Console Shimming & Support Blocks

The purpose of shimming the console is to gain clearance between the bottom of the window/defrost switches and the fiberglass underbody. The support blocks provide additional support and strength to the armrest portion so it won’t collapse when you lean on it. It is only necessary to shim the center two mounting studs to gain the needed clearance. These instructions provide two methods for shimming - one for when your console is still in the car and one for when the console needs to be removed. Removing the console allows for a better final result.

Two support blocks will need to be fabricated from wood, such as a 2x4, and added between the console armrest and underbody. One block needs to be approximately 1.5" (about 38 mm) thick and the other needs to be ¾" (about 19mm) thick as seen in the photo below. These dimensions can vary a little from car to car and may have to be adjusted for a good fit.

1. Remove the gear shift knob (5-speed manual) or disassemble the gear shift handle (automatic).

2. Remove the two screws at the rear of the gear shift plate, pull up on the shifter plate, disconnect the rheostat and clock, and set it to the side out of your way.

3. If the switch plate area is bent upwards, it will need to be straightened to properly re-mount the switches and the recommended console alignment plate (Part #111177). Do not bend the switch plate section up to gain access to the nuts on the two center console studs. Instead, use a wiggler socket to access the nuts (see photo below). 

4. After loosening the two nuts, slide in the shims (Part # SP10639) two per side, between the console mount and the underbody. (see photo below). Retighten the nuts.

5. Remove the ashtray to gain access, add the thinner block of wood (¾” - about 19mm) between the inner console and the armrest, to support the armrest portion of the console. Then, slide the thicker block (1½” - about 38mm) between the underbody and the console. (see photo below). Slide the thinner block to the left and forward, toward the switches. Weatherstripping adhesive (Part #981850) can be used to help hold the blocks in place. 

6. You can now reassemble the shift plate, gear shift, and ashtray.

1. Remove the gear shift knob (5-speed manual) or disassemble the gear shift handle (automatic).

2. Remove the two screws at the rear of the gear shift plate, pull up on the shifter plate, disconnect the rheostat and clock, and set it to the side out of your way.

3. Behind the kneepads flanking the center console, remove the screws securing the kneepad brackets to the console (see photo below)

4. Remove the two screws attaching the console coin tray and remove the coin tray. Carefully lift out the ashtray.

5. Remove the six nuts and washers attaching the center console to the underbody with the 10mm socket. Try not to bend the armrest forward section up. The wiggler socket will aid in removing the center two nuts (see photo below). If the switch plate area is bent upwards, it will need to be straightened to properly re-mount the switches and the recommended console switch alignment plate (Part # 111177). Do not bend the switch plate section up to gain access to the nuts on the two center console studs. 

6. Begin lifting the console from the rear, tilting the console upwards from this end. (see photo below).

7. Free the wiring harness where it is nested inside the left & right console brackets. Also free the two vacuum lines from under the brackets (see photo below).

8. Continue lifting the console up until you can reach under it to unplug the window, defrost switches and cigar lighter. You can now remove the console from the vehicle. 

1. The armrest is held to the console by four studs with nuts and small washers. By removing the nuts and washers, you can lift up and remove the armrest from the console. The armrest should be relatively flat, including the switch mount section. If bent, it needs to be straightened/flattened. (see photos below).

2. When remounting the armrest, use one thin fender washer (Part # SP10770) on each stud as a shim between the armrest and console, and one under each nut. This will help support and lift the armrest up (see photo below). This would also be a good time to consider installing the console switch alignment plate (Part # 111177) (see diagram below).

1. Lower the console into position in the car. The front should be lowered down over the radio mounting bracket first. Then, as the back comes down, push the connectors for the window and defroster switches up through their respective mounting holes. Remember to put the left power window connector through the second opening from the left, then the defroster switch and then the right power window connector. Now plug in the cigar lighter wires. Install window switches and the defrost switch. 

2. As you lower the console over the six mounting studs, carefully push the wiring harness into the console brackets on each side of the console. Push the two vacuum lines into the left bracket and make certain the vacuum lines and wires are not pinched under the brackets.

3. Insert two shims (Part # SP10639) between the console brackets and the underbody at the left and right center console studs. (see photo below).

4. Install the six nuts and shift plate support bracket.

1. Add the thinner block of wood (¾" - about 19mm) between the inner console and the armrest, to support the armrest portion of the console.

2. Slide the thicker block (1.5" - about 38 mm) between the underbody and the console, via the ashtray opening. Push this block to the left and forward, towards the left corner. Slide the thinner block to the left and forward, towards the switches. Weatherstripping adhesive (Part # 981850) can be used to secure the blocks in place. (see photo below). Adhere the lower block to the underbody ONLY. This will facilitate future removal of the console.

3. You can now complete the reassembly of the shift plate, gear shift, coin tray and ashtray. Reinstall the screws holding the kneepad brackets to the console. You can now reconnect the battery.