Topic: Was the Orig. console woodgrain a covered metal sheet?

[wunderwerks]

I cannot get the vinyl woodgrain to hold without shrinking and curling up especially in our Kansas heat.  I thought I had seen an old console that had the vinyl glued to an aluminum sheet and the aluminum was then glued to the console metal.  Was that an anomaly or did I remember correctly?  I checked on Virginia Mustang's web site and they show a vinyl wrapped metal for a manual shift but none for an automatic which is what I need.  I can't find anyone else that even offers it.  Anybody know where I could find one?

[jwc66k]

You got it. Aluminum intermediate panels show up on e-bay motors parts under "66" "Ford" "Mustang" "console". You might experience sticker shock.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

+1, original wood grain inserts had metal backing.  Interesting detail is that on the shift bezel for the console, the thin strip on the side would be painted brown, there should be no decal 'sliver' that extends down the side there.

[Murf]

I have had good results using aluminum flashing (used for roofing - put in the valleys under the shingles).  It is thick enough to hold the vinyl and still thin and workable enough that you can cut it to shape with nothing more than a good, sharp pair of scissors if that is all you have.  It takes a while to cut it but just be patient and you will get excellent results.  If you have the reproduction vinyl woodgrain you will have to cut your alloy to the shape of what you buy - it is a slight bit different than the original.  Use contact cement to attach the aluminum backed vinyl to the console top and you will find it does not shrink and/or lift where the console top bends upward just under the flip up door.  It worked for me, and you can normally get enough flashing from any roofing contractor for a cool beer.  It is also sold in little rolls in big box hardware stores.  I did this years ago to a console and it still looks great with no separation.  Just one avenue you may consider.

[wunderwerks]

I thought about making my own as this is not rocket science and the kits if available are around $100.  I'm going to check out the auto parts stores and Hobby Lobby for the correct matching woodgrain vinyl as the existing vinyl has shrunk and curled up.

Charley--that little detail about painting the tiny strip to the left of the shifter handle needs to be in writing somewhere.  That detail restoration book that you say you don't want to write would be an excellent place to include this detail.  I just hope you out live me and keep a sharp mind for the next 30 to 40 years.