Has anyone purchased or handled a 68/69 repro console from any of the major resto houses? How does the quality compare to the original? My original console is very badly cracked by the ash tray and shows a lot of wear, so I'm considering replacing the top half (especially since it is already apart due to some rewiring going on).

I recall looking at a repro (local shop) while traveling though Oklahoma City about 2 years ago and was thoroughly unimpressed. I don't know which manufacturer produced that particular console, but it looked very cheap and plasticy (like a toy model).

Any suggestions or should I just search for an original in better condition?

I just received a new 69 Camaro console from Ricks first gen. Its an OER GM authorized replacement and looks/feels EXACTLY like the original console. You cannot tell the difference except for it being brand new with no ash tray cracks!
Ordered a console lid as well, that fits perfectly.
Remember to order new bumpers for your console and ashtrays, 6 total! As well as springs/clips for the ash tray lid.

Brian-

How is the fit between the console storage door and the molded body? I bought one a few years ago and sent it back since it was mis-aligned at the open end of the door- the door was sticking out 3/16"+ at the bottom edge from the plastic. At the time, I talked to Rick at the Carlisle show and he was aware of the problem but doubted if OER would correct it at any time... by your answer, I'm wondering/hoping that maybe they have finally fixed it? Thanks- Dan

I sell and use these consoles all the time. The OER console is a great console and seems to be so close to original that I didn't hesitate to use it on several cars that I have completed and one that is currently in the shop. They were on national BO recently for several months but more recently are available again, I would bet that they used this time for retooling. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Interesting info guys...I already had my eye on the Rick's console but was worried about quality after the other one I had seen. Thanks!

Yenko:
Over the winter, I'll be buying all the parts needed to install an original shifter (which I now have) and console (which I don't have). With the experience I've had with repo parts, I'm hesitant to buy anything from OER especially a part so prominent in the car. I just went through three dash pads from OER in three weeks and they all went back, (got an original, sent it to Just Dashes and came out Awesome). All things being equal, would you take a repo over an original? I bought a repo console shell about a year ago (Rick's)and it looked very cheap...the grain didn't look right and the plastic looked like...well...plastic...but much different from the originals I've seen. Right now, I have my eyes out for a repo and I'm sure it will need to be painted, new shift plate, etc etc and I'm wondering if maybe now with your comment, the repo might be the way to go???? Maybe they have chnaged them?? My car is a show car/cruise night car and I want to make sure I am getting the best quality and looks...
Confused as to what to do now..........
Dan
'68 Convertible

I pulled my orig console as it was cracked and had a big chunk by the ash tray missing. I bought an OER (maybe 3 years ago) and it looks and fits fine. I mounted my factory gauges, seat belt holders, shift plate and storage and ash tray lids with new bumpers and had no fitment issues until I got to the lense cover for the rear floor lamp. If the storage compartment had the proper fuzzy coating instead of smooth plastic I'd give it 4 graemlins/thumbsup.gif out of 4. I'd have to say 3 1/2 graemlins/thumbsup.gif for the one I got.

Dan, the only thing that I would do over when installing the console is paint the entire unit with all major parts available so that all "BLACK" is the same. The console out of the box has a slight black-gray hue verses the GM or resto lid which is definitely black. Unlike the 68 dashes which we spoke about in the past, this OER part is one of the few that could be placed in 99% of the cars being restored. I also did a grain comparison recently and other than the amount of paint on the original, I was impressed. I feel it is the best bang for the buck. Its like buying 35 year old consoles gauges used for $350 plus shipping with no warranty versus new at $330 plus shipping with a one year warranty. I know which way my money is being spent. Good luck with your decision. graemlins/beers.gif

I'm glad to see that ya'll can get a repro console for the 68 and 69. Would like to have one for the 67 but have not seen any company making them. :(

Hey guys, dont forget your extremely rare, custom built, genuine imitation cup holder for that console. Keep the lid in the trunk for car shows, otherwise its very good at keeping the beverages in one place.
graemlins/beers.gif

http://www.brainerd.net/~knudsen/69RS/Interior/cupholder.JPG