[Velocity]

The console between the front seats had been a bit loose since I purchased my 968, but recently split the hinge entirely (common problem on these cars and the 944s due to the "hinge" actually being a flexing piece of plastic and NOT an actual hinge).   

 

Decided to not only replace the console hardware/hinge, but re-felt the interior as the original was a bit trashed after nearly 30 years.   

 

Documented the repair with photos in case anyone else is interested :

 

Here's my starting point - filthy console with broken hinge and separated lid.   If you looks closely you can see the electrical tape to secure it in place until I could get the replacement part as well as the felt fabric separating from the interior of the lid:

 

   

 

Removal of the console is pretty straightforward - remove the two screws in back, remove ashtray, remove two more screws under it.   Console lifts out :

 

   

 

Side note - anyone have any idea what the small wired item is under ashtray?  Here's a closeup:

 

   

 

With the console removed, I took it and the lid inside - removal of the broken console trim piece was 9 small screws.  Here's the lid with the original/old felt in it after the broken console trim was removed:

 

   

 

The felt pulled right off (was already coming loose) - revealing the adhesive and original wood underneath: 

 

   

 

After some cleaning with a knife and paper towels, I was able to get most of the adhesive residue off:

 

   

 

Here's a closeup of the manufacturing marks inside the wood lid:

 

   

 

I cut a piece of 1/16" self-adhesive back neoprene foam I keep for car interior insulation/isolation and fit it to the interior of the lid:

 

   

 

Here's the new console tray (still available online - part number 944 552 553 01 01C) : 

 

   

 

The new console trim (with replacement hinge) reattached to lid with the same 9 small screws that were removed from the old one.

 

Re-installation in the car was the same 4 screws removed initially, and putting the ashtray back into position.  

Here's the finished product - happy to have a functional console tray again (minuscule as it is):

 

   

 

   

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[ds968]

Useless console to me , I can’t keep any of my 8-track tapes in  there   .    

Joking aside, nice job !  I’ve replaced those ridiculously fragile hinges / frames more than a dozen times over the years of 944s and 968s  ownership . 

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[Velocity]

Useless console to me , I can’t keep any of my 8-track tapes in  there   .    

Joking aside, nice job !  I’ve replaced those ridiculously fragile hinges / frames more than a dozen times over the years of 944s and 968s  ownership . 

 

Yeah, I have the feeling this new one will give out after a year or two.  If so, I may look to see if I can retrofit an actual hinge on there.

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[Roboman]

Useless console to me , I can’t keep any of my 8-track tapes in  there   .    

Joking aside, nice job !  I’ve replaced those ridiculously fragile hinges / frames more than a dozen times over the years of 944s and 968s  ownership .

Same for me, several 944/968 console replacements. In the end I gave up and glued a non-slip cover onto the base, just for my phone. I guess I should buy a new one and keep it in the box, in case they become NLA.

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[J.Elenbaas]

I replaced mine 20 years ago, and still going strong.

I think it also depends how often you open and close the lid, and how far you open it to get your things in and out.

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[vliegwielolaf1234]

original still in there , do not use , goes forever .

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[Kim]

the wire thing is, i think, the ashtray light bulb.

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[ds968]

There hasn’t been a single day when I did not rest my arm on that thing, *  which pushes it just enough to eventually weaken and tear the plastic “hinge”,  and I keep a few things there which I use frequently, so it gets opened a few times a day .   It’s not very sturdy for my use and abuse  :glare:

 * I did a lot of highway commute driving / cruising,  so not to much gear  shifting and thus the armrest console .. and no, I don’t drive with both hands on the wheel at the 10 and 2 clock positions,   B)

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[Velocity]

the wire thing is, i think, the ashtray light bulb.

 

That makes sense - had no idea the ashtray HAD a bulb - will test this theory next time I'm headed somewhere in the 968 at night.  :-)

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[J.Elenbaas]

Yes the ashtray has a light

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[Kaj Hallstrom]

WOW, I never realized that the ashtray had a light. Kind of hidden with only a small hole in the tray to shine through. Is it suppose to go on when you open the tray?....will have to play with it.

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[MCL968]

WOW, I never realized that the ashtray had a light. Kind of hidden with only a small hole in the tray to shine through. Is it suppose to go on when you open the tray?....will have to play with it.

Mine goes on with the headlights. Good thing the judges didn't check that at your last concours!

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[Roboman]

Yes, goes on with the headlights. Opening the ashtray lid is not a factor. The hole in the tray is so small that hardly any light gets through.  It is enough light to see where the ashtray actually is, but dim enough to be closed off when the lid slides shut.

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