Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Which year 4th gen center console

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2003 | 10:11 AM
  #1  
joekickass's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Taiwan (Not China)
Car: 1989 Firebird V6
Engine: 2.8
Transmission: auto
Which year 4th gen center console

Hi, I am live in Taiwan and saw many people swap their center console to 4th gen, even whole interior, I would like to do the center console swap also, pls advise me which year model I shuold purchse and the thing I should noted, like power window switch.

Maybe somebody can sale the center console to me, I will pay thru Paypal.

Thanks

Joe
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2003 | 12:24 PM
  #2  
Aviator857's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 46
From: North East GA
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Transmission: T56
To find someone that might be selling one look at the classifieds or ebay.

You will need a manual shift console, most prefer one from 97 up 97-99 is a dark grey color, 00 and up is black. (Somone correct me if I am wrong on the years) The reason people use these 97 up is for the extra cup holders. but the 93-96 will work you just only have one cup holder.

As for the switches most people mount their orginal switches in the ash tray, the 4th gen's switches were on the door.

If you have a bird all you need is the console, if you have a camaro you need a radio pod out of a 3ed gen firebird.

Do a search, and you can find out everything you need about the process.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2003 | 01:01 PM
  #3  
Dante93GTZ's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 5
From: East Tennessee
Car: 1992 Z28 Heritage Edition
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1
If the Firebird radio pod is correct, I may have to finally do this mod with my IROC
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2003 | 11:48 PM
  #4  
QUICKCHICKEN's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 5
From: Byhalia MS, just south of memphis
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 6.0 LS
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
on my 89 formula i used a 93-97 console. im currently doing homwork on getting a auto 4th gen to work in a third gen auto with a low hassle rate.
the swap using a 4th gen console is ez. cut the tabs on the front that go under the radio pod, no need for these and youll never see where you cut the tabs.
the bolt holes that were in your third gen compartment area, use the same holes on the 4th gen. they bolt stright up.
as for your window switches, i mounted mine right infront of the shifter area right next to the shift indicator. and being i have pwr mirrors i mounted the control on the side of the the console . it looks slick and many think its stock. i didnt want to mount anything in my ashtray as thats where i store my change .
also on where i mounted my window switches, ihad to extend the wires . i used a dremel cut off tool to make the holes and i did much measuring to make sure it was stright and clean cuts.
ill try and post pics soon of my console.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2003 | 06:33 AM
  #5  
Zepher's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Trying to use an auto shift plate so it will look stock is very difficult.
The shifter mechanism sits about 1/2" too high.
I also tried using a 4th gen shifter, and that has a different shape so that didn't fit right either.

If you could get the console it sit higher then it should't be a problem.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2003 | 10:53 AM
  #6  
QUICKCHICKEN's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 5
From: Byhalia MS, just south of memphis
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 6.0 LS
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
hmm, sits to high? IIRC my standard had to be pushed down a tad to make work. im determined to make it work somehow.
ill remember this when we do the testing on my friends GTA. thanx for the heads up.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2003 | 11:01 AM
  #7  
Zepher's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Originally posted by Richard H.-
hmm, sits to high? IIRC my standard had to be pushed down a tad to make work. im determined to make it work somehow.
ill remember this when we do the testing on my friends GTA. thanx for the heads up.
If you somehow get it to work, let me know exactly what you did since I would rather have the Auto plate in use instead of the 6 speed plate.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2003 | 04:33 PM
  #8  
QUICKCHICKEN's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 5
From: Byhalia MS, just south of memphis
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 6.0 LS
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
will do!
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2003 | 05:23 PM
  #9  
DreamState21x's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Texas
hmm

So let me get this straight you can't take an auto 4th gen consol and put it in a 3rd gen auto car...? can you use a manul 4th gen consol and put that in a 3rd gen auto car and just use a boot..?
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2003 | 05:34 PM
  #10  
Aviator857's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 46
From: North East GA
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Transmission: T56
Yes, you can use a manual 4th gen in a auto 3ed gen without any modification, (except to mount the switches) the manual shift boot will work just fine, you just have to know what gear you are in by the rpm's and feel of the car.

A auto 4th gen will fit, I have seen it on the web before but it requires heavy modifications to get to work. you have to move the stock location of the shifter over an inch or two and front or rear do something for height, although that wouldn't be a problem just take some wood build a base and wrap it in carpet, or leather. I would say some 2by2 stock would work since its really 1.75 x 1. 75. and some scrap peices of mdf. heck I am 6'2" so I could go for the console being an inch higher anyways.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 01:49 PM
  #11  
wlsmoku's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Blue Springs, Mo
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by Zepher
If you somehow get it to work, let me know exactly what you did since I would rather have the Auto plate in use instead of the 6 speed plate.
I am close - I just need to get off my butt to finish the top plate for the gears! The rest fit pretty good (after some modding). if anyone is interested, shoot me an e-mail and I'll send you better "how to" pics for the auto plate.




Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 02:00 PM
  #12  
Aviator857's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 46
From: North East GA
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Transmission: T56
looks good can you list the mods you had to do to get it to work right. one thing that might help fill in the shifter is the boot off the E-brake on a 96 ish grand am.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 02:16 PM
  #13  
wlsmoku's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Blue Springs, Mo
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by Aviator857
looks good can you list the mods you had to do to get it to work right. one thing that might help fill in the shifter is the boot off the E-brake on a 96 ish grand am.
well there is a lot of cutting here and there...kinda complicated, so I think I'll make a "How To" thread with descriptions and directions if there is enough interest - otherwise i'll just e-mail you the pics if thats ok.

Oh yeah, I am going to make the plate for the drive letters work too, just need to get out there and do it!
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 04:41 PM
  #14  
QUICKCHICKEN's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 5
From: Byhalia MS, just south of memphis
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 6.0 LS
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
hey that looks pretty good, ill be doing one in a friends GTA pretty soon. ill bounce ya some Qs as i run across them.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 04:56 PM
  #15  
Zepher's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
I'd like to see a thread about the Auto Plate mod.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 05:04 PM
  #16  
Jose'sRedTA's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Car: 87' Red TA w/ 92k miles
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
I'll second that 4th gen auto console to a 3rd gen auto mod article...lots of us have been wondering about that for some time so please post...Thanks ahead.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 07:43 PM
  #17  
Dante93GTZ's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 5
From: East Tennessee
Car: 1992 Z28 Heritage Edition
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1
I hope its something that gets done too... There a QUITE a few 4thgen consoles out there that are automatic... for sale.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2003 | 09:26 PM
  #18  
wlsmoku's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Blue Springs, Mo
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Ok, that settles it...I'll write up a tech article on it. There might be better or more efficient way to do this, but it is how I get er done. I'll post it as soon as I can.

Jerry
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 12:34 AM
  #19  
Zepher's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA. USA
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Cool, let us know when it's up.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 05:37 AM
  #20  
Spdfrk1990's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
I want to put a 4th gen console on my 90 camaro. Just get any year firebird radio pod and will it bolt right up. Is there a tech article on it. I hate the boxy console and my lid its messed up, also cup holders would be a plus. My car is a 5-speed if that helps.Also what about the heater vent that come out the side of the camaro console what do u do with them thanx

Last edited by Spdfrk1990; Aug 2, 2003 at 05:41 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 09:56 AM
  #21  
DigitalMonarch0's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh, NC
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Vert
Engine: 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 5-Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08
That's mint man, I am really impressed. Let us know when that article is done because this is something that I would loove to try. Awesome Job! :hail:
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 12:05 PM
  #22  
Aviator857's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 46
From: North East GA
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Transmission: T56
Originally posted by Spdfrk1990
I want to put a 4th gen console on my 90 camaro. Just get any year firebird radio pod and will it bolt right up. Is there a tech article on it. I hate the boxy console and my lid its messed up, also cup holders would be a plus. My car is a 5-speed if that helps.Also what about the heater vent that come out the side of the camaro console what do u do with them thanx
yours being a 5 speed you will not have any problems, just get a manual console. The radio pod has vents in it that should work with the camaro ducts, my take some work. You will have to figure out a way to mount it to the car, I think from what I have seen zip ties seem to be a favorite.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 12:09 PM
  #23  
Spdfrk1990's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
sweet gotta add some style to my interior
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 12:31 PM
  #24  
Dante93GTZ's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 5
From: East Tennessee
Car: 1992 Z28 Heritage Edition
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23:1
A tech article on the Firebird pod in a Camaro install will be coming very soon. I've just got to recieve my console.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...51#post1424651

AFAIK, the heater vents in the firebird pod SHOULD work.
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2003 | 06:04 AM
  #25  
Maverick H1L's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,240
Likes: 6
From: LeRoy, NY
Car: 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT
Engine: 2.7L V6
Transmission: 6-speed
Axle/Gears: 4.41
Finally-An Option

Finally I can replace the worn out center console in my 87 Firebird- the vinyl's had it, I removed the glovebox lid a long time ago and am using a secondgen glovebox intead (higher on my elbow and feels better) and I was going to start trying to do something about the vinyl unitl I saw this-go right on ahead and get us a Tech Article, please!!!
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2003 | 11:46 AM
  #26  
wlsmoku's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Blue Springs, Mo
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
ok, here ya go fellas!

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...61#post1426061

If you have any questions or comments please don't hessitate to speak up
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
History / Originality
27
May 10, 2023 07:19 PM
colton_carlson
Firebirds for Sale
7
Mar 8, 2019 12:21 PM
Casey Meyers
Interior Parts for Sale
8
Mar 2, 2016 10:46 AM
Firebird sweden
Organized Drag Racing and Autocross
3
Aug 16, 2015 05:02 PM
TheJoeY88
Interior
5
Aug 13, 2015 06:51 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:39 PM.