sc center console backdate / eliminate?

hammerhead222 · 12-09-2008, 09:34 AM

I'm redoing the entire interior of a 1980 sc targa and thinking about trying to get rid of the center console and move the a/c controls to the dash somehow. i thought it might look a little cleaner on the floor like in the '70s, but maybe not worth messing up the dash. can i put a leather shifter boot on without a center console? anyone think its a good idea?

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammerhead222

I'm redoing the entire interior of a 1980 sc targa and thinking about trying to get rid of the center console and move the a/c controls to the dash somehow. i thought it might look a little cleaner on the floor like in the '70s, but maybe not worth messing up the dash. can i put a leather shifter boot on without a center console? anyone think its a good idea?

I ran without a console for years. I'll admit it may not *look* particularly slick, my SC had a big hole in the carpet ahead of the shifter, and the wife may not approve (my wife didn't) but for the character of my car (leaning toward the fatherless child end of the spectrum) it was a way better fit.

BZ911SC · 12-09-2008, 10:06 AM

I took my console out this summer. I like the look much better. I put a small fire extinguisher in that space behind the shifter, it looks great.

sand_man · 12-09-2008, 10:39 AM

DITCH IT...and don't look back:
dear center console: bite my shiny metal azz

zevenbergena · zevenbergena's Garage

Ditched it when I removed my AC, love it not being there. Don't know about a leather boot but the stock rubber is just fine, it snugs up to the base of the shifter housing without a problem. Like Jasper said, there will be a hole ahead of the shifter where the AC controls wiring went through, I just eplaced the entire tunnel piece of carpet easily.
I like it being gone because it frees up the footbox area very nicely and adds a nicer, cleaner look for the interior imo.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

i just removed mine and i would suspect the size of the AC controls would be hard to spot behind the dash due to lack of room. they were pretty big switches.

robert walsh · 12-09-2008, 01:24 PM

I like the console. I would never change it. Just like I would never add one to an earlier year model. But I understand that by modifying or changing a 25+ year old car makes you happy, then do it.

hammerhead222 · 12-09-2008, 01:45 PM

Ok I'm killing the console
New carpet has no hole so it will look great
Now what to do with Ac switches - it blows cold so I'm not killing it

robert walsh · 12-09-2008, 01:51 PM

Cool to keep as original as possible.

3.2 CAB · 12-09-2008, 02:23 PM

Hammerhead222, what color and condition is your console? Are you going to store it, or maybe sell it? Tony.

porschenut · 12-09-2008, 03:14 PM

Maybe you could remove the ashtray and mount the A/C controls there.

hammerhead222 · 12-09-2008, 04:22 PM

good idea on the ashtray

3.2 the console is black. condition is dirty but ok, a piece of the plastic back cover broke where the screw hole is (about 1x0.5 inch, can be crazy glued). will probably sell without a/c switch box

darshie76 · 01-04-2009, 01:49 AM

i love my central console...keeps a lots of crap, ipod and bottle of water handy :P

richde · 01-04-2009, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darshie76

i love my central console...keeps a lots of crap, ipod and bottle of water handy :P

To each their own, but I took mine out for about a month and put it back in. It's a great place to put the garage door opener, iPod and sunglasses case.

It does sort of stick out like a sore thumb, but it didn't seem quite right without it either. Too retro, IMO. I drive a 3.2 Carrera, not a 356.

Just yank it out and see how everything looks for a while before you do any real work on moving the A/C controls.

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by darshie76

i love my central console...keeps a lots of crap, ipod and bottle of water handy :P

Don't get me wrong, the centre console is useful, it looks all right and doesn't weigh all that much. For those of us going for the extreme lightweight road/track style of car though, it's gotta go.

I was going to say that I put that stuff in my door pockets, but towards the end they went as well. What I did was put stuff on the passenger seat, and a few minutes later, on the floor and under the passenger seat.

Yep - the centre console has a purpose all right.

shahram · 01-04-2009, 04:36 AM

I ditched it. It is a cleaner look.

SCWDP911 · SCWDP911's Garage

As far as the leather boot is concerned, I guess it depends on where you buy it from. Mine is a factory boot I believe, and it has an elastic fit at the bottom end, and fits very snugly around the base of the shifter.

jwetering · jwetering's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahram

I ditched it. It is a cleaner look.

Cool shifter, don't think I've ever seen one of those before. What's the story?

Doug&Julie · 01-04-2009, 11:17 AM

I vote ditch it. If you're re-doing your interior, get RS door panels with pockets in them.

Does anyone have RS door panel with the pocket?

I also like the idea of putting the AC controls where the ashtray is now. I've seen some simple bent metal pieces that look pretty good.

Another option is to get a radio delete plate and put them where the radio is now. Of course, then you'd have to move the radio to the glove box or something. ..if you still want it.