Center Appearance Group Console Repro, AA vs 914Rubber? Options

[StarBear]

Thinking of finally replacing my original Appearance Group console. Mostly ok but for past 30+ years the right side top has had ugly black electrical tape to cover the split vinyl. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) Haven’t been able to find a concours grade right side piece. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)
Am tending toward the AA unit but interested in folks’ thoughts and experiences.
PM if that’s more comfortable. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Although our repro center console is identical in dimension to the original to make up for the thickening profile on the top, we use thicker wood. We have had the original bracketing reproduced, the plastic insert and use a nice looking vinyl shift boot. The stitching resembles the original heat seamed factory profile, and we even have had the original larger gauges reproduced. HOWEVER, in no way would it pass the concours muster for originality unless a judge did not know EXACTLY how the original should look. THEREFORE I would have yours recovered or look for an original needle in a haystack. Funny, for awhile, Porsche reproduced them and they looked TOTALLY home made with hand made stitching instead of the heat seam. OURS look FAR superior to the short lived factory reproduction