Center console

[HeadacheGuy]

My 65 has a pretty good console but the lid just developed a few tiny holes in the seam that runs down the middle which leads to a few questions......for the temporary anyone have a vinyl repair kit they like? I have used one before with mixed results and of course failing in the seam makes it a little delicate. Mine is black so I would think color match should be easy. Next question. For a longer term solution, is there any place that recovers these and can it be done to look original? I suppose the seam isn't a deal breaker but they are pretty carefully molded all the way around. Last question....mine is missing the button and latch (unsure how much hardware goes with it. Anyone have a spare latch and button they want to sell? One with a working key would be great but I can get a key made if not.

[65BLUBIRD]

I am in southern CA and there are a lot of auto upholstery shops around . I took my door panels in and the guy did a great job, not original, but I think looks better. All of the hardware fits perfect. Your job is pretty small. Unless you have other work that needs to be done or have the material, or the place happens to have som remnants around, it is going to be tough to get someone interested in doing it.

[HeadacheGuy]

Probably true. I think I'm going to try a small amount of vinyl repair. Im not opposed to having it recovered without the seam if I can go leather but my thoughts were that the corners might have some ugly folds. Seen some pretty good motorcycle seat repair though and this is kinda the same thing, Due to the lack of posts I'm gettin the idea I may be screwed on the button and latch. Seen some used consoles on ebay but not warm to the idea of paying a $150 bucks for a rusted out piece of crap. These birds are gettin a little tougher to get certain parts for. Thanks

[HeadacheGuy]

Hey, if you get a chance...post a pic of your door. I'd like to see it. Mine are in good shape but I like looking at customized stuff on these. I'm keeping mine till I die or can't drive (I'm only 54) so I like the idea of making the car look nice to me, not necessarily original.

[HeadacheGuy]

On a related note> someone is parting out console and dash stuff (red) on Ebay right now that is pricey but looks better than I have seen before.

[65BLUBIRD]

see pic. Figured out how to send pics on forum.

[HeadacheGuy]

Gotta admit...thats pretty sweet. I have a decent door panel but that puts mine to shame. Was that a new chrome center piece or did you have to make yours that nice?

[65BLUBIRD]

Original metal work. My panels were pretty worn and tried cleaning and vinyl paint but didn't come out very good. Panels are first thing I see when I open the door so I just had to bite the bullet and get it done. Reupholstering cost me less than buying the panels at the Tbird parts places. I think they came out good also. Thanks.

[Terry64HT]

HeadacheGuy, I see a new listing for a console lock button and lever on eBay, no key. This has been listed in the past so you might want to contact him.
Terry
64HT

[HeadacheGuy]

Thanks Terry

[65BLUBIRD]

Got inspired by your posts on the center console. Decided to get the latch on mine working. Pulled out the plastic insert and tinkered with the latch for awhile. Lid will now latch and the key works!

[HeadacheGuy]

Glad you got yours working. I screwed up and missed the one on ebay (at least I think I did) so I'm still looking for a latch. Not a high priority but it's the only thing on the car that's not complete.

[Terry64HT]

Try eBay item 262125075056 or search under "Thunderbird console latch". That item ends next week.
Terry
64HT

[HeadacheGuy]

Thanks Terry, got it and it's on the way.

[HeadacheGuy]

I received my console latch and with a little shimming it works pretty good. Question.. I have no key for it which is no big deal but I was curious as to what style key was supposed to work in my 65. I have the newer style ford key (the double cut style) for the doors and ignition which would not work in this latch. Do they all use the older style key or did I get a latch from a 64? If what I read was right 64 was the last yr of the single cut keys...correct me if I'm wrong.