[455hota]

I have had my 66 GTO for a very long time (over 30 years).

When I first got it, there was no console in the car. I kinda liked that look, so it has remained that way. When I got my PHS, it came with the 4 speed console option. Over the years, every now and then I have looked for a nice original console, but was never very successful for a reasonable amount. Plus I was never looking that hard.

Now I think I will order up one of the complete repro consoles with the diecast top pieces. I have read all your comments, and they seem to be very nice.

It has been a very long time since I had the seats and carpet out of the car. I do remember the front console mounting bracket still being in place, but I can not remember how, if any, the rear of the console mounted to the floor pan.

Can someone post a few pics of the front and rear mounting points of a 66 4 speed console? It would be greatly appreciated!

[GT182]

There will be holes at the bottom of the console on each side to hold it down. 2 on each side.... shifter and rear of the console in each side. You'll see them when you get yours. Hardest part is getting the front bracket mounted if there was none. Seeing you have the front bracket the holes should still be there and make it easier for you.

[455hota]

Ok so as I understand from your info, there should be two pair of holes along the transmission tunnel, one pair close to the shifter, and the other pair near the back of the console. Correct? And there are just screws going into through the console into these mounting holes?
Yes i I believe my front bracket is still in position.


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[GT182]

You got it Steve.

Passenger side.... 1 screw across from shifter. One screw at the very rear of the console near the corner.

Driver's side...... 1 screw just forward of the shifter bezel. 1 screw at the very rear near the corner.

No screws at the very rear facing the seat, under the console light.

Only trim screws. I believe they are the pan head screws with the formed washer on them. They are about 1/2 to 3/4"s long.

Hopefully someone else can jump in with the correct screw info if they have it. The correct screws are not in the 66 Interior Screw Kits in the Ames Catalog. No kits in OPG or NPD's catalogs. Maybe Year One.

[madeuce50]

1966 parts book lists the rear screws as "#10-12 by 1" screw & sealer assembly"
and the fronts as "#10-12 by 1 1/2" screw and sealer assembly" with a group # of 8.977
which is the general hardware screw section and I can't pick out the individual part #s from those listings. But at least that gives screw wire size and length and that they had a sealer on them.

[Jonsie]

You won't be able to see the screw holes through the carpet. I use an awl to search out each hole through the carpet. Once you find the 1st hole, the rest are easy

[455hota]

I was gonna pull up the front carpet and just take a look see...
Never know what treasures one might find!! Lmao!


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[BOB VIDAN]

I'd lift the carpet and get a rough idea where the holes are, then use an ale to find the holes after you put the carpet back down.

[455hota]

Sounds like a good idea! Thanks for all the quick responses!


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[GT182]

I'd say #10-12 by 1 1/2" screws are a bit too long. Especially with a 4 speed tranny. I changed mine out to 1" and they work ok.

Steve, be very careful when you tighten those screws. Too tight and you'll break the plastic where the screws go. You'll see what I mean when you see the console base.

[455hota]

Very good advice!!!


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[Jeff Hamlin]

[455hota]

I guess life just happened, and I never did follow up and purchase a repro 4 speed console for my 66 GTO.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I bought off the internet an absolutely beautiful original 1966 4 speed console!! A repro does not even compare to this original beauty!!! It was wonderfully restored and has the right look! The seller agreed to color match the lower plastic base to my interior color (turquoise).

I have a few installation questions please:

(1) The front bracket has the long side closer to the driver correct?

(2) Does the front bracket mount over the carpet? Or is the carpet trimmed around the bracket?

(3) The shifter boot and ring mount to the top of the porch with two screws correct?

(4) The rubber shift boot mounts with the vertical flat side toward the driver correct?

(5) Since my car was originally a console car, the holes should already be in place to mount the console and front bracket correct?

(6) Since I bought the car back in 1983, I have never had a console in the car. The original was long gone. I have been partial to the non console look all these years, but I have always kept looking for a nice one. Also my original correct shifter was long gone. Over the years I found a correct 1966 shifter and linkage and installed it to my M20 Muncie. Shifter placement through the floor/porch was never an issue. But now it has to land exactly perfect to mate with the console. Does the restoration guide describe the shifter mounting adjustments?

(7) How does the dash to console harness route? Under the carpet , under the front bracket then turn to the driver’s side under the dash? I believe I removed the original console harness back in the late 80’s along with the front bracket, but they are both long gone. I have repops of both. I just don’t recall the routing.

(8) I read Pete Serio’s and others posts regarding carpet cutting under consoles to provide a better factory installation. Are these relief cuts necessary to make the console fit correctly, or have some people been able to get a nice installation over the carpet?


Any help / answers as always are greatly appreciated!!!

[Jeff Hamlin]

1. Yes.

2. To the floor under the carpet.

3. Yes

4. Yes.
Best to test fit with console to be sure shifter tunnel of console rest within the top of the boot.

5. I would think so.

6. See #4

7. Factory Install sheet shown for wire route.

8. It looks better so you don't see the wires.

[455hota]

Thanks Jeff for the quick and thorough responses!!

Now I can proceed with the test fit.