Handbrake console bent

[jdnathan]

Does anyone know why this console unit is bent, and how I get it straight again?

 

[Nassau65]

Possibly old age sun damage. Doesn’t look like it’s actually bent, just warped. Try fixing the front ends to the bottom with commercial grade double sided tape. Once secured and set in place a bit of silicone sealer inside where it doesn’t show for that bit of extra help.

 

[jdnathan]

Possibly old age sun damage. Doesn’t look like it’s actually bent, just warped. Try fixing the front ends to the bottom with commercial grade double sided tape. Once secured and set in place a bit of silicone sealer inside where it doesn’t show for that bit of extra help.

Really appreciate that, il give that a go.

 

[antijam]

The plastic console is reinforced inside with a screwed on metal frame.......


Drivers often put their hands on the console for support when getting into or leaving the car and this can eventually cause the frame to brake free from its attachments, often resulting in the sort of distortion you're seeing. New consoles are available but the damage can usually be repaired by bonding the metalwork back into the console. A high strength adhesive is essential and I think I used an Araldite of some sort when repairing mine.

 

[jdnathan]

The plastic console is reinforced inside with a screwed on metal frame.......
View attachment 30567

Drivers often put their hands on the console for support when getting into or leaving the car and this can eventually cause the frame to brake free from its attachments, often resulting in the sort of distortion you're seeing. New consoles are available but the damage can usually be repaired by bonding the metalwork back into the console. A high strength adhesive is essential and I think I used an Araldite of some sort when repairing mine.

To be fair, it does look like that's what's happened, as the screws you can see at the top here are not screwed into anything.

 

[Roscobbc]

The plastic console is reinforced inside with a screwed on metal frame.......
View attachment 30567

Drivers often put their hands on the console for support when getting into or leaving the car and this can eventually cause the frame to brake free from its attachments, often resulting in the sort of distortion you're seeing. New consoles are available but the damage can usually be repaired by bonding the metalwork back into the console. A high strength adhesive is essential and I think I used an Araldite of some sort when repairing mine.

The handbrake console is certainly a weak spot on C3's......and yes I have heard disconcerting crunching noises many year ago when, perhaps foolishly kneeling or leaning on it when getting in the car. I do have a new replacement.....but won't fit it untill I have (and hidden from view) added some 'glassed-in' strengthening on the underside.

 

[Nassau65]

It is indeed a very structurally weak item. Most owners I think by now have the aftermarket cushion that sits on top.

 

[jdnathan]

It is indeed a very structurally weak item. Most owners I think by now have the aftermarket cushion that sits on top.
View attachment 30568View attachment 30569

Cheers, it does have a rubber type cushion thing onto of it, so I guess it's protected, but I think the chap before me weighed a few more pounds than I do...

 

[Nassau65]

Some owners also use the handbrake cover with a cushion on top as a seat for a small child. Obviously not allowed nowadays as no seat belt and child seat laws, but back in the day here in the UK, it was pretty common. Still see it being done in FLA a lot.

 

[Chuffer]

It is indeed a very structurally weak item. Most owners I think by now have the aftermarket cushion that sits on top.
View attachment 30568View attachment 30569

I fitted one to my 1980 C3 in oat meal leather to match the new seats I fitted . The cushion pad is also embroidered with Corvette logo and finishes the interior off nicely I think . Better than the floppy rubber `jelly mold` fitted as standard !!!

 

[Nassau65]

The earlier covers were made of a different material rather like a hard plastic.. I’ve cracked a few in my time , pushing down on them too hard.

 

[Emc]

Cheers, it does have a rubber type cushion thing onto of it, so I guess it's protected, but I think the chap before me weighed a few more pounds than I do...

It's an after market one missing the reinforcement, I bet the rear one is missing also, by fitting it ,it will return to a better shape