console install question

[chipflyer]

I am installing buckets and a seatbelt style console in my 71 and I have a couple of questions.

1. Can I use the original front bench seat outer mounting holes or should I move the seat out an inch and drill new holes? Seems like there was a how to post on this but with no search function and dialup I am really hoping someone will know.

2 I have the bracket that attaches to the front of the console but is it needed on our trucks? It almost seems like the front would be mounted to high with the bracket attached but if you didn't use it the cutout in the console would sit on the floor channel pretty good. Was the bracket just used on blazers?

Any help would be greatly appreciated guys

Thanks
Jeff

[boraxman]

I actually have the same questions as my buckets are sitting on the garage floor...so come on peeps

[midyearvet@aol.]

If you look on the raised portion (Rib) of the floorboards there are two dimples 5&1/8" apart>front mount holes. About a foot behind those are two dimples 8&1/2" apart> rear holes.
You need the center front reinforcement/nut plate to mount the inner bucket seat mounts & from there you can figure out the rest of the mounts
Seats should be centered on the glove box & the instrument panel.
You also need some wedge shaped brks. for the outer rear mounts. Almost impossible to find. I borrowed a pair to make some for mine.

Rick / Ca.

[Carl71]

Just did this today. Agree center on steering and glove box, center the console on the middle section. Found using the orignal holes made everthing to tight.. good Luck

[chipflyer]

I have the center nut plate but I don't think I can get it installed in the channel without raising the cab or dropping the transfer case. It sounds like I don't want to use the original front driverside holes, correct? Carl did you have dimples in your floor pan and did you use the console bracket? I do have the wedge shapped brackets also.

thanks

[trucks72]

There are dimples in the floor for the console. You just have to dril those and put bolts throught them. As for the seats, on the outside two holes where the bench seat bolted in. Measure 1 inch out to each the outside of those holes. Drill those two holes out. After you do that mount your console in place then put your buckets in the truck. Put a bolt in those two outside holes, the you can line up the front of the seat with the console to make sure they are straight. Afer you get that done you can reach under the seats to mark the other holes.

[midyearvet@aol.]

Loosen the body bolts on the drivers side. Remove the body bolts on the passenger side. Jack up body 4 inches and you can slide the retainer plate right into place over the right frame rail and over the transfer case.
Rick / Ca.