33 replies to this topic

[arrimar]

rex i got one of the rare spares ones for mine and it fits well(apart from the gear pattern sticker argh)

yours sounds like a monaro style low and sleek with open compartment?

i believe this is the one you ask for,100 bucks from rares or cheaper without boot

Edited by arrimar, 10 May 2007 - 07:50 PM.

[REDA9X]

racy you have a HQ console, you need a Torana one.

[Dr Terry]

Hi Guys.

I beg to differ arrimar & REDA9X. The LH SL/R (& other LHs optioned with a centre console) made between March '74 and Nov '74 use the low, open console that looks like the HQ style. It does have the dedicated Torana shape at the bottom.

I've done research on this one recently & found the early (different) part numbers. Also the LH SL/R sales brouchure, dated March '74 has a good picture of it.

Dr Terry.

[REDA9X]

I've never seen one in an SLR5000 Terry and I'd be very suprised if they fitted one in a 5000. Even the earliest cars the magazines tested, and the very early brochures don't show a 5000 with that type of console. Maybe racy could post some pics up, but it certainly would not prove it was original fit.

[Dr Terry]

Hi Guys.

I agree that it is vague, but here is the info I have.

In the original press releases, no mention is made of the high console & all early factory photos & sales brochures only show the HQ-style console. But, having said that, they only show SL & SL/R interiors, there are no photos specifically mentioning SL/R 5000.

The early parts bulletins, these are what is used until the parts books are printed in the early months of an new model series, only list 1 part number for a centre console housing. This is the same part number as the one listed as 'console - without lid' in the later parts books. In the later parts books, they list 2 types, 'console - with or without lid. They don't list any model or chassis or date break. The LH workshop manual has a drawing of the HJ-style console, but this manual is not dated & I know from being in the industry at the time, that they were not in print & available when the LH was first released.

I have a black & white glossy book titled 'LH Torana Engineering Report'. This was printed for dealers when the LH was released, once again no mention of the HJ-style console. All photos show the HQ-style.

What is often forgotten about the LH Torana range, is that when it was released it came in 2 stages. The LH 6 & V8 cars were anounced on 4th March '74 & were on sale with a week of that date. Brief mention was made of the Torana 1900 models in the release notes, but said they would be released later than the 6/V8 models, probably around May. There must have been a few hold-ups because 1900 models didn't actually reach the showrooms until June/July '74.

The dealer info brochure for the Torana 1900 has the earliest photo I can find of the HJ-style console in an LH. The Torana 1900 SL is the only non-SL/R (in regular production) that has a centre floor-shift console fitted as standard equipment.

I'll quote from that brochure:-

"A feature of the 1900 interior is the distinctive arm-rest console, which is standard on the 'SL' model and available as part of the Tri-Matic option for the 'S' model. This console will be introduced into production throughout the LH range of six and eight models later this year."

Does anybody have more info, as I said it's all a bit vague.

On racyrabbit's other query about the console front lids, aren't they either black or timber-tone. AFAIK 'fish scale', officially called milled finish, was only used on HQ. I'll do some more searching.

Dr Terry.

[REDA9X]

I agree the parts book lists both lid and non lid and does specify VD for both, but thats a very early book that also lists the XU2 decals. Also, workshop manuals and brochures differ greatly from what was actually available. The brochures even have a warning about it. A good example in the VL Walkinshaw with it's covered 6th window. Looking through the books last night the earliest magazines at the time with SLR5000's had the full console.

[kudu]

I don't know the difference between the HQ and J's consoles. But my SL/R 5000 was built in NOV 74 from memory and it has a long black console with a high padded lift up arm rest at the back with a compartment below. As far as I know it is original. Although mine is an auto version so they may have some bearing on what console was fitted. I also have an original advert for the 5000 which features a barbados green car and although it is a bit hard to tell i believe it shows the one with the padded armrest.

[REDA9X]

the true test will be to turn it on it's side and have a look at the lower edge. It still won't prove it's factory fitted however.

Top is HQ-WB, bottom is LH-LX

[REDA9X]

Try taking a pic of the same area I did, not the front section

[REDA9X]

Just been having a really good look through some bits and pieces and I think I have found a pic showing that sort of console in an early 5000. It's a bit hard to see, but I can't see a padded lid in the pic. I'll scan it up and post the pic. Proves the point you learn something new every day.