83 Console Swap into 86 November 23, 2005, 10:56:37 PM I found a console in an 83 or 85 car, the registration in the glove box differs on both slips, but I was wondering how bad the fit would be into an 86. This is the only full console I've found and even it's a little rough. Its missing the storage tray as it was a 5 speed, and I'm not sure about the radio trim but it looks to be way off. Not only that but the lid is broken. The latch and liner are both still good, as are the brackets and switch panel. I was just wondering what I'd need to do to get it to fit, or maybe someone has something I'd need. I really can't drop in the seats I've been wanting til I get that POS consolette deal out. Any help at all is appreciated. Quote Selected
83 Console Swap into 86 Reply #1 – November 23, 2005, 11:23:20 PM Check out http://www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com/ under techinfo/mods > console swap.Also, I couldnt get that link to work with firefox for some reason. Quote Selected
83 Console Swap into 86 Reply #2 – November 24, 2005, 08:59:54 AM I've got an '83 Cougar console in my '88. It was fairly straightforward, requiring only minor modifications. You'll need the radio surround from an 85-88 console car as well as the tray that goes where the shifter was (you can modify an 83-84 tray to fit, but it doesn't look right - different color, different texture). You'll have a real fun job of removing the consolette, though - it is welded to the driver's seat frame.If the console you have is that bad, I'd pass on it. 83-84 consoles are not rare - all 83-84 T-Birds and Cougars had the full console. Quote Selected
83 Console Swap into 86 Reply #3 – November 24, 2005, 09:12:55 AM QuoteYou'll have a real fun job of removing the consolette, though - it is welded to the driver's seat frame.I always just use a saxzall!! lol:D Quote Selected
83 Console Swap into 86 Reply #4 – December 08, 2005, 07:15:08 PM Well, I managed to get the consolette off between an hour, a hacksaw, and a pizza. Let's just say that I look like a prisoner now that my right arm is bigger and strongre than my left. Good god, I will never do that again. What makes me the maddest out of all of that deal, is that I'm getting a new set of front seats for christmas. Just found this out last nite when they told me to pick em. Oh well, Im truly thankful for the help. I did find an 87 consol out of a TC but it had a broken lid. Jacked a cracked lid from a diff car, and i screwed a thin piece of wood to the other side to help support it. I'll more than likely be needing a new lid soon, but I wanna get the rest of the console painted up real nice first. Quote Selected
83 Console Swap into 86 Reply #5 – December 08, 2005, 07:32:27 PM nab a non-broken lid off of another car, you can totally dissasemble the lids and mix and match parts as neededi might even have a spare around. Quote Selected
83 Console Swap into 86 Reply #6 – December 18, 2005, 10:58:40 PM help i need a good console lid for my 83 ya have an extra , lets talk barry Quote Selected
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