any tips on mounting a console in 66?

I bought a tool from the Snap-On man to solve this very problem. The tool is basically a heavy duty ice pick that is made to be hit with a hammer. The shaft is hardened and slightly tapered, so the further it is hammered into the sheet metal, the larger the hole. You basically position the console on the carpet, put the tool in a mounting hole of the console, and whack it with a hammer, then put in the console screw.

I also suggest heating an icepick and poking it through the console to burn a hole in the carpet so the screw has an easier time going through. Fully nylon carpeting makes this easier. The edges won't get frayed and you'll have an easier time screwing down the screw. I suggest burning the carpet after you've marked the holes from Mr. Fixit's suggestion. Remove console, then find the punch marks and burn the hole.

Can't wait for the Snappy guy to come by. My coworker showed me that punch. Very cool. Gotta get me one of those. He said they come in different sizes too.
gjz, great idea for the carpet. So simple. I hate console screws. That would make it EASY to install and reinstall.
The bracket bolts to the trans tunel and goes under the carpet. But could go on top. Positioning in a non-console car s simply a best fit. You wil need to get the console where it fits best. Centered over the shifter hole? SOmething like that. Or see if someone can measure the holes location for you on a car with a console. Once you drill the holes, thenyou could put the carpet down and install the bracket on top the carpet. THat bracket will make centering the carpet more difficult. Once you cut for it, yo will not have much overlap that the console will cover if you cut left or right oo far and need to pull the carpet to one side.

mr-fixit said:

I bought a tool from the Snap-On man to solve this very problem. The tool is basically a heavy duty ice pick that is made to be hit with a hammer. The shaft is hardened and slightly tapered, so the further it is hammered into the sheet metal, the larger the hole. You basically position the console on the carpet, put the tool in a mounting hole of the console, and whack it with a hammer, then put in the console screw.

Click to expand...

This method is much better than drilling holes. Punching retains the original metal which gives the screw more contact area for attachment.