Adding a factory console to my column-shift ragtop which I just installed newly redone buckets in and contemplating repainting it white to match the original white interior - bought a complete light green assembly off Ebay this week - clean and undamaged, with wiring harness included.


Also having a new top bezel reproduced devoid of shifter cutout and topped in the rosewood woogdrain so that it will be 1 solid piece with factory look.


Stripped it to a shell tonight and now contemplating my color choices - car is medium red, interior white with black carpet.


I don't recall if I've ever seen a white one but my thought is black ones get visually lost against the typically black carpets so why not do something different? Anyone have one (either factory or by own creation) that I could see how mine would look?

 

Factory never did white. If it was white interior they would do black dash, carpet, seat belts, and console. I think the white would look out of place being the only white item. If you want to be different why not do red dash, carpet, seat belts, and console and keep the white seats and door panels.

 

Other than it looks like the lid hinge is broken. Patton Glade posted some very good information on how to repair that.

 

the hinge was actually pretty worn so I ordered a new repro to replace it with. The hinge mounting base inside the compartment appears intact though, all bolt holes seemed ok when I removed the lid.


Currently using a black hump-hugger console so may ultimately decide on black after more thought. Red interior parts would be too much for my taste, even though I love it as an exterior color.

 

OK progress - decided to go with black after all - after a thorough cleaning of the disassembled shell, started with 2 decent coats of a plastic-bonding Krylon black primer, followed by 3 good coats of a Krylon semi-gloss metallic black to give it a little pop in the light. Minor wet sanding in spots between coats as needed to keep everything smooth. Finished with 2 coats of plastic-friendly Krylon glossy clear and a good buff of the chrome trim.


Once I receive my new solid top bezel I'll finish the install and reassembly in the car.


Since this will be a non-shifter console I can't use the rear floor bracket to secure it so I have to come up with another way - Maybe I'll cut some flat slotted metal shelf brackets to fit inside and underneath the mounting braces (which also form the compartment floor mounting towers) and secure the console rear with shallow sheet metal screws.


Appears I can use the front bracket as per factory mounting install.


More photos as reassembly continues!