I'm working on replacing the center console in my '79.
I ordered a new console piece from Eckler's, along w/ new power window switches, rear-window defogger, shifter boot, ashtray, and cig. lighter. Except for the fact that I had to enlarge the opening for the defogger switch, all is going together smoothly and looking good!

However, I'm a little confused by the flip-up door over the lighter and ahstray. The old one was held on by a pair of studs, with little tiny internal plungers. The studs go through both the door and the console, and are held in place via the plungers which act sort of like a lag screw; depressing the plungers cause the outer sheath of the stud to expand such that it can't come out.

So, my question is, can the stud/plunger combination be re-used? I've removed them from the old console, and took the door over to a professional restorer friend of mine to be bead-blasted and re-painted. So, I haven't yet tried to reassemble all these pieces.

Thank you everyone!
Ben

You have to be real careful in removing those little plunger/keepers that hold the ash tray lid without breaking them. I found near exact replacements at Pep Boys and used them upon reassembly. Take the old ones with you to match them up.

YES you can re-use them,just make sure you don't mess them up when you take them apart,I put a new console on my 78,it went back together great.

I just went thru this with my 79. My console came from Corvette America/Willcox. I used the original GM ash tray door. The mounting holes did not match up with the console mounts. Very frustrating. With all on the work bench, I lined up as close as I could.
I then re-drilled each side to almost 3/16" to accept a nylon shaft. I made the shaft to length to capture the boss on the console and the ashtray door. Inserted the nylon pin, bushed the inside and took a soldering iron to flatten the inside. Added the spring, etc., and now fits even all around. I was mainly concerned with the ashtray door fitting the opening with no uneven gaps.
If you drill like I did, make sure you have the ash tray door lined up exactly how you want it to look when closed.

Thanks guys! I wasn't really all that careful taking these pins apart I actually used a very small ice pick to push the center piece out of the external piece. So, I guess I'll see what happens when I put it all back together (after I sand and re-paint the ashtray door).

Thanks again for the help. I REALLY appreciate it!
Ben