For the last few weeks a good friend and I have been working on my 97+ Fourthgen Console. I did not want to put my window switches in the ashtray like many have already done. I decided that I wanted to do some Fiberglass/Bondo work on the console and make it somewhat custom.

We started by cutting out the cup holder and ashtray entirely. Then proceed to the fiberglass portion and building up a nice layer. We covered up the cigarette lighter and empty space next to it of the upper console with glass as well.

It is pretty close to being installed in the car.. We painted the upper console insert Flat Black and dyed the rest of the console with Black Spray Die from Eastwood Co. It came out awesome!

I also decided to black out the remainder of the interior. I purchased a new radio pod and dyed it black as well as the guage cluster plastic surround and dyed it black. It should be really nice once its all installed.

In addition I am relocating my fan switch from the dash to the center console, if you look at the pics you will see it right under where the emergency brake travels up and down..

Lemme know what ya think of it!

 

Looks nice.

I have a "spare" 97+ console in the garage right now, only problem is it's an auto. I do have the shifter and everything, just not the courage to modify my car enough to get it to fit properly.

Can't wait to see it installed!

 

What kind of mods does one have to do to get a 4th gen consol to fit in a third gen (stick shift)?????

 

If it's a Firebird with the center console that doensn't look like a Camaro's, then no mods, just bolt it in. My friend has an 82 T/A and he has the Camaro looking center console and I am not sure what year they changed to the style I have in my 86.

For your camaro, there is some custom work to be done due to the fact that your radio/HVAC controls are part of your console.

 

hey Zepher will a 3rd gen camaro center console fit in a 86 TA?
buddy wants a new center but I don't think we wants to spend the money on a 4th gen console if he can't, all his money is going to the engine.
thanks
biker

 

If his shifter plate in his 86 is still good, I'll sell him my stock center console cheap. My plate is for a 5 speed and it's cracked in the front where the ashtray is. Just need to fix the console cover again, which isn't a big deal.

I am not sure about using a Camaro console, you can always try and see how it fits.

 

i have an 84 z28 camaro console in my car right now, which is an 85 bird Theres a couple things ya need to modify where it goes under the dash, cuase on the camaros it rests against the dash but after chopping a little it fits all i need is the bracket that holds the HVAC and the panel that goes over it and all the torx screws.

 

yeah, i love the mods when people put in the 4th gen stuff......someday i wanna get some nice 4th gen leather seat and a console.....but i cant afford them i guess i will just keep dreaming for now....

 

how easy is it to paint the 4th gen console? I found a black one, but I really like light tan interiors. Could I just use model paint or something? thanks.

 

that looks really nice!

 

i was wanting to make a custom console for my car and was thinking of making it out of ABS or sheet metal rivited together with carpet on it...the main reason i want a custom one is so that i can have cup holders, and the one in my car now is kinda rough looking

 

i wouldnt paint it, i used vinyl/plastic die from SEM. You can order it from Eastwood Co. I used the plastic prep solution and then the die... It came out nice, I dont see why you couldnt do it in tan!

 

I'll trade you my graphite grey one for your black one if you are planning on dying it.

 

i was just worried becuase tan is so much lighter than black. Kinda like painting white over a dark wall, the other color shows through. Anyone have experience with this?
thanks.

 

if you go nice and slow and apply multiple coats you should be good to go!

-Scott-