Removing console

[deshetlr]

Im in the process of installing a Seine gate kit and Ed's coupler. No one told me the hard part is getting the console out! I know about the AC switch issues but I am struggling with the other controls. Does the harness unclip from the warning and defrost switches? And how do you deal with the door lock module?

[ivangene]

good lord!!

I can tell you this...if your AC switch is in there be careful of the little tube on the back of the switch - AND I found NO WAY to remove that thing without trimming some plastic off the part so it could slip through..

If you are not removing it but rather pulling it aside for a few minutes you might get by without doing that...

as for how to get in there I have forgotten how but if you photo the parts I can get them off the shelf and see what they look like loose, might be able to figure out how they come out from that....

[deshetlr]

Thanks Ed. I figured out the top switches and if I can separate them I found the connections for the lock module. I think I will need to trim the hole for the AC switch. I do not want to break the copper tube a 3rd time (my wrench worked on it before and allowed me to help!). If I get stuck again I will post pictures. The coupler was easy by the way. Your core will be mailed back this week. Thanks for your patience.

[DRACO A5OG]

There is no need to remove it completely, just out of the way.

+1 becareful of the "capillary tube" on the AC temp control.Do not make sharp bends or it can snap when you place it back. Ask me how I know.

I found taking the seats out gave me more room to move around.

Once the screws are removed the switch cluster pulls down and out just a little, the connectors are behind the switches, just take careful note of which wire goes where and it's orientation.

Jim

[deshetlr]

The seat removal hint is a great one. I pulled it as I had several projects to do but it is a godsend for the shifter/console work. All done for today. I'll attack it again tomorrow.

[DRACO A5OG]

Outstanding! Take this opportunity to adjust that skinny 24MM nut which controls the play of the shifter. I tightened mine a bit to give a bit more resistance as I shift, I just like it better for deliberate shifting like a G50.

[deshetlr]

I love all the tight, neet photos posted to do this project. I thought everyone would like to see a mid-project reality photo.

[ivangene]

Scott, do you have a factory SSK or standard? IIRC in order to get the seine to work right you might have to "notch" the side of your housing a bit.... you are going to freak out when you get this adjusted right!!!

[Arne2]

The '86 has more switches in the console than my '84. I had no problems fishing the two A/C switches out through the hole in the back of the console, and the factory fader switch I left in the switch plate but unplugged at the connector just in front of the console. The first time was tougher, but now that I know the drill I can pull the console out in maybe 10 minutes, tops.

Ed is correct - if you have the factory short shifter you need to enlarge the opening on the right side of the shift tower to make clearance for the extended pivot shaft of the Seine. While Seine talks about using a die grinder, I did mine in short order with a fairly aggressive rat-tail file. Worked fine.

[ivangene]

Arne...good idea...the "metal" is soft and a file will "cut" quickly...

I used a CNC mill

[deshetlr]

I am pretty sure it is a factory SSK. In fact I think the SSK may have been standard on an '86.

[ivangene]

On my 86' the window sticker says:

Shortened Shift Lever Travel ----- 50.00

$50!!
***** that's a deal !
:roflmao:

[DRACO A5OG]

Premium Gas was $1.57 as I recall :-)

[Arne2]

The one I like on my window sticker is:

SPORT SHOCK ABSORBERS -------- $180

Imagine, a full set of Bilsteins for $180!!

Or better, the limited slip at $590 was $10 cheaper than the Blaupunkt Monterey ($600). Which would you rather have?

Sorry, off-topic. Back to the console and Seine now.

[deshetlr]

I don't have the original sticker but I did a de-code on the VIN and sure enough it says
"241 Shorter shifting travel"
Looks like I will be doing some grinding.

[ivangene]

this was my first one...you can see how far up to "file"

[86 911 Targa]

For our '86.

[ivangene]

wow...so sometime in 86 (I will check my date) the price went way the h&ll UP!!!