Console for '64
 

We finally installed a console in our '64 GTO. The transmission is manual.

How can I determine if the console is a '64 or '65? Even though the color between the ribs and the sides adjacent to the shifter is black, I believe this one may be a '64. Did all '64's have the dark aqua paint between the ribs? How about the sides? I believe that color is the same as the heater control bezel.

I do not have the light socket assy. with switch that controls the console storage compartment. The interior light on the rear of tha console does not have a switch.

If anyone has pictures of the light socket detail, I would appreciate seeing them. I will post pictures if needed

Pictures of my 64 NOS top plate. The paint color on the 64 is the gray/green and it matches the gray/green on the heater control. I have a basically NOS heater control for comparison. I believe these colors were originally more "green" but have faded over time. There is no paint on the sides. The shifter escutcheon on the 64 was cast in place and on the 65+ it was a separate piece screwed in.

As for the courtesy light switch the restoration manual indicated this was used on some 64 and 65 models with automatic trans only.

Edit: If you mean paint on the sides other than just between the ribs, then yes as shown in the pics.

64 dash Heater control
 

Just for color comparison. Original paint.

64 had the molded cup . Dead giveaway.
65-66 had the removable cup with a raised flared edge around perimeter.

BVZ X2!

"Bill"!

A few more pics for reference...
 

...

????? ….. anybody that’s been around the first GTO (1964) should know the manual shift console and color by now.

Here’s the gorgeous ‘64 that Jeff Hamlin sourced his above photos from.

Now I know our console is a '64. Will need to paint between the ribs with the same paint I used for the heater control and dash chrome ribs.

Does anyone have info on the light socket and switch for the console door?

I always thought they used the same color in the cup , as on the topside.
Is it supposed to be a grey'er shade inside the cup instead ?

That's great news , they have Always been tough items without screw holes or busted cups.
Im thinking Ames probably has the wiring/light/switch components.

Half right, the first two images are from a '64 Le Mans that I viewed while at the GM Nationals in PA several years back. :)

Ames definitely has the correct socket, switch. Not the best of quality but!!!!!! Just don't drop the lid on the switch or else.........

"Bill"!

Do any of these pictures help you? I just went through this process after restoring the original console in my '65.

Dick,

I think this should help if I understand your question correctly.

https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervie...=0&FORM=VMSOVR

1. You can get the socket assembly from several vendors, including our host:

https://www.amesperf.com/parts/20965/

2, Disconnect the orange wire from the socket. The bulb will come loose as the wire prong end also acts as the keeper for the bulb tab. To remove the orange wire from the socket, you have to take a mini flat blade screwdriver and through a slot in the housing, GENTLY AND CAREFULLY push the metal hook/bulb connector inward just a little bit so it releases from the housing. The originals had a little tab to hold it in. I assume the repros are the same.

3. Install the socket from the top. Insert in hole and push down until clips engage.

4. Connect orange wire from underneath the console into the socket and replace bulb.

5. Splice new orange wire into existing harness under console. Here's a picture of the console harness so you can see where the two orange wires go from the connector to the box light and rear courtesy light.

https://amesperf-parts.s3.amazonaws.com/M12275.JPG

Hope this helps.

Terry

I wish our 64 had a console. It just looks better. But it was never built that way so we are keeping it original. But they look great, so much more useful than the console in my 65 Malibu SS which is just a big hunk of metal, no storage bin.