Gauge, Radio, Gear Shift Cover Removal

[91-Vetteman]

Help !! :confused What I thought would be a 15 - 20 minute job has kicked my butt all afternoon. I am trying to remove the gauge/radio cover so I can install a new radio. It appears that my gauge/radio bezel and gear shift / heater controls bezel is all attached as one piece ! ? I always thought they were two pieces, that is how they are sold !!

I have removed the radio knobs and nuts, 4 screws for the upper gauge bezel, the knob for my clock. The upper half of this bezel will come out, the lower section will not, it looks like it is attached to the gear shift section. So I have pulled the two side carpet covers off and unbolted 2 bolts for the lower cover, but it is still not moving. It looks like the heater controler is holding the whole thing in place.

I would apprecaite any help or tips here. What else do I need to remove / detach to get this piece out ?? Were the originals one piece ?? Thanx !! 81-Vetteman

 

[22229stingray81]

Sorry can't answer your question but if I haven't already said so, hi to a local richmond corvetter! I too have a white '81. Wave if you see me!



-Tatortot

 

[LannyL81]

The gauge console has screws on the sides, on the top and then also on the bottom that connect it to the shifter console. The shifter console has to come loose so that it can shift backwards allowing the gauge console to come out.

On the shifter console, there are the two screws in the side carpet covers and also two screws under the parking brake cover. You will have to pull off the parking brake cover to get to these two screws.

Not a 15-20 minute job like you wanted.....trust me...been there...done that.

Later,
LannyL81

 

[91-Vetteman]

Thanx Lanny, I missed the 2 screws that connects the upper bezel to the shifter bezel. They were tough to see. Got them off and removed the covers !! This is becoming similar to re-doing your kithcen.

This started out being a radio replacement, now that I have these pieces off, I should replace each bezel, ashtray cover, lighter, shift boot and handle, power window switches, 2 upper vent deflectors, etc. etc. !!

We will see if we can sweet talk the wife into expanded scope of work !! Thanx again !! John