If you are re-using your ashtray cover, you will also want to strip it. Step 7Ġ7: Use a quality paint stripper and remove all of the black paint and glue from the console. The console should now be totally disassembled. Also remove both shift lever sliders (if the Corvette is an automatic). Step 6Ġ6: Now remove the shifter indicator lense and backup. Make a note where it is located because you will have to replace this in the same location when you re-assemble it. Step 5Ġ5: Carefully remove the ashtray lid stop. Step 4Ġ4: Turn the top plate over and remove the ashtray receptacle and socket, the ashtray lid and sliders and the shift dial socket and body assembly. If you knick it, it will be noticeable when you are finished. Do not pry against the chrome lip around the decal. Step 3Ġ3: Carefully remove the engine identification decal. With the top plate out of the car, remove the woodgrain trim. It is a good idea to tag each light and connection as you remove them from the top plate assembly. The A/C-Heater controls will stay in the console. Step 2Ġ2: Start by disconnecting the battery and removing your Corvette’s console top plate assembly from the car. You will also need some paint stripper, 1/4” and 1/8” masking tape, semi-gloss black paint, a scuff pad or 600 grit sandpaper, some common hand tools and a shop manual for your year Corvette. Now let’s get started and give that worn console a brand new look. 1968-1976 Corvette Shifter Console Restoration: Step 1Ġ1: Here are all of the items we received from Zip Corvette Parts to restore our 73 console: Woodgrain trim panel, mounting screws, automatic shift dial indicator, shift lever sliders, A/C-Heater control assembly, heater blower switch, ashtray cover, sliders, and receptacle and the console engine decal.

The whole process took less than 6 hours from start to finish and the results speak for themselves. The console in our 73 Corvette had seen better days so we decided it was a prime candidate for restoration. The restoration process is very straight forward and all of the console items that you need are available from Zip Corvette Parts. The whole shifter console top plate can be removed as one unit without any special tools. Restoring the 1968-1976 Corvette console is a fairly easy task. If this area in the Corvette does not look good, it will make the rest of the interior look below par. Any time you have to shift gears or use the heater or air conditioner, you are drawn to this area. The console area is a focal point in any Corvette interior.

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