Center Console delete while keeping the A/C and center locking controls
 

Fellas,

I am starting to dive into improving the aesthetics of my interior, and I am prepared to start addressing the A/C console and shifter boot. Currently mine has an unsightly tear in the leather, but rather than replacing or repairing it, I would like to explore removing the whole darn thing. As many have said on here this piece looks as though it was added as an afterthought, and I agree.

Most of the deleted consoles I have seen have been a complementary mod along with an A/C delete. However with it being a Florida car, that isn't an option for me.

So my question to the community is: Has anyone done a tasteful delete of the console while preserving the A/c, hazard and center lock buttons in an alternate location? I like the idea of creating a bracket panel where the ash tray is for the two air nobs, but open to other/better ideas.

Thanks in advanced

Alex

Is it possible to relocate the hazard knob to the left side of the dash, next to the ignition, where it was on earlier cars?

If you had a sacrificial ashtray to experiment on, it would be interesting to try to make a mounting panel for the AC knobs that was inside the ashtray.

As for the lock button, is there a button blank on the dash? I am not familiar with the detail differences between the dash control layout on an '88 vs. my SC.

On mine there is a blank rectangular switch point, but I do have one on the other side of the steering column right behind the cruise control lever.

The AC knobs are the tricky ones. They need to be readily accessible, but not look outta place.

A/C knobs.
 

How about deleting the ash tray assy?

You would have to extend the wiring harness,
but, there might be enough room for your A/C controls.

Good luck,

Gerry

One thing to consider, the temp control knob isn't just a rheostat or other electronic item. It's some sort of thermocouple or similar. There's a thin metal tube that comes out the back of it and goes off somewhere under the front floor boards. Rerouting it is probably possible, but you need to be careful with it.

I think I'd consider trying to hide the two knobs under the dash somewhere so they still function as before, but you need to know where they are.

I removed the console from my '89, here's how I did it.

1) the hazard and defrost 'block' I installed under the glove box. accessible but mostly hidden. the wires are long enough to do this.

2) the door locking block I removed. car locks and unlocks as normal, but I can't lock from inside the car. in 25 years I have not needed to do this.

3) the ac temp sensor (the copper probe) I removed when I retrofitted R-134a. See below.

4) the AC block of fan + AC switch I wrapped in alcantara and it's velcro'd to the carpet tunnel right in front of the shifter. I made a small fiberglass piece to go under the carpet and angle it up slightly. Since I don't have the temp probe, I simply have a switch to engage the compressor clutch.

I'm using a rubber shifter boot from an earlier model.

Fortunately I have a pic when the car is reasonably clean. Unfortunately this is true!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1473279464.jpg

It really does look better than this pic where everything looks out of place.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 420k miles

Thats sorta what I have in mind. I'm just worried that it will be difficult to incorporate to the rest of the aesthetic

Well that might complicate things if I need to extend the length of the harness. Hmmm

Harness.
 

This has been done in the past.

Just buy the correct color code/gauge wire,
and some insulated spade connectors.

You can run the harness extension under the dash.

And, the capillary thermostat sensor should reach.

However, since you have everything disconnected
from the console, you might want to CAREFULLY replace the
capillary thermostat sensor with the new model from our host.

The new model has a 10f cycle instead of the
6-7f cycle which helps prevent evaporator freeze-up.

pm me as needed.

Best,

Gerry

Chuck, that looks great! Is the boot just sitting on top of the carpet or did you cut a round hole? I need to do the same with my '87.

This is what mine looks like. I also have a Moch-1 under dash cover. that helps hide the wiring.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1473343795.jpg

I'll get a picture, chance happens it's out of the car right now. I made a simple fiberglass box and covered with some of the carpet. It's what also angles the AC controls.

That whole rheostat assembly with temp tube is what I replaced with a dorky toggle switch to drive the compressor (I keep meaning to go to a upullit and get a nice AC button). I don't have any need for AC other than 'MAX' so on the same vein my fan switch goes to a relay that drives full power to the fan, no resister pack.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 420k miles

This is something that has crossed my mind as well, especially with new carpet coming soon. One of my thoughts has been that I don't smoke or charge my phone in the car, nor do I ever use the fog lights, so those two spots in the dash could be available. I don't know if the capillary tube for the A/C is long enough to relocate the temp switch up that high, though.

Here's my mini console. It has a screw to hold it down, but in reality a little Velcro holds it just fine.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1473353353.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1473353387.jpg

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 420k miles

Ah, so it's a separate piece that sits on the tunnel. Nice idea.

Yes, it is. There is enough slack in the smugglers box.

I like the idea of using those spots as well. I haven't opened up the console yet and poked around. Wondering if those knobs, and the harness behind them, are small enough to fit in that space.

That is a key question, I haven't examined it yet.

Space allocation.
 

If you go with the ashtray idea,
you will need to remove the ashtray holder,
and the associated lamp.

Keep all of the console & ashtray parts if you want
to return to the stock configuration.

Gerry

Mine is just an L bracket. No need to remove the holder part.