I mentioned in my last blog the original center console didn't fit with the Tremec T56 shifter position, which is about 8" back and centered vs. the offset Muncie. To try to keep with my goal of a stock look, I really wanted to use the center console. Plus, it just looks cool. I found a shifter on eBay the moved the mounting location 2" left of center, with no offset front or rear. If I hadn't already built the floor section I might have gone with one that had a forward offset to get the console a little closer to stock, but the position it is at feels just right. That, and I don't know how much the offset will affect the shifter feel.
The first two pictures you can see the offset shifter position. To my surprise the part that is giving me the biggest problem is the black center nut on the new shifter. It sticks up high enough to hit the console in the position I would like it to sit (see gap in bottom pictures). I wish they had used a more space saving design on this part. I might use a flatter nut and trim the bolt off, but I think it will work for now.
Here you can see how the center console now sits nicely down the center line of the car without being pushed out of position by the shifter. There are a few bumps on the floor here and there, but I think it fits pretty good, considering it was designed for a tight fit in a completely different place.
To get the mounting right, I moved all of the brackets back. To give an idea of how far, notice the gray area in the middle of the picture, and the bracket that was there moved towards the left side. They are only tacked on along the edge of the bracket from the factory, so getting them out was as simple as grinding a little off the outside edge. No spot welds here. The front and rear brackets fit fine with a little persuasion, but the middle bracket sits in a low spot on the tunnel, so I added tabs on either side to lift it up about 1/2" off the floor.
And, the final product. Stock console, moved back in the car using original brackets.
In the last picture you can see where the shifter sits relative to the drivers seat, with it in about mid position. The only bad part I can see is the 1" gap around the front section. Because the console is angled up in front, sliding it back creates a gap to the floor. I'm hoping there is some extra slack in the molded carpet, or maybe I can split it down the middle to push the carpet out flush with the console. I'm thinking a little padding on top of the floor will help hold the carpet up against the console, and a little extra sound deadener above the transmission should be good.
I've got a long road to go, but it felt good to sit in the car and have a solid floor, upgraded interior that fits, and all of the suspension work done. Well, except brakes. Little details...
