Center Console install help, please!!

[Curve Eater]

Pelicanites-

Bought a console for my '76, which did not have one. Came with no screws or instructions, but I have a pretty good feel for where it should sit.

I have now broken 2 metal drill bits going through the carpeting and into the tunnel, the result still being that I have no holes.

How does one get this %#!* thing in?

Also, it does not sit even, front-to- back. I presume that the screws will hold it level.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Bill

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Curve Eater

Pelicanites-

Bought a console for my '76, which did not have one. Came with no screws or instructions, but I have a pretty good feel for where it should sit.

I have now broken 2 metal drill bits going through the carpeting and into the tunnel, the result still being that I have no holes.

How does one get this %#!* thing in?

Also, it does not sit even, front-to- back. I presume that the screws will hold it level.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Bill

Have you checked the Porsche AG Catalog? It will have a diagram of a PCar with center console for some guidance to where it may be screwed.

Do you know if the screw will penatrate past the tunnel wall? If so, maybe using a metal drill bit to tap a hole then the metal screw should work better, my .02 cents.

May want to use Stainless Steel screws to help prevent rust.

Pics would help

Break a Leg man!

[Mysterytrain]

Off the top of my head...The black plastic cover needs to be removed from the console. It's the front most section and I recall that four screws hold it in place. Once it is removed you will see sheetmetal legs on each side that have mounting holes that will allow you to mount the console to the tunnel. The rear of the console [ the part that sits between the seats] has a single plastic mounting tab that allows you secure that section of the console to the tunnel. Once the console is in place the black cover is reattached.
A few points to think about. You might want to remove one or both of the seats to make live easier. The tunnel carpet needs to be removed or pulled back to allow you to correctly align the console, mark and center punch the locations in the tunnel sheetmetal. You will need self tapping screws and the correct size drill bit for the screws. Use extreme caution when drilling into the tunnel because there are pressurized fuel lines living in there and a big ol' electric cable from the battery!! DO NOT use sheetmetal screws any longer then actually needed for the same reasons. I betting the PET will have information on the correct screw size and length. Also, be careful with the rear plastic tab. If you over tighten the screw there is a good chance that you will crack or break off the tab. After you have drilled the holes, test fitted and screwed the console in place its time to remove it and re -install the carpet. Now it gets a little tricky. The rear plastic mounting tab is actually hidden under the carpet so you need to make a small slit the carpet so that the tab can slide under it. The carpet should completely cover the tab and the slit should rest against the console base. With the carpet back in place, the slitted section of carpet is gently pulled back to expose the screw hole and the tab. Carefully screw the tab in place this will help to locate the two front pre drilled holes. Just be carefully while shifting the console around because the tab will break. You might want to hold the tab in place with a loosened screw. Now you can screw the two front legs in place. Locating the pre-drill holes in the tunnel thru the carpet is best accomplished with an awl or a small jewelers screwdriver..a little trial and error. Once the console is in place you remount the black plastic cover..also being careful not to over torque the screws..yup, that plastic will also break.

[Early_S_Man]

You really ought to delete your duplicate posting!

[Mysterytrain]

Gary, After looking at the console in the Pelican parts section I noticed that the console is held in place with screws and speednuts..I forgot that! If you pull the tunnel carpet up the holes may already be pre drilled. That will save you alot pain.

Mounting screws appear to be 4.2 x 16

[Superman]

Resurrecting this thread for posterity and because I have a question, and I am reminded how much I (we) miss Warren.

One detail Ron at first leaves out and then mentions is that the front screws go into 'speed nuts' which are adjustable sheet metal u-shaped thingies with screw threads. Perhaps the rear also. When installing interior parts it is helpful to use an awl to 'find' the holes (either in body sheet metal or in speed nuts).

I am having trouble installing a center console. the tab on the console will NOT fit into the slit in the tunnel carpet. I will either need to remove the shifter and front linkage or maybe I can do this by pulling the carpet ALL the way up from the rear, starting with the seat belt connectors (which may need to come out). I will look at it tomorrow. Does anybody have tips for me in installing a center console with the shifter and carpet in place?

Do I need to remove the crankshaft and transmission input shaft in order to install the console?

[DRACO A5OG]

I recall I bent the tab ( before the snapping point ) and coaxed it in. Once screw is set, it will flatten out. Just can't be doing this too often.

[86 911 Targa]

Be very careful to not over tighten!!!!

It's very east to crack the mounting holes.

Also, I used the screws that append the seat belt
guide to the roll bar which have a flat underside.

Gerry

[Superman]

I have one console with a broken tab. I do not want to break the tab on the other one. I just want to be able to get the tab into the slot in the carpet without having to remove the crankshaft. But seriously, will I need to remove the shifter? How hard is that?

[Superman]

....and here is the answer. I was unable to install the console (and get the rear tab into the carpet slit) with the carpet in place, even when I removed the defrost light. It simply will not turn the corner with the shifter in the way. I did not want to butcher the carpet.

Apparently, the console must be installed WITH the carpet. The carpet has to basically come out. Be sure to get the shifter boot under the console. Final tighten the front ones, then carefully snug the rear fastener against the tab. THEN reinstall the defrost light, THEN fold the carpet back over the park brake and seat belt clickers. Sheesh!

The good news: I did not have to remove the crankshaft.

[DRACO A5OG]

Well, better than bending the darn plastic. Congrats Brother!

[bkreigsr]

You guys that are blindly drilling into the tunnel are scary.
There are fuel lines in there, not to mention the HVAC rods and the shift linkage.
Bill K

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

You guys that are blindly drilling into the tunnel are scary.
There are fuel lines in there, not to mention the HVAC rods and the shift linkage.
Bill K

Is there a self tapping screw that can be used? In a perfect world use a punch to get the hole started then continue with a 1/4 inch self tapping screw.

[carreradpt]

These may or may not help. Pics when I changed my bushings.

[RNajarian]

I just picked up a center console to put in my 1975 S. I’m hoping the holes are pre (factory) drilled

EDIT: Just pulled the carpet . . . NOT pre drilled in a 1975 S, and if your car has the dealer installed under dash A/C system the rear cover of the center console probably won’t fit.