rik89gta

I have owned 3 well used Firebirds and on every one, the vinyl seems to split away from the plastic next to the shifter gate. Am I the only one that has this problem? And is there anyway to fix it?

j dezzy

iTrader: (12)

not sure how to fix it. although I'm pretty sure a heat gun, some good adhesive and some wood slates could fix it....but, it was the same on my 91 and my 89 not very bad though. just enough to make me go "mmmm" everytime I saw it.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Cheapo super glue, w/e takes longer to set so you can move it

Wide masking tape 2" should be good


Peel the vinyl back a lil more than the separation and clean with a damp rag then some sandpaper to prep the plastic and foamy stuff

Now inject small lines of glue and use the tape to hole it in place

Once its all glued but not dried take alot of tape and completely tape some pressure on all the seam.. original and repair

Let it dry for long time, take no chances super glue that sets wrong is a PITA to get loose again

Good as new

*Note* if you dont cover all the seam/dont make it strait while its glueing it wont be strait when its done and will look like a cheap fix it job. You have plenty of tape and its cheap so use it

Bull

iTrader: (5)

Just step up to the 4th gen console...they are of a much better look and quality.

rik89gta

Thanks for the info guys...

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Ive yet to see a 4th gen console look right in a 3rd gen without the whole dash steeringwheel and dool panels

Thats a heck of alot of $ and time to overcome a few separations

PROCHARGED

Me too! I just fixed mine with some heavy duty glue from a body shop.I will try to get you the name of the product and a pick of it.

Bull

iTrader: (5)

I guess it's a matter of personal preference. I absolutely hate the look and feel of the stock thirdgen console and switches. The only part of my 4th gen console that doesn't look 100% right is the upper-right portion of the shifter plate, which does not sit flush. But, you wouldn't notice it unless you were looking closely. Otherwise, it looks right at home, even with the stock dash and door panels. The hinge/door are of much better design and quality, the storage area is a bit bigger, and there are cupholders.

rik89gta

Yeah, the only thing I really liked about the 4th gen counsel is the beer holder. I mean cupholder... LOL

rik89gta

OK, I tried to tackle this task today. But I'm stumped because I cant get the shifter gate loose enough so I can tuck the vinyl under it. I can only find two bolts which are on top, underneath the counsel lid. I looked in the ashtray and there were no bolts in there. How do I get this thing loose?

88 350 tpi formula

iTrader: (9)

there was one under the ash tray

rik89gta

Well there was a bolt hole under the ashtray, but no bolt. But anyways, I removed the trim piece around the radio and heater, and it popped right out.