Center Tunnel Corrosion, What to do?


Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
Hi everyone,

As you can see in the picture, my car is one of the ones which suffers from the center tunnel corrosion issue, and I don't know what to do about it.

This car has been kept in a climate controlled garage it's entire life and doesn't have a single other blemish on it, but the center tunnel started showing issues very early on. My dad never did anything about it, and I don't know whether to leave it, as I understand it can be difficult to correct and is somewhat part of this cars story/patina, or if I should have the part removed and repaired. I try to leave cars like this in factory assembled condition as much as possible. I've learned that the more you take them apart, the more you tend to create other issues which generally leave me wishing I had just let things be as they were.

For those of you that have also had this issue, what did you decide to do?

Thank you all!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tyksrzv2m3eqxfo/IMG_0868.JPG?dl=0
 

2112

Blue/white 06'
Mark II Lifetime
I think the best is to carefully R&R the tunnel and have it expertly refinished.

I don’t think there are any associated problems as long as you do it carefully.
.
 
Last edited:

Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
I think the best is to careful R&R the tunnel and have it expertly refinished.

I don’t think there are any associated problems as long as you do it carefully.
.
Thank you. Do you know of anyone who has experience with refinishing this part?
 

twobjshelbys

GT Owner
Jul 26, 2010
6,053
Las Vegas, NV
Can the paint be matched? Does it have a ppg code or is it like the wheels that have never been successfully matched?

Is the console still available from Ford? Its not difficult to r&r.
 

2112

Blue/white 06'
Mark II Lifetime
Yes it is still available, but grab your ankles.

and even a brand new part can arrive with blemishes.

to Hirschy, you aren’t too far from the GT Guy. Nobody better than him.

and yes, the paint can be matched.
.
 
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69b302

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Mar 13, 2021
97
Upstate NY
I believe the paint code is M7049A/TL Satin Silver Metallic. I touched up a few small chips in my console with this paint, and was happy with the match.
 
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roketman

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Oct 24, 2005
7,994
ma.
How much is a new center console
 

2112

Blue/white 06'
Mark II Lifetime
MSRP is/was $3800
 

Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
Do any of you know the part number?

Thank you all for the replies!
 

2112

Blue/white 06'
Mark II Lifetime
 

PeteK

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Apr 18, 2014
2,267
Kalama, Free part of WA State
I can verify that The GT Guy has the right paint and can refinish it. That would be my first step. After refinishing, put satin clear film on it to protect from future wear and tear. That’s what I did.
 
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Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
Thank you! I will call them on Monday and see if they have the part.
 

Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
I can verify that The GT Guy has the right paint and can refinish it. That would be my first step. After refinishing, put satin clear film on it to protect from future wear and tear. That’s what I did.
Thank you for your reply. I will firstly look into simply replacing the part, and if I can’t find it, I will look into refinishing options. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
 

ultrasportracing

GT Owner
Aug 31, 2011
490
Perth Western Australia

4G7Z-63045A36-AAA
Console Assy

Panel - Console
Silver
  • Base Number:
    <045A36
  • Callout Name:
    <045A36
$2502.33
Add To Car
I repaired mine, filled the insert slots with plasticene then sanded and repainted. Lightly heat with heat gun and the plasticene runs out with the help of a soft pick.
 

ultrasportracing

GT Owner
Aug 31, 2011
490
Perth Western Australia
from Ford Parts Giant,, stock unknown.Contact them.
 

tpraceman

THEE GT OWNER
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Feb 20, 2006
2,835
Washington Michigan
I wonder if Kip still has CF ones laying around?
 

2112

Blue/white 06'
Mark II Lifetime
I wonder if Kip still has CF ones laying around?

I wish he would build his parts and sell them.

I have tried contacting him thru his website several times over the last many years, never responded
 

Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
A CF console certainly would be cool, but I wonder if a single piece wouldn’t look out of place. I think I would either need to commit to a full CF interior conversion, or keep it all stock. At this point I think the best course of action is to find a new replacement part and keep everything stock. I have not yet been able to find one, but I’m sure there is one out there. Thank you all for your replies!
 

2112

Blue/white 06'
Mark II Lifetime
DId you contact Mike RuhBerg at White Bear lake?

They had them in stock last summer. I suppose it is possible they sold out but it isn't that commonly replaced.

Can always have yours professionally repainted.

Keep us posted.
 

Hirschy

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
31
Orono, MN
I did call White Bear Lake. They said they didn't have any and couldn't get them.