Removing Center Console Panels

[gambit]

Hello Everybody!

Another question arose from the projects going on today. How do I properly remove all of the center console and gauge cluster components? I can see the screws at the sides and top of the gague cluster, but was told there are two also at the bottom under the center console, and I have to remove the side panels....... I dotn see any way to remove them via screws tho or the console covers, they may be under the center console side covers (the parts covered by carpet) but I dont see any way to remove them. I dont wanna just go jerking and pulling on them, I already broke a rear speaker mount that way. : ) Im supprised that I cant find any tutorials for doing these sort of things. I checked my chilton automotovie book as well but they didnt show anything about it.

 

[srs244]

not certain i completely understand your question, but in order to remove the center console and the guage cluster you must first remove the console trim pieces that attach to the tunnel. they aqre only cardboard frames covered by carpet. there are at least 2 and probably 3 screws that hold the trim to the tunnel. if i remember correctly, one (the onbe at the rear of the piece) is behind the sidde of the seat cushion and you need to push the seat all the way back and then compress the cushion a bit to get to it. once they are removed, they will expose screws on the side of the center console panel that mount to brackets secured to the tunnel. once the center console plate has been removed, you can get at all the gauge cluster mountings that are hidden. if you choose not to disconnect your battery, be careful as there are metal brackets, etc under the console and it isn't that hard to ground out a hot lead from the lighter or window switches, etc.

by the way, the trick is to be able to find the screw mounting holes on the tunnel when replacing the trim pieces.

hope that helps yu out some.

steve

 

[Shaggyvette]

You can easily remove the 5 guage/radio cluster. Just remove the screws on the top and both sides. Place them somewhere so that you'll put them back in the same patern. ie. some are shorter than others. Just take your time and don't force anything. There is really nothing to screw up. The guages are electronic so there's no oil or water lines to deal with. I've had mine out of the 82 a couple times. (repeat-- take your time.) Let me know if you run into a problem and I'll try to take you thru it.

Good luck!
Dave

 

[gambit]

Thanks bud. Have you ever replaced the AC Vents in it or the Little light bulb that shines down on the ash tray and ac / heater controlls

 

[srs244]

the light bulb is replaced by unscrewing the cap that mounts to the top of the gauge bezel and removing/replacing the light bulb, no biggie. the heater controls should have their own bulb housings and those bulbs car accessable if you raise or remove the center console panel.

the a/c vents are held into place with a couple of spring clips. once you have the center gauge bezel removed, you can access them from the rear of the panel. very staight-forward and simple to changeout.

 

[jdp6000]

Three screws hold each side. One at the front, one by the seatbelt and one at the rear. Feel for them with your finger, you should feel a rise or bump. They are probably buried in the carpet.

Jim