4 Speed Console Template on Ebay: Any Good? Advice Appreciated

[Road_Runner]

Even though I haven't 100% decided to change over to a manual, I'm picking up the necessary pieces a little at a time.  I've got a nice auto console I can use, but before I start cutting/grinding on it with my dremel tool I figured I'd check here to see if the templates being sold on Ebay are any good, and see if anyone who's done it has any hard-earned lessons they could share.  I really don't want to screw this up so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

[Grec]

I didn't get the template from Ebay, but I did get one from a member here years ago and it looked to be the exact same pattern.

I converted my console a few months ago and it worked perfectly. The one trick was getting a cutting tool that goes fast enough to cut the plastic vs. simply melting it's way through it. ie a Dremel with a cutting bit won't cut it, so to speak. I cut a small piece out of the console in the area I knew would be removed and tested with a couple tools before I found what worked. I can'f for the life of me remember what the winning one was called though, unfortunately. Was router-like though. Spinning bit that just cut through.

The way I transfered the pattern to the console was to cut it out and carefully outline the pattern with tape. Then simply cut along the inside edge of the tape line.

Once that was done, I went in and smoothed out the cut lines. Looks great in the car and only the most observant / knowledgable mopar heads would be able to spot it. :-)

Hope this helps!

[Road_Runner]

... removed and tested with a couple tools before I found what worked. I can'f for the life of me remember what the winning one was called though, unfortunately. Was router-like though. Spinning bit that just cut through.

Rotozip maybe?  I've got one of those too, but was hoping the dremel would do the trick because I've used one for years.  Never used the Rotozip for anything other than bathroom tile.  Thanks for the great feedback!

Later, Jim

[daveh]

This will do the trick just great.  I've used it on plastic dozens of times.  Use a fine toothed blade.  Just take your time or it can get away from you quickly. 

I was also looking for that template if anyone has it please let me know.  Thanks

http://www.harborfreight.com/high-speed-metal-saw-91753.html

Dave

[Katfish]

I would think the dremel tool should work, plenty of RPMs.

Just get the right cut-off wheel and practice 1st.

[the_engineers]

Use tape as suggested above and the melted flash from the Dremel should break off pretty cleanly.