Any advice getting into my 67 center console without destroying it?

[dbrick]

Have a whole console out of the car in NJ. I'll go look now. So we need to pop a locked or unlocked latch?

[dbrick]

Just looked at a 66 console. The latch is recessed, as mentioned above. If it's unlocked and not releasing, that's going to be tough. If it's unlocked and pushes in but doesn't release, then it's in the latch. If it won't push in, drilling out may give you a way in to the latch, but drilling will make a mess and you'll need a cylinder. I'm assuming the console is still in the car?

[spl310]

I haven't had time to play with the console, but this is the part that broke:

http://datsunparts.com/1075

[mblue97]

Just looked at a 66 console. The latch is recessed, as mentioned above. If it's unlocked and not releasing, that's going to be tough. If it's unlocked and pushes in but doesn't release, then it's in the latch. If it won't push in, drilling out may give you a way in to the latch, but drilling will make a mess and you'll need a cylinder. I'm assuming the console is still in the car?

Yes it's unlocked and pushes in but doesn't release. Yes the console is in the car.

[msampsel]

I recall when my pot metal latch broke, the lid would not close. These (deans) were not available then so I made my own out of aluminum.

I can't figure how this can break (although I a agree it's the weak link) and keep the lid shut. I'm sure there is a way. If this part is the hang up, the drilling a hole in the side to put something in to shove the latch out the hasp seams doable. Depends on beauty or function.

Im thinking the pin that holds the latch to the lock somehow came out of one hole so the latch does not move off the hasp. Sorry I like mysteries

[Linda]

What is there on the other end? Any possibility there?
Linda

[mblue97]

Success thanks to David Premo! Take two pairs of pliers to each end of the shaft running through the back side of the lid and twist in opposite directions. The cotter pin holding that shaft together will break, then you can slide out the shaft holding on the back end of the lid. Only a minor casualty with a small nick on the vinyl on the side of the console, and marks on the mushroom ends of that shaft. It turns out that my lock wasn't broken either...just an adjustment was needed on the catch.

Thanks again for all of the replies and advice, and thanks again to David Premo. He said he did the same thing to his which is how he knew it would work.

[msampsel]

Well very clever indeed from Dave, kind of what I'd expect!
There is a wee cotter pin on the shaft but it's sorta hiding behind the worthless spring on the lid.

Wonder if Dave has any secrets for replacing the spring on the lid?

[dbrick]

Dave Premo to the rescue, again!

[C.Costine]

Success thanks to David Premo! Take two pairs of pliers to each end of the shaft running through the back side of the lid and twist in opposite directions. The cotter pin holding that shaft together will break, then you can slide out the shaft holding on the back end of the lid. Only a minor casualty with a small nick on the vinyl on the side of the console, and marks on the mushroom ends of that shaft. It turns out that my lock wasn't broken either...just an adjustment was needed on the catch.

Thanks again for all of the replies and advice, and thanks again to David Premo. He said he did the same thing to his which is how he knew it would work.

And now we are wondering what is the rest of the story?

[mblue97]

Not really much of a story but now that I have access to the center console, I've installed a small Kenwood bluetooth amp in there, and the controller for it is located where the ashtray was. I saw a write up on here for that exact amp. On a side note, the previous owner was never able to open the console either and he had the car for 6 years before I got it. Unfortunately there was no cash in there like I was hoping for!

[marty311]

I have a 66 in Lancaster!

[mblue97]

I have a 66 in Lancaster!

Hey Marty - we should meet up for a drive sometime.