Center console removal

[Meka]

Any tricks to removing the center console on my 84 Carrera to gain access to the shifter? I have the console removed but the space is so tight I can pull it out. It looks like if I was to remove the e-brake handle it would come out.
I may be able to twist and pull forcing the console out but I'm afraid I may damage something. Any advice?

[Mitch Leland]

I just had the same problem... have you removed the face plate to the A/C controls. There are 2 small phillips screws on each side of the console that will release the face plate. You want to be careful to not get physical with the console before removing the face plate since there is a Boden tube connected to the A/C control switch.

Also the rubber boot on the shifter can get in your way and limit the console removal. I couldn't get my shift knob off per Bentleys. If your rubber boot is in good shape and you add some lubricant you can pull the rubber boot off over the knob. It might be the lesser of 2 evils since the knobs are NLS and I believe you can get the rubber boot. It might help to take the few minutes to remove the seats for better access.

In my case it turns out that my carpeting over the tunnel was pretty grubby so I've pulled the heater control box and E-brake to replace the carpet. Also my heater control cables were frozen so there is a chance you could "toast" the heater control box if the cables are not free. The heater control box is a pricey item I understand. So it's a "while I'm there" thing...

[rusnak]

it sounds like you have the nose cover still bolted on. The center console comes apart in pieces. The only tricky part should be getting the ac controls out, or maybe the central locking control if you have an 85 and later. I believe that piece slides apart. The whole thing is pretty well detailed in the Bentley manual.

[Meka]

Originally Posted by Mitch Leland

I just had the same problem... have you removed the face plate to the A/C controls. There are 2 small phillips screws on each side of the console that will release the face plate. You want to be careful to not get physical with the console before removing the face plate since there is a Boden tube connected to the A/C control switch.

Also the rubber boot on the shifter can get in your way and limit the console removal. I couldn't get my shift knob off per Bentleys. If your rubber boot is in good shape and you add some lubricant you can pull the rubber boot off over the knob. It might be the lesser of 2 evils since the knobs are NLS and I believe you can get the rubber boot. It might help to take the few minutes to remove the seats for better access.

In my case it turns out that my carpeting over the tunnel was pretty grubby so I've pulled the heater control box and E-brake to replace the carpet. Also my heater control cables were frozen so there is a chance you could "toast" the heater control box if the cables are not free. The heater control box is a pricey item I understand. So it's a "while I'm there" thing...

When you say the ac face plate do you mean the plate on the back of the console? Or the plate where the ac knobs are located? Did you remove the ac wiring to get your console removed?

[Meka]

Originally Posted by Meka

When you say the ac face plate do you mean the plate on the back of the console? Or the plate where the ac knobs are located? Did you remove the ac wiring to get your console removed?

One more question. Should I remove the boot before I try to pull out the console? If so how is the boot attached. Is in mounted with a clamp of some kind or will it just pull off?

[roodog911]

Meka, I just went through this on my 84 Targa a few weeks ago, the tech article on the short shift replacement was a big help in the process of removing the console

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_short_shift_tindel/911_short_shift_kit_install.htm

I would warn you that you need to remove the wiring from the speaker fader switch ... the article shows a neat little plug-in on the back of the switch. I wasn't lucky enough to have that luxury, the wires were soldered to the lugs behind the fader ... in frustration I snipped the wires. Only later did I find a plug type connector below the carpeting, forward of the console. Look for that before resorting to cutting your wiring harness.

You may or may not run into this problem.

The consol will clear the brake handle after you follow the rest of the steps listed in the article.
You will need to rotate it to the left, it will pinch in the available space but it will come out.

Willie

[roodog911]

As you raise the console you can feed the ribs of the boot down through the hole in the console. The boot is a snug strectch fit around the shifter housing.

Willie

[sprintamx]

For what my experience will be worth, I just went through this on my '86 Targa. And, after the work is done, there is the re-install . . . I'm not sure which gave me a bigger headache: the out, or the back in. Frankly, trying to reinstall the wiring and controls and then lining up the switch housings within the console so that the screws could be resecured was a bit of a nightmare--for me. I am a total neophyte when it comes to working on these beautiful cars, so I really hesitate to give any "adivce" on fixing and modifying. All I can say is take your time and continue to breath. It is a step-by-step process. Perhaps most importantly, you should take extra time at the beginning to try to envision how you will re-install whatever you remove. Seriously. Lining up the screws and slots and reconnecting wires and switchese was monstrous pain-in-the-ass. As tough as the removal process was, the reinstallation was even tougher.

So, take your time, stay focused on why you are doing this and take careful mental notes.