My Riviera console install

I finally started my console install a little while back. I posted at ISSF as well, but might as well double up here!

I'm using a '98 Riv console similar to the one installed by 95roadmonster



This how it fit before cutting



Did some triming and wiring...., as went along I realized that I had removed some plastic that I didn't need to, I will detail that later for the next person who tries this everything is fine, it was just extra work I didn't need to do.



The console now ready for brackets
I wired up the lights, cigarette lighter (it will power my touch screen) and the power port.



Removed the 7mm screws that held the ashtray and junk box



the ashtray light will provide power to the console lights, since both are GM, they are even the same color. I will tap into the lighter to power and ground the power port



These are not needed, they are for the sissy "cant shift out of park without the brake on" solenoid


power to the lights



power to the lighter



power to the power port!



Tonight I will need to cut the Camaro shifter base down

looks good so far. the only thing i dont like about mine is i wish the arm rest was higher

mtrhead79 wrote:

looks good so far. the only thing i dont like about mine is i wish the arm rest was higher

And mine will be even lower because to snuggle up to the '91-'93 dash you need to lower the console. That is what stopped me from usine the riv shifter.

i cut the two mounting tabs on the riv shifter where the console bolts to, and lowered them to get it where the console sat at right height. here is a pic you can see the flat steel i welded in can also see how i welded the cable ball on shifter a 1/2 closer to the cable

Oh yeah,
I didn't notice that. That's good info....I figure the cable and shifter will be my biggest hurdle. One step at a time.

mtrhead79 wrote:

i cut the two mounting tabs on the riv shifter where the console bolts to, and lowered them to get it where the console sat at right height. here is a pic you can see the flat steel i welded in can also see how i welded the cable ball on shifter a 1/2 closer to the cable

This where I left off last night. I still need the shift cable setup but it's getting there! I wanted to be done before Wagonfest West but no dice.......

what are you planning on doing with the spot where the cd player use to go.

mtrhead79 wrote:

what are you planning on doing with the spot where the cd player use to go.

Welllll........
The theory is that I will move the stereo down there, move my HVAC controls up to the stereo spot and install an 8" touch screen in the space of the HVAC controls and the upper console.......
I plan to re-install my CarPC, in the meantime, I have seen Rivieras that put an optional CD player in that spot. I bet that they also had a "junk box" or something that filled the spot on the cars without a CD player. I just need to find one on eBay. If I decide later that I don't need a stereo at all (My carPc has Sat radio, FM radio and MP3) then I will probably install a CD/DVD-R drive in that spot.

But I'm pretty slow at starting new mods.............

I really reeeeeally want to do a Riviera console. Too bad I have NO IDEA what it takes...

the rivs that dont have cd player have 4 cassette tape holder there i have 1 like that here is pic the blue one has it

Stingroo wrote:

I really reeeeeally want to do a Riviera console. Too bad I have NO IDEA what it takes...

It's not really that tough, takes more thinking than work. I will do a detailed writeup when I'm actually finished!

mtrhead79 wrote:

the rivs that dont have cd player have 4 cassette tape holder there i have 1 like that here is pic the blue one has it

Yeah, that's right, I saw a CD holder on ebay awhile back.

That would be awesome! I mean, I know it's been done before and all, but best of luck with your project.

What are you doing about the hole in the column after you delete the shift lever?

Looks great. Amazing how the Riv consoles just look like they belong there.

I was SOOOO tempted to buy the tan one mtrhead79 had at WF. But I need another project like a hole in the head...

Stingroo wrote:

What are you doing about the hole in the column after you delete the shift lever?

I plan to ignore it...... Once I pull the lever, I hope it wont bug me

DBeaSSt wrote:

Looks great. Amazing how the Riv consoles just look like they belong there.

I was SOOOO tempted to buy the tan one mtrhead79 had at WF. But I need another project like a hole in the head...

Do it! It isn't that hard to do. I kept an ebay saved search going until I found a Garnet red unit. Tan or gray units are easy to find.

I need a red one too, if I go through with it.

