Center Console or No? Options

[rgolia]

Back in the 70's and 80's when I drove my 914 everyday I took it out. It was definitely a problem with boots on. When I did my restoration a few years ago I put it back in. I like the look, but it does cramp the feet.

[napasteve]

I'm not a fan of the console so when I had to remove it for the SS fuel line project, I didn't put it back in. No regrets. I sold my console and the working clock. I mounted the temp and voltage gauges under the dash with an aftermarket mount. My first 914 (I owned it from 1979-1986) also had a console but back when I was young I never even thought about the pro vs. con console issue. Here is the current setup:

[maf914]

Steve, Could you say what brand and who sells the 2-gauge mounting bracket that you used? It appears to be a little different from the typical brackets I've seen. Thank you.

I don't have a center console, but would like to add a few gauges. I wish there was a reasonable source for Porsche style multi-gauges.

[sfrenck]

I had a short one (under A/C unit) and took it out when I took out the non-working A/C. Never realized how much my foot hit the thing until it was gone.

Ended up getting a combo gauge with oil pressure and ditching the clock and battery gauge.

[GregAmy]

No center console in either of my cars. I'd like to add one to the 71' if anyone has one for sale it can collect dust in my garage. I like the look of the console.

I'm leaning toward removal, but I want to see and drive with it out first to make a rational decision. Ping me in a month or so (car is still in storage until we get through CT's winter). I'll have all three factory gauges to go with it (clock, oil temp, volts, right?)

[napasteve]

Mike,

I bought it on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NZ8EC...=UTF8&psc=1

I actually ended up buying several gauge holders and settled on this one. I needed to expand the openings a bit to make the gauges fit.

[zach914v8]

I am a +1 on no console. PITA to drive with one. Crams me up too much.

[maf914]

I bought it on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NZ8EC...=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks, Steve. I'll check that out.

[GregAmy]

Just to wrap this topic up, my decision was...

No console.

I removed the console a week or so ago to see what it looked like, and I preferred the clean look. Snagged a combo gauge with oil temp and installed that, and today (a very rare early March warm day in Connecticut) I drove up to Tangerine Racing for assistance in repairing a bum left trunk hinge.

I honestly didn't miss the console today. Really, all it had become to me was a way to house three gauges, that, except for the oil temperature, I've decided I don't really need. Oil pressure indication is a direct inverse correlation to oil temperature and except for a catastrophic failure really doesn't offer much else over the dolt light; voltage was kinda nice but I've got a dolt light to tell me when the system is bunged up*; oil temperature is now in the combo gauge on the dash. I've got a clock on my phone.

And it was nice not having the console in the way of my feet.

A forum member has snagged the console and gauges, and I may decide to add oil pressure later (no radio, so that's a good slot; or maybe next to the cig lighter?) But otherwise I'm pretty OK with the clean look of a bare floorboard.

Thanks for the thoughts!

Now to find a way to retain the driver's carpet in place so it's not moving around (I don't have the pins in the floorboard...)

- Greg


*Unrelated note: I used to get heavy voltmeter fluctuations with turn signal and brake light use. When I swapped to LED bulbs at all four corners that issue went completely away.

[dgraves]

I'm convinced to remove my center console for the space. Can someone send me photo of their interior without the center console? I need options. Thanks for all the dialogue. Great to read what's going on out there.

[GregAmy]

Same car, without replacement center carpet bit and shift boot (both are enroute from 914Rubber).

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1201.photobucket.com-15565-1487195560.1.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1201.photobucket.com-15565-1488837369.1.jpg)

[dgraves]

Same car, without replacement center carpet bit and shift boot (both are enroute from 914Rubber).

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1201.photobucket.com-15565-1487195560.1.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1201.photobucket.com-15565-1488837369.1.jpg)

Did you have a Defrost On/Off Switch near your heater knob in the center console? I do. If you did, what did you do with it?

Thank you.

[GregAmy]

Did you have a Defrost On/Off Switch near your heater knob in the center console? I do. If you did, what did you do with it?

There was a defrost button installed there in the center console when I bought it, but no defrost glass. The car came to me with a BUNCH of other parts from a disassembled '74; I think that console came out of that car, as there is much evidence that my car was not delivered with a console (hacked install, incorrect straight heater lever for console, incorrect wiring install, other things).

I may still have that switch in the garage attic parts boxes. PM me if you need it, I'll go take a look.

Just curious: how did you know?

EDIT: Just took a quick peek. What I thought was a switch is actually the indicator light, such as this one: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1546528

I actually have two of those (no wiring harness attached). Can you post a pic of the switch itself so I know what it looks like?

[ndfrigi]

removing mine too soon when I got new carpet.

[dgraves]

[quote name='GregAmy' date='Mar 6 2017, 05:45 PM' post='2461222']
[quote name='dgraves' post='2461220' date='Mar 6 2017, 06:34 PM']

My mistake. I have a Defrost Indicator light. It comes on when the red heater knob is pulled up. I suppose that I can just disconnect it. I haven't seen one on a car without the console.

Thanks again.

[jor]

Dgraves asked for a photo without center console. I have a fire extinguisher where the center console should be and moved the gauges to a 904-replica ancillary. More useful, I think. Really, though, I just like the more open feel of the cabin without the console.

[dgraves]

Dgraves asked for a photo without center console. I have a fire extinguisher where the center console should be and moved the gauges to a 904-replica ancillary. More useful, I think. Really, though, I just like the more open feel of the cabin without the console.

Thanks for that photo. My 914 came with 5 gauge space 911 dash, so I think I'm saying adios to the console. Is that Chrome Yellow on your car. That's what I'm thinking for paint.

[jor]

I don't think you'll miss the console.

My car is Ravenna Green; the photo washed out in light. I attach a photo of the car at TLG in North Hollywood.

[9fourteen14]

speaking of the center console......
(reminder) I have a 74 2.0
i see pictures of consoles and sometimes the clock is on top and sometimes
they are in the middle.

what gives.. why is this?

also mine and many others clock is not working.....
I have never felt the time was worth getting it working.
is this the way others feel .. is that why theirs is not working.

actually today i checked mine and it is connected but the time is not
correct.... it never changes why?

thanx y'all this is an awesome forum.
lots of GREAT info here.

914 luva in MA

[Rand]

I get keeping the console for originality on cars that came with it. But it's an obnoxious obstacle otherwise. So much space taken up for 3 gauges. The gauges should go up in the dash. Shave the ash tray and fit them into the dash face (rather than adding them in a way that looks like an afterthought in place of an old ash tray). I know, that's a lot of custom work, but also why I like it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Then again, I'm ok with eliminating all the heater/vent controls and radio space (perfect real estate)!