Console Trim Replacement

[Phenom]

I am Trying to replace the console trim in the middle of an '82.
It is the plastic peice that the shifter, knobs, ashtray, etc.. are on.
What peice must come off first, looks like the side panels of the console, how are those attatched.
Thanks for any help.

 

[c4ever]

The carpeted side panels do come off first. There is a screw on the upper front portion and a screw at the rear sort of just below the top of seat cushion.(need to push down on the seat cushion to get to it.) This is from memory since I'm at work. Once the side panels are off the rest should be obvious. Just go slow.

Carlo

 

[Bob Chadwick]

If it is the same as the 77, you take the tunnel trim off then there are two screws on each side, two in the front that holds the center console to the gauge cluster and two in the rear that holds the center console to the arm rest/E brake housing.

Bob

 

[Nut]

Phenom,
Likely two or three screws on each side panel. Depending on where they are placed (and they will differ on C3's) you may even have to remove the seats. If you are lucky, like Carlo says you can press down the seat cusions to get to them. I've actually found it easier to work on the console with the seats out; and the seats do come out rather easily. Then there are a couple side and rear screws that hold the center plate bezel in place. You will also need to remove two screws that attach the center plate bezel to the gauge bezel plate to be able to remove it entirely. Now...... since you have an '82 then it's an auto tranny. Be VERY careful when removing the center plate bezel to CAREFULLY unclip the slide lever that controls the neddle in the shift plate showing what gear you are in. If this breaks...... well, you get the idea. The same thing when replacing the bezel otherwise you'll get the whole thing back together and when you go to shift the needle doesn't move and you'll have to rerpeat the entire process all over again.

Hope this helps. Good luck............. Nut

 

[Phenom]

Man thats great info, think I can manage it now, should have known these corvette people know these cars inside and out.
I will to someday hopefully.

 

[Dave L.]

trim plate install

Phenom - Great looking car you have there! I am very partial to 80-82 models. I agree with Nut,just take the seats out. I can take the seats out of my car in 5 minutes(with air tools). Makes the job much easier. In addition to the excellent advice above,also take note how the heater/AC control is supprted by the bracket on the passenger side. This bracket also gives rigidity and support to the whole console plate. One other thing I thought of,be careful not to over tighten any of the screws holding the window switches,rear defogger and htr/AC control and any other accessories you might have. If you haven't bought your trim plate yet,get one that already has the cut outs for your switches. GM still makes the plate,but you have to cut out your own switch holes(very difficult with the thick plastic),and it won't look as good as one precut by a machine. I got mine through Mid-America(I see they are $69 now).

Dave

p.s. I just found 3 detailed pictures of the whole console from an assembly manual I have. I think it would be very helpfull for you. If interested,shoot me a fax # and I will send them to you tomorrow when I get to work.