Or I could just spray this Blazer console I have with red and just keep the column shift.... Hmm.. I guess I need a power passenger seat. lol

Stingroo wrote:

I need a red one too, if I go through with it.

Or I could just spray this Blazer console I have with red and just keep the column shift.... Hmm.. I guess I need a power passenger seat. lol

Nope, just cut down the drives seat. It's easy as pie. You can just tuck the extra between the seat and console until you find an interior shop to fix it up for you

i got rid of the bump on colum where the old shifter was. i thought it would be harder than it was. i pulled colum cut the bump of then you will see a spring in there pull it out i used a wood shim and some teflon coated material that i slid up behind the hole to support the jb weld while it dried(24 hrs) then sanded it and used a little body filler to smooth it out. i worried about doing it but it was alot easier than i thought




oh before you start cutting on colum make sure to use 2 trash bags to cover up the rest of the colum. the dust will go every where including inside the colum

mike that console was calling your name

DBeaSSt wrote:

Looks great. Amazing how the Riv consoles just look like they belong there.

I was SOOOO tempted to buy the tan one mtrhead79 had at WF. But I need another project like a hole in the head...

+1

In fact Mike and I stood there and discussed why neither of us needed another project, then I walked by it again about 6 times....
Only reason I DIDN'T buy it, is that I already have a tan blazer console waiting to go in, although the RIV console IS much nicer....and I do have other wagons....

i think besides how they blend into the dash my favorite part is the cup holders and how they disappear

thought i would post pic of another option for the riv console just picked it up the other day. tomorrow i will paint it and cut it to fit my car will post pics on my riv pics post.


it holds 4 cds

Wow I've never seen one like that! Cool.

this was my 1st also. the riv had a cd player built into the radio, not seperate. i cut it to fit and cleaned it up, letting it dry then i will paint it today.

Mtrhead that is some beautiful work!I really like how it looks like a factory installation.I have never seen that 4
CD storage compartment before either.
More Pics
Jim aka Flasheroo

What are the years for these consoles? I have an idea for my car and I think a Riv console is perfect for it...

WagonmasterRuss wrote:

It's not really that tough, takes more thinking than work. I will do a detailed writeup when I'm actually finish

Thank you! I just bought one today and I'm really excited to get it in. I wont be doing a shifter, partially becuase I still love my column shift, and because I plan to use the space as a rack for my CB, strobes and scanner.

thanks for compliments

I did the Riv console swap 2 years ago and I love it. Both consoles I have came with the cd storage. I am now in the process redoing the stereo in my wagon and just moved the radio to the console, moved the HVAC controls to the top and I have a 10" screen between the dashvents and a 5.6" screen into the rear a/c vent on the console . Also added an iPod dock into the dash and built a dvd player into the console lid. Also fiberglassed the dashpad. Stuff is still roughed in while I get the funds up to finish the project.

that sounds cool. i wish i did not have to loose the ash tray in mine i could have added something in there but the 94 has a drop in the bottom

This is what mine looked like when done... Notice how mine sits higher than yours? Did you trim the bottom of the console too? I left mine alone, just removed the rear piece the the A/C vent went thru then trimmed the 1/2 moon shape to fit the floor. rmrest is the perfect hieght for me(I'm 6'5")



I had to make a new indicator lense because the F body shifter didn't index with the Riviera...

i cut the top off did not have to cut the bottom. i would love to have ash tray so i could put gauges in there then i could shut door to hid them when not in use. i used the riv shifter. yours looks great

How much and where do you "trim" the console to fit? I assume from the bottom of the arm rest area? I have mine all SEM'd and ready to go, I just need to trim it.

on mine i cut the 2 mounting tabs off of the bottom rear and made my own plate to mount it and then cut the back end of console so the hump fit nice.

mtrhead79 wrote:

what are you planning on doing with the spot where the cd player use to go.

That slot is either for a 4cd holder, or cassette holder on the models w/o factory CD. It would be a great location to add a custom gauge pod. I've seen riv guys add an equalizer there as well. Personally, I find the cd holder very convenient.

For those who have done the swap, do you use the shifter cable from the riv or buy one for a 96 impala ?