Copyright © 2004 by Bill Reichert, All Rights Reserved [edited by jeff]
This project will explain how to remove the center console without taking out the seats.
[On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd rate this project a 5 - jeff]
This
is an area of rotted black gunk foam. It looks and feels like grease but cleans
up with pump hand soap. So don't have a heart attack when you inevitably smear
debris on carpet and leather. I would still be as careful as possible removing
all of it. You can see it has fallen on carpet before even removing console.
Donor
royal cabernet fender wanted. The fender is fixable, but... Yes I have the light
and good bumper trim. Previous owner had glancing blow with bumper on step van.
Headlight was not damaged.
Remove
the two screw holes in rear of console compartment covered by plugs. Front hole
did not have screw
Picture
of passenger side front console carpet showing two push-pin holder from bottom
Ashtray
lid spring. Make a note during disassembly. Mine fell out and I had to figure
out the proper position.
Here's
a picture of the bottom of the lighter with the connectors removed.
This
is the seat side panel with 1/2" aluminum angle glassed in for reinforcement.
Note that angle is cut out to clear the seat switch. Plastic must be roughed up
with 32 grit sandpaper for good bond. The bottom shows screw bung "welded" back
into place. Use soldering iron and extra plastic and melt the two pieces back together.
Reinforce with fiberglass. The angle makes it difficult to reinstall. You must
shove into seat side and slide down over motor that it covers.
This
is a new fiberglass screw bung in the seat side upper panel. Used a piece of vinyl
tubing to mold. Plastic should be roughed up with 32 grit sandpaper for good mechanical
bond. This particular bung has to be exact height as original or it will not slip
back on over the metal lever that allows seat to be tilted forward.
Gray
area below is where the rotted foam was originally attached. Note tab at right
of this box. Side carpet was supposed to be screwed to this. Screw missed by 3".
Note left tab is not there. There was no screw on this side or hole in carpet where
screw should have been. The carpet was held under the lip visible on right side.
Above
"One" is the cone shaped pin that the drive selector cable slips onto. Above "Two"
is the bracket that the drive selector holder slips and screws onto. This is visible
from front side carpet removed on passenger side.
"One" is the
attachment for driver selector indicator. Large phillips screw hold it in. "Two"
is the cable that moves the indicator. Both are visible from right side when console
side carpet is removed and console is slightly lifted
Front
side of the sift lever. When allen screw is removed the whole selector pulls off.
Car can be driven with this unit slid back on without console in place. Note black
piece, this is the rod that locks the selector. Must be reinserted to drive the
car without the console.
This
is the rear courtesy light socket. just below is the defroster switch socket. These
just pull loose from the switches, must be done BEFORE pulling the console.
While you have the console out, now is a good time to replace the light bulb and do some general cleanup.
This
is the drive selector light. It was so stuck in the metal socket, I had to drill
out a rivet to remove it. Note the cell phone charger below, you can operate the
car without the console if you aren't able to finish the project in one day.
Last updated: Monday October 4, 2004