I recently acquired a mini-console with the 4 gauges (clock,vacuum, oil,alt) from a 1983 SW. It won't fit in my 81 SW w/o trimming due to the package tray (plastic tray beneath radio w/AC outlets) hanging to low to floor. My question: Is my package tray not installed properly by PO or does the tray have to be trimmed so the console will tuck up underneath it?
You shouldn't have to trim the console. My 81 did not come with a console, and I was able to swap one in. However, my package tray does not have those braces in the middle in the back, so the package tray is able to flex upwards. It might be a different story if the braces were there.
When I installed mine that I got from a junkyard, I also had to trim the console to clear the package tray.
My sx4 had one with it uninstalled, and it looks like someone trimmed quite a bit off of the sides and I don't have the package tray.... I think it would look funny if I installed it, not to mention the needles are broken off of the gauges....