Center console

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HeadacheGuy

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
door panel

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

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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? <gettin jealous here. Your upholstery guys are good.
 
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.
 
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
 
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
64 was the last year for the single cut key (at least in Thunderbirds), so it sounds like you have a latch from that year. The ignition and doors are one key and the trunk and console are another on my 64. My trunk lock failed (as did the first replacement I purchased), so I no now need 3 keys.
I expect the latch itself is the same from 64 to 66, so only the key cylinder is different. I have never seen replacement cylinders listed, but is see no reason why you couldn't switch in the one from your old latch.
Looking at photos of the latches, I can see a release pin on the end of the lock cylinder. It may well be that removal is done following the instructions for the trunk lock.
It can't hurt to try it with your old latch (if you still have it).
Let us know, this is an interesting problem.
Terry
64HT
 
I'm pretty sure the 64 cylinder is of a smaller diameter and even the hole in the trim piece is smaller as compared to a 65 66. The cut on the double cut keys 65 66 are cut on opposite sides ignition vs trunk so if your trying to use the wrong one it will not go in. square head for ignition and doors Round head for trunk and glove box I believe
 
I went on to good old eBay and searched "Thunderbird console latch". There are several listed, some with photos that show the lock end. One (listed as a 1964), is obviously for the double-sided key and another shows the single straight slot, so is probably a 64. The years in the listings appear to be incorrect on a couple of them.
However, the casting for the housings look identical as do the diameter of the cylinders. It's unlikely that anyone has one of each type to compare, and I suspect that it's the cylinder that failed in Headacheguy's latch.
It would be interesting to know, though.
Terry
64HT
 
Mine came without a latch so I don't have mine to gut and use Terry. I think you answered the question, the one I got must be for a 64. Some day I will pull it and have a key cut but at least I know what blank to use. I should have researched it better before I bought it but it works and looks good and I'm guessing only us Tbird guys would ever know. Thanks guys. I now know just a little more about the car than I did before.
 

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