown for your year?? That will definitely help.  Especially to make sure everything is where it needs to be. I replaced the entire interior (shifter included) on my 72.  It mostly takes patience so don't try and rush.  If you get stumped, just let me know.  I can at least point you in the right direction.

Tina




74 Console Replacement

Posted: 11/14/05 9:52pm Message 3 of 4
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The hardest part of this is the one bolt at the rear of the e-brake console. You have to remove the center storage compartment to get to it. You can get it from the pass. side, but if you have normal sized hands, it is a pain!
Be very careful removing the center gauge bezel. It is VERY thin at the top, by/under the vent area, and they will break easily.
As ladyvette72 says, just take your time, and be patient! Get a factory assembly manual(around $20), and use it!!
If you have a problem with something, don't hesitate to ask for help. Someone here will always have an answer!!


Joel Adams
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74 Console Replacement

Posted: 11/15/05 11:15am Message 4 of 4
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
As Tina said, pictures are priceless.  You should also label all the wires (it would be hard to put them back wrong, since I don't remember if they can be interchange in the back of the console AND if you replace with an original console, they wrote the wire colors on the back...).
 
When putting it back, patience is the key; it will all get back together like it should (as long as you don't pinch a wire).
 
Are you planning to buy new parts or restore yours ?  If buying, NOS or reproduction ?  I you keep your original clock instead of replacing by Quartz, and it doesn't work, let me know, I fixed mine in less than 30 minutes.  Cost me 1.29$ (sand paper and machine oil).
 
While putting a new radio, I'm not sure about this, but something about old radio vs new radio "ohm", you will also need new speakers. It's not a big deal, just more parts to remove; especially to get to the one on the driver side.  Just did mine.  Let me know if you have questions about this as well.  Keep all your original stuff in a box somewhere.  And with a new radio, you won't need that amplifier located behing the top of the dash pad.
 
Just as you, I am not mechanically incline and I opened the hood of a car for the first time in my life last year when I bought the car.  This is a project that you should do yourself; no doubt about it.  Unplug the battery and have at it; start removing screws!  Talking about that, get yourself (from any of the big Corvette parts store) a light bulb kit and a set of interior screws. 



in Forum: C3 Interior


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