[HWYSTR455]

Anyone have first hand knowledge of the repop auto consoles? Are they padded/vinyl covered, or are they just hard plastic?


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[Hammertime Mike]

We got one for a 68 and it was hard plastic. I believe through Ames.

[bhill86]

I have one for my 4 speed 77. It’s not hard plastic but not padded. Some sort of vinyl-like material that has just enough “squish” to it to note that it’s not just plastic. It’s different than my old console was though. Fit seems decent. Construction isn’t as good as the factory. There no metal in it anywhere whereas my factory had some metal brackets like under the console box.

[FrankieT/A]

Originally Posted by bhill86

I have one for my 4 speed 77. It’s not hard plastic but not padded. Some sort of vinyl-like material that has just enough “squish” to it to note that it’s not just plastic. It’s different than my old console was though. Fit seems decent. Construction isn’t as good as the factory. There no metal in it anywhere whereas my factory had some metal brackets like under the console box.

Isn't it really grainy though?

[Aus78Formula]

I don't know how many brands reproduce the console but they are lightly padded vac-formed vinyl over ABS base. The padding is likely the vinyl itself. It has internal mounting brackets built-in instead of the riveted brackets through the originals. That's the main way to tell them apart, no rivets on the side. It would be neat to add the rivets again even as dummy rivets but only for those seeking original look, obviously cleaner finish without. They have a light grain, up close.

Here's a pic of my used console, unknown brand as came with car, before I retrimmed it.

Console mods (7) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

[bhill86]

Originally Posted by FrankieT/A

Isn't it really grainy though?

It’s been a while since I looked at my original console but I’d say yea, the repop is more grainy than the original I think but whether it’s too much is probably a matter of opinion. I can take and post a picture if you’d like

[Aus78Formula]

Already did.

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by bhill86

I have one for my 4 speed 77. It’s not hard plastic but not padded. Some sort of vinyl-like material that has just enough “squish” to it to note that it’s not just plastic. It’s different than my old console was though. Fit seems decent. Construction isn’t as good as the factory. There no metal in it anywhere whereas my factory had some metal brackets like under the console box.

Ok, that was what I was looking for, I've heard mixed comments on this in the past.

I forever have run wo a console in a manual car, I have done so since it makes it feel more 'open' or 'roomie' than with.

EDIT: With the console, and a shorter than OE shift handle, I recall my elbow hitting the rise for the armrest/box.

I'm considering a console now, but haven't pulled the trigger yet, still on the wall on this.


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[FrankieT/A]

Originally Posted by Aus78Formula

I don't know how many brands reproduce the console but they are lightly padded vac-formed vinyl over ABS base. The padding is likely the vinyl itself. It has internal mounting brackets built-in instead of the riveted brackets through the originals. That's the main way to tell them apart, no rivets on the side. It would be neat to add the rivets again even as dummy rivets but only for those seeking original look, obviously cleaner finish without. They have a light grain, up close.

Here's a pic of my used console, unknown brand as came with car, before I retrimmed it.

Console mods (7) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Yes, that's what I was talking about...Even though it doesn't look very "Grainy" it is much grainier than original but way better than nothing. I wish they would use a smoother vinyl. I wonder what they are using for a model or sample. Seems like a simple fix.