Console Differences

[bartman]

I found some threads listing differences in early and later consoles, but I'm still not sure whether or not this leather console cover will fit on my 73 US spec 240Z.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351411917054?item=351411917054&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

The listing is from the UK and lists the item as being for 260Z 280Z 2+2 74-78, but the image looks just like my console. I asked the seller and they replied that if it looks the same it will fit.

What do you think?

[Captain Obvious]

Hmmm... Methinks there's some kind of confusion going on here, but I don't know where it starts.

 

First off, make sure we all agree on exactly what that auction is for... That auction is for a piece of floppy leather fabric that you spread over and glue onto the flip open lid that already exists on your Z car console. That auction is not for a console. Nor is that auction for a lid. That auction is just fabric skin cover. So, if your car doesn't have a flip open lid on the console, that leather cover is useless to you.

 

Next, I don't believe they started putting covers on the consoles until sometime into the 280 timeline (75 maybe?), so unless your car is already non-stock in that regard and you or a previous owner has already put a lid on your console, you'll need to do that first.

 

And last, I don't even know if the 240 consoles have the same shaped pocket as the later years. I believe the size and shape of the 260 console is the same as the 280 and even has provisions for hinge attachments for a cover, but there was no cover included. The point is, I don't even know if a 280 cover will properly fit on something earlier than 74.

 

I know that's kind of rambling, but hope some of that helps. 

[bartman]

I agree that it is just a leather cover, but disagree that it is only for the flip open lid.  It specifically lists the auction as being for "BLACK LEATHER CENTRE CONSOLE&ARMREST SKIN COVERS".  I also agree that that the consoles in question did not come with covers, but I am already non-stock so that is not an issue on my project.

Edited November 15, 2015 by bartman

[Captain Obvious]

OK, I think I understand where some of the confusion is coming from, and some of it was mine. That auction is for two leather pieces, not just one. One piece is to be glued onto the flip open lid, and the other piece is to be glued right onto the console itself. So even if you're not intending to use the lid skin (don't know if you even have a lid), you might still be able to use the other piece of leather to glue onto your 73 console, right?

 

The question becomes... Is the shape of the 73 console the same as the 74 and later consoles, and would that skin designed for a 74 and later even fit on your 73 console?

 

And unfortunately, I don't know the answer to that. I can point out, however, that the console they have pictured has been cut up and modified up near the radio area. There's supposed to be holes for the knob shafts and plastic bar that spans the two sides. Someone has removed a bunch of material from that console and I think that might make it look more similar to the older units.

[djwarner]

You may experience some language problems with this seller. They will not be able to comfirm fitment with the 240Z consoles. And no, I believe there are enough differences between to 240 and 260 consoles to make fitment extremely difficult if not impossible. 

[SteveJ]

There are 3 types of S30 center consoles that I am aware of.

1. 70-71

2. 72-73

3. 74-78

Within the 3rd type, I'm lumping in the 260Z consoles without a lid since they are completely interchangeable.

Having said that, I do not see any similarities between types 2 & 3. The 2+2 has a different part number for the center console than the coupe, though it changes to the same part number for the last of the 78s.

[bartman]

So It looks like I have a type 2 console and this auction is for type 3 console cover, and it won't fit properly. Thanks for the help.

Edited November 15, 2015 by bartman

[zKars]

While the 260/280 consoles are quite a bit larger than the 240 consoles, and this cover may more than have enough material to cover your 73 consoles, there may be detail differences that leave an area blank. I wouldn't chance it.

BTW the 2+2 consoles have an ashtray on the very back vertical end cap. Other wise they are interchangable with the coupe version

[Bonzi Lon]

I have a 73 and was given a lid for the later console, 76, 77 or 78 can't remember what he said.  It will not fit, too large in both length and width.

 

Bonzi Lon

[bartman]

So it appears that 74-78 260Z 280Z complete consoles are not that hard to find.  Would this later model console easily fit in my 73 240Z?

[SteveJ]

No. I looked into that about 10 years ago.

[SteveJ]

Let me re-phrase: You'd have to change the dash and center console, and I don't know what modifications that would entail.