Console ?

[Bentblazer]

Can someone explain the difference between the round cup holders vs square holes in the consoles? Year diff.? truck vs blazer? Thanks

[too much stuff]

As far as i know, around 75 or 76 gm went to the cup holder style. I would think someone can narrow it down a little closer.

[pumpkin]

73 is when they started with cup holders.

[dubds10]

Related to the original question....anybody know the actual production dates for these center consoles? When did they start/stop using these consoles in the Blazers/Jimmy's?? I keep finding the 67-72 console in 70s-early 80s blazers.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by pumpkin

73 is when they started with cup holders.

I disagree, the square seat belt style was in the 73+ models for a year or two. Maybe it was 75 like Too Much Stuff mentioned. Somewhere in there they changed over to the cup holder style.

[jasons]

I remember years ago my parents had a 76 Jimmy and it still had the seat belt holders in the console, so the change would have been after that.

[Mike C]

I've got a cup holder console in my '72 that came from a '77 Jimmy. I traded a set of high backs and later style console from an '81 Jimmy for the '77 low backs and console. I much prefer the cup holder style but have my original completely restored if I ever want to go back.

[CORSAIR]

The problem with narrowing it down is GM would use what the had when the vehicle came down the line. I once saw a 69 Corvair with 69 Camero seats and sterring wheel from the factory it was one of the last ones to come off the line and they had run out of Corvair parts and used what would fit.
So to say it ended at this date and time or model is hard to to do

[jlmerie]

I have about a dozen of these consoles. It is my observation that the round "cup holder" style console started to be available in 1973. I have seen the square (rectangular, "seat belt") style in all 1972 and earlier trucks and blazers that had a console. I have also seen the square style as late as 1976 which is also about the last of the low back bucket seats. I have never seen what I believe is a correct factory installation of a cup holder style console in a 1972 or earlier truck. It may be possible, but every one I have ever seen had been swapped out.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by jlmerie

I have about a dozen of these consoles. It is my observation that the round "cup holder" style console started to be available in 1973. I have seen the square (rectangular, "seat belt") style in all 1972 and earlier trucks and blazers that had a console. I have also seen the square style as late as 1976 which is also about the last of the low back bucket seats. I have never seen what I believe is a correct factory installation of a cup holder style console in a 1972 or earlier truck. It may be possible, but every one I have ever seen had been swapped out.

I think you are on the right track here. Sounds like there was overlap between the two consoles starting with the 73+ body style (72 and down was definitely seatbelt style only). Maybe in 73+ the seatbelt style was standard, cup holder was an upgrade for a few years??? Or the seatbelt style came with one kind of seat and cupholder with a different style?

[blazintowers]

think it also had to do with the lap belt being switched over to the over the shoulder style seat belt, all the ones I have seen with lap belts had the square holes to place it when not in use.

[1972CST]

Not sure on the years.... all I know is I wanna cut my square holes out and install a cup-holder insert from the mid-70's if possible. Just gotta find one I guess? Anyone done this?

[CORSAIR]

I would agree a drink holder is far more functional than a seat belt holder???
But you have to give props to GM for the thought kinda Like the should belts in a 72 chevelle with the cool clips on the headline area by the doors totaly cool and totaly non fuctional?

[blazintowers]

don't cut up the original! find an aftermarket or build a custom one! just saying...

[Critter]

Originally Posted by blazintowers

think it also had to do with the lap belt being switched over to the over the shoulder style seat belt, all the ones I have seen with lap belts had the square holes to place it when not in use.

Sounds like we have a winner, I'm going with that thoery from now on.

[dubds10]

So when did they stop using the actual console though?? Besides the whole seat belt/cup holder setup. I bought a center console from a guy and he said it came out of a buddy's 80s Blazer but it's the '70s style with cup holders. But I've seen a few late 70s/early 80s blazers with this console, so now I'm wondering when they actually stopped using it....??? Late 70s maybe? Early 80s???

Or is it...who really knows lol

[1972CST]

Originally Posted by blazintowers

don't cut up the original! find an aftermarket or build a custom one! just saying...

Your right... Anyone wanna trade?

[Dave]

'73-'75 for sure and early production '76 was the last for the seat belt holders. Beyond that, it was the cup holder type.
Buddy buckets started in '66 and were generally found in a camper specials, panel/delivery trucks and cab/chassis. Then in '67-68 CST's as well the aforementioned models and were not used past '69. This was because GM created the Blazer and didn't want to have 2 different types of bucket seat arrangements to inventory or sell. So the supplier was picked up by Dodge and Int'l from that point forward.

[jlmerie]

When the Blazer came out didn't they have two types of bucket seats anyway? The regular buckets and the utility buckets?

[Dave]

There was a utilitarian bucket in the early '69 Blazers that was similar to the pre and '67 panel/delivery trucks, so to answer your question-- yes.

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by jlmerie

When the Blazer came out didn't they have two types of bucket seats anyway? The regular buckets and the utility buckets?

Yes, there were utilty bucket seats. They were wider and therfore didn't come with a center console. I think they were available from 69-72

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by CORSAIR

The problem with narrowing it down is GM would use what the had when the vehicle came down the line. I once saw a 69 Corvair with 69 Camero seats and sterring wheel from the factory it was one of the last ones to come off the line and they had run out of Corvair parts and used what would fit.
So to say it ended at this date and time or model is hard to to do

I agree, I have seen both types of consoles in 76's. I would say a mid year change/or whenever inventory on hand ran out. Mel

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by Dave

There was a utilitarian bucket in the early '69 Blazers that was similar to the pre and '67 panel/delivery trucks, so to answer your question-- yes.

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Yes, there were utilty bucket seats. They were wider and therfore didn't come with a center console. I think they were available from 69-72

I agree with too much on this one, I have personally had original non-console 70, 71 and 72 blazers with the wider utility setup instead of sport buckets. Mel

[Dave]

Mel your right, I forgot about the forest preserve, gas company and state hwy blazers and subs I've parted out over the years. Most of what I've seen out there has been the A50 bucket seats. Not sure, but I think the utility buckets were A34 and A35. Anyone know for sure?

[scf100]

Bringing this thread back......

Can someone post pictures of these different consoles?