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Topic: Center console trim panel ? (Read 734 times) previous topic - next topic

Center console trim panel ?

Not sure if this is in the right discussion area but here it goes. On my 86 XR7 my panel is peeling up at the corners and I want to replace it. On my car if I push the switch forward the windows go down and pull back they go up which matches the print on the panel also. My 87 Bird is labeled and works the opposite of this. My sons 83Bird works the same as the Cougar but is a textured panel and not labeled.  The ebay panels I find match the writing as my 87 so if I use one of do I have to rewire the switches or just keep searching for 86 and earlier panels or is there a easier way? Thanks

Center console trim panel ?

Reply #1 –
This is a tough thing to deal with because there are no good aftermarket solutions for the problem.

In general:

1983-84 had the black, krinkle-textured plate with forward/DOWN and back/UP labeling.
1985-86 had the dark grey, fine-textured plate with forward/DOWN and back/UP labeling.
1987-88 had the dark grey, fine-textured plate with forward/UP and back/DOWN labeling.

Do they all interchange? Yes. Console-to-console, the shapes were all the same. Some panels had tabs on the sides, that went into pre-cut holes in the plastic console panel, which was designed to help keep the aluminum plate from peeling. If the tabs are removed then the plate can be used on any console panel, 1983-88.

Obviously the 1983-84 panels are meant for those years only. Biggest difference is the position of the window switches (left side) and the joystick power mirror control (right side).

Finding a plate from one or two model years in NOS is ed difficult. You may have to use what you can find.

If you need to rewire the switch it's pretty simple to do. I had to do this in the '86. Unlike just about everyone else, I'm running chromed console switches which, due to the power mirror joystick, necessitated the use of the 1983-84 console panel. I hand made a custom aluminum plate (no nomenclature) and then rewired the window switch for forward/UP and back/DOWN. Problem easily solved for this situation.

You could always use a 1987-88 plate and spray paint over the UP/DOWN nomenclature. Years ago there used to be this stuff called PressType available at art supply stores, where you rub on lettering to surfaces. You might be able to get some of that to match, and rub them over the spray painted areas to match your window configuration. That would look the most professional IMO.

Center console trim panel ?

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the info guys. I have seen a few on ebay which is probably the way I will go and then just re-wire the switches. There is a NOS correct style with windows down to the frt and up to the back with dual seats on now for 45 bucks only issue is I dont have the factory alarm so I would have to deal with a extra hole.
 

Center console trim panel ?

Reply #4 –
Rewiring the switches is pretty simple. No cut and splice. Just remove the wire terminals from the switch base connector and reinstall them in the correct operating position that you wish to use.