Trimming a console for A/C

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

Hi, I have been searching the Forum and can’t find a answer to the follow question.

How was the center console trimmed for A/C? I have heard it was fine on the factory floor. Was a template used? Was it done by hand? Are they all the same or did each worker do his own thing? Did it vary by plant?

I have seen it done a variety of ways but I don’t know if it is original or was done by a later owner.

Does anyone have good pictures of known original A/C consoles?

Thanks

Flade

2

What year?

3

67-73 Classic Cougars had their AC controls and vents in the dash, nothing to do with the console. Now I believe some of the aftermarket consoles have to be ordered for AC cars to clear the evaporator box.
Steven

4

The rear of the '67 '68 console has to be trimmed to clear the floor outlet for the heater. They do appear to have been cut, maybe we can get some pictures to show the effect.

5

Here is a clear picture of a 1968 console trimmed for factory AC.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/gconsole.html?attribs=76

It was a rather crude cut, I have been able to replicate it buy clamping a straight edge to the base and scoring the plastic multiple times with a utility knife and just using my hands to break the extension off. Works every time without fail and less risky than a high speed cut off wheel which does not appear to be how the did it.

6

Yes this is for 67/68 console. As said above they have to be cut to clear the A/c vent and thA/C box

7

Thanks Don, it would appear from that link that the console is trimmed pretty much straight up and down just behind the rear plate in the console storage area. I have seen several cars like this, but also have seen cars trimmed further back and a couple that were trimmed more on one side than the other.

8

It was a crude cut on the line done in a hurry…

9

Well I just learned something new. I’ll have to look at my standard console and compare it to the spare XR7G console I have. I never saw anything that looked hand cut but then again I might be so close to the forest I missed the trees.
Steven

10

Planned on doing some work on my '68 so will be glad to try and get some from the back shots of mine as it is a factory ac car.

11

Thanks for the help!