67~68 Buckets: Original or Modify?

[SCOTI]

I have a set of original buddy buckets for my 68 that are in so-so shape w/some surface rust on the console 'compartment'. The seats will most likely require new foam but are mostly intact.

My dilemma is I want to permanently mount my air-ride stuff while keeping it inconspicuous & I'm considering modifying the console to accomplish the task.

My idea is to mount the 'switches' in/on the front of the console compartment (under the front lip of the seat foam). I would like to be able to reach down to the front of the console/seat & make height adjustments, but keep everything hidden otherwise. I still have to figure where to mount the gauges & want to keep them inconspicuous as well (mounting them in the 4-lower holes of the factory gauge cluster would work if I could match all the gauges..... anything besides hanging them in plain view under the dash line).

It's not like the console compartment is some ultra-rare, unobtainable item.... it's a sheetmetal box that could be duplicated if necessary (or the area that is modified for the switches could be replaced just like you would do when filling in a side-marker light).

What do you think?

[jerry moss]

sounds like a good idea to me, the box is same as the one used by dodge so a spare isn't too difficult to get, should you decide to go back original.

[gringoloco]

I was thinking the same thing, only use a hinge style ashtray for the mechanism to have it all swing out when you want it and be hidden when you don't. Hides everything- see crummy pic: Circles are gauges, squares are switches...

[SCOTI]

The ART style gauges I have are pretty deep (not sure they would allow the pivot vs. the depth of the compartment).

I originally was thinking of just putting them in the console compartment facing the headliner but thought mounting the switches withing reach on the front wall of the compartment & having the gauges in sight would be better.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I have a set of original buddy buckets for my 68 that are in so-so shape w/some surface rust on the console 'compartment'. The seats will most likely require new foam but are mostly intact.

My dilemma is I want to permanently mount my air-ride stuff while keeping it inconspicuous & I'm considering modifying the console to accomplish the task.

My idea is to mount the 'switches' in/on the front of the console compartment (under the front lip of the seat foam). I would like to be able to reach down to the front of the console/seat & make height adjustments, but keep everything hidden otherwise. I still have to figure where to mount the gauges & want to keep them inconspicuous as well (mounting them in the 4-lower holes of the factory gauge cluster would work if I could match all the gauges..... anything besides hanging them in plain view under the dash line).

It's not like the console compartment is some ultra-rare, unobtainable item.... it's a sheetmetal box that could be duplicated if necessary (or the area that is modified for the switches could be replaced just like you would do when filling in a side-marker light).

What do you think?

Scotti,

Are you still considering this modification? If so I got a box that someone has already modified and am looking for an original box. If you are still planning on doing this, wanna trade ?

[N2TRUX]

Your gonna want the gauges where you can see them when rolling. Beyond that I say cut it up. It's only metal...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

.... If you are still planning on doing this, wanna trade ?

Forward some pics of your modified box if you can. If the area that I would be modifying is the same, I'm sure we could work something out.

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Your gonna want the gauges where you can see them when rolling. Beyond that I say cut it up. It's only metal...

I'm currently playing w/an idea of using an overhead console like those in the 99-03 Chevy trucks for the gauges. I want to mount them in the factory cluster. The problem is it gets expensive real fast when you're trying to match the fonts of all the gauges.

[Hart_Rod]

Here are some pics. The front of the box was cut to put in the wooden cup holder.