Center Console Fitment

[basstrix]

Recently, I replaced the automatic shifter bezel and shifter arm bushings. I also removed the console to clean it up. Upon reassembly, I find that the console bezel (houses the clock) interferes with the shifter bezel. The old and new shifter bezels are, essentially, dimensionally identical.

The only reason for this, that I can see, is that the "legs" of the console have spread out, somehow, and the console is sitting lower. The interference is about 1/4". What's puzzling is that the edges of console "legs" are positioned into the lines they formed in the carpet and the screws are installed.

Have any of you experienced this? I'm wondering if I should install the Console Bezel before I tighten down the console-to-tunnel screws.

 

[BUCKWHEAT]

I'm having the same issue but it arose while installing a full console for the first time, into my '73 302 2v C4. My questions for the group are:
-Are the big consoles the same for stick and auto trannies?
-Do I install the gauge, hvac, radio stack before installing the console?
-Is the shifter assembly bucket different depending on no-console vs. small console vs. big console?
-Different from OP's facts, I have no screw holes for the big console. Should I squeeze the console when drilling holes for console-to-tunnel screws to "raise" its height?
-Do I try to locate the console squarely in the center of the Shift assembly plastic top's four hold-down screws?
-Any other hints?
Thanks.

 

[Sheriff41]

I'm having the same issue but it arose while installing a full console for the first time, into my '73 302 2v C4. My questions for the group are:
-Are the big consoles the same for stick and auto trannies?
-Do I install the gauge, hvac, radio stack before installing the console?
-Is the shifter assembly bucket different depending on no-console vs. small console vs. big console?
-Different from OP's facts, I have no screw holes for the big console. Should I squeeze the console when drilling holes for console-to-tunnel screws to "raise" its height?
-Do I try to locate the console squarely in the center of the Shift assembly plastic top's four hold-down screws?
-Any other hints?
Thanks.

- The consoles work with both automatic and manual.
- You can install the dash center first, or not. You should be able to install the full length console either way. Remove the top bezel with the clock to get the console into position, then place the bezel back on the console.
- The shifters are the same, just mock up the console so the shifter opening is centered on the shifter bezel. Mine is factory installed and it is slightly offset to one side. Probably just poor workmanship from the assembly line.
- Set your console in position and mark for your screw holes. You don't want to push it down or squeeze it as this will risk breaking the screw holes in the console. You don't want to place any unnecessary pressure on the console. The screws really just hold it in place.
Tip 1: If you have carpet in place, mark your screw hole with a contrasting color, remove the console, then use a soldering iron or heated awl/Philips screwdriver to melt a hole in the carpet at each screw location. This will help keep from pulling the carpet threads when driving in the screws.
Tip 2: Don't attempt to drill the screw holes through the console! Remove the console and drill the holes at the marks you made. If you have an awl you can hit the awl with a hammer to poke your holes.
Tip 3: Know what's under the floor where your holes are so you don't poke a hole in something vital!
Tip 4: Measure twice, drill once. Take you time and don't overtighten the screws.

 

[RIBS]

Yes, attach the clock assembly last….slide the console under the center stack, you might need to put shifter in drive or 1 to let console drop in.

I did new padding and carpet. No seats in car…

before dropping in console…
use a thin ice pick to probe and find screw holes, then use a wider rod to met your carpet so the screws dont catch, put weight on console, I had to press down to get carpet, pad, and holes to align…..

 

[Doug's 73 Mach1]

The console may sit lower than desired if there is no underlayment on the drive shaft tunnel under the carpet and or the carpet doesn't have built in padding on its underside. I recall the factory screws that hold the console in place are quite long and were the self drilling type. Given there length, Ford may have been planning they need to pass through a thick carpet/padding/underlayment sandwich.