Relocate Climate Control

[bjcarrera]

I am looking for the part number to relocate my climate control unit from the bottom of the front console to the top where I currently have dual cup-holders. I have a 01' Carrera. Does anyone have a part number for this kit.

[LSU1981]

I am looking for the part number to relocate my climate control unit from the bottom of the front console to the top where I currently have dual cup-holders. I have a 01' Carrera. Does anyone have a part number for this kit.

I don't know about a part number for a relo kit. However, did this mod on my 01 C2. I just went to the local dealer and got the rectangular climate control surround (instead of the lower trapazoid). As I recall my climate control unit only had two brackets/mounts -- one on each side at the top of unit. But when moving it up the new location required four mount points - two each side at top and bottom. I took some lightweight metal, bent it, drilled it, and fabricated my own brackets for the lower mount points. A kit would have been easier and probably quicker but its doable without it. Good luck. Mike

[ScottArizona]

I think LSU1981 is right. I did the opposite of this mod to my 99--moved the HVAC controls down and installed the dual cupholders into the old HVAC location. My recollection is that to install the HVAC unit to the upper bin you need two brackets, more or less triangular in shape, that go on the right and left sides of the HVAC unit. These two brackets have two screw clips each that the screws that secure the HVAC unit go into. I did not use these brackets when moving the unit to the lower position just above the batwing because from my inspection there was no way they were going to fit (it was snug, even without the brackets). Call board sponsor sunset. I got my retrofit kit from them and they'll know each part you will need.

[bjcarrera]

I think LSU1981 is right. I did the opposite of this mod to my 99--moved the HVAC controls down and installed the dual cupholders into the old HVAC location. My recollection is that to install the HVAC unit to the upper bin you need two brackets, more or less triangular in shape, that go on the right and left sides of the HVAC unit. These two brackets have two screw clips each that the screws that secure the HVAC unit go into. I did not use these brackets when moving the unit to the lower position just above the batwing because from my inspection there was no way they were going to fit (it was snug, even without the brackets). Call board sponsor sunset. I got my retrofit kit from them and they'll know each part you will need.

Hi ScottArizona,

thanks for the feedback and help. I only have two dealerships around me and both are less than helpful. I'll swing by one of them today and give them LSU1981 as a part number and see what they say.

[LSU1981]

Should be an easy lookup in PET by your dealer.

Edited December 27, 2006 by Loren
Changed file type so it would display

[bjcarrera]

Should be an easy lookup in PET by your dealer.

Boy do I feel stupid. I did not realize that your user name was LSU1981, I was thinking this is a funny part number. Thanks for the screen shot.

Edited December 27, 2006 by bjcarrera

[jimmer23]

LSU1981

I'm trying to do the same thing - relocating the climate control to the space where the CD holder is/was (right below the Sat Nav in the uppermost space on the lower console)? Not the lowermost position - my car already came with that done.

I have an 03 MY, so it might be different.

I need to do this to make more space to mount my radar/camera detector unit (need to stuff some of it right behind the batwing), and it seems that it just doesn't fit in the top spot (the white plastic part of the HVAC controls is too big for the slot). Is there a different center console part number with slots so this can be done, or do I have to take my Dremel to the whole thing?

Do you have any pics of your install?

Many thanks!

[ldfelix]

LSU1981

I'm trying to do the same thing - relocating the climate control to the space where the CD holder is/was (right below the Sat Nav in the uppermost space on the lower console)? Not the lowermost position - my car already came with that done.

I have an 03 MY, so it might be different.

I need to do this to make more space to mount my radar/camera detector unit (need to stuff some of it right behind the batwing), and it seems that it just doesn't fit in the top spot (the white plastic part of the HVAC controls is too big for the slot). Is there a different center console part number with slots so this can be done, or do I have to take my Dremel to the whole thing?

Do you have any pics of your install?

Many thanks!

I just finished installing the cup holder and moving the climate controls on my 2000 996 cabrio. A few things to note:

1. The harness (when the climate control box is located in the upper console "stock" position) for the climate controls originate from the passenger-side footwell and goes up a SMALL passage to the upper console. In order to move the controls to the lower console and have enough harness slack you have to pull the harness and it's 4 plugs back through the passage. I found this to be non-trivial and required one of my once-a-year use tools, the 16" tweezers and my daily tool, the Dewalt 18V flex-head light. Backing the harness down the passage requires a LIGHT touch. You would do well to start the process by working from both sides, guiding the plugs down from the top and jiggling the harness down from the bottom. If it snags, it's only doing so in a 5" space which you can either free up through gentle shaking or going in from the bottom with a tool that isnt sharp. I cant imagine the bill if you break off a head or break a connection up in there. I used the tweezers to grab and move over a few constricting cables and pull the heads through (sort of a simulated birthing process) one at a time. Oh, you'll need to remove the foam foot-well cover and it's 2 plastic SCREWS. Unlike some cars, these are actual screws and not push-ins. A body panel remover on these will provide a result that ends in tears. A simple flat-head will unscrew the 2 holders.

2. The 2 triangle brackets that come with the cup-holder kit are the most infuriating things to keep in place while you line-up the holder. I pulled out my trusty box of double-sided-foam tape and put a 2" strip on each triangle on the part that is recessed just to keep the parts in place while guiding in the cup holder unit. The trick here is the cup-holder unit has a small stick on each side that fits into the hole in the end of the triangle. You will likely have to remove the horseshoe surrounding the upper console so you have direct access to each side which helps align each side. This proces will not work the first time and may make you very angry. I suggest keeping a few car-washing sponges around so when you need something to throw in anger, it's soft. At some point after the car and the kit have sufficiently humiliated you, it will relent and slide in just enough to allow you get the set-screwn finger-tight and finish up.

3. The climate control can only go into the bottom hole of the lower console. It did not require and triangle rage-inducing extra parts, in fact, it just slides right in. Almost. At the last 1/2" it stops and binds in the slot. After a lot of cursing and nearly too much force it was clear that there are 4 small ridges, one at each corner that need to be razored off. Each ridge is about 1 or 2 mm tall 2mm wide and 2cm long. Razor them off. Almost like magic, it goes right in. You will want to plug the harness back up BEFORE installing the climate control. When setting the 2 holding screws for the climate control unit, DONT OVER TIGHTEN. If you tighten it too much the flanges deflect and encroach on the hole meant for the trim and the trim wont set right.

Once finished you can marvel at your mad customization skillz and run into the house to show your significant other to show them how you saved so much money by not having the dealership so it. They will then tell you that it's silly for a car to not have a cup holder in the first place and dont understand why it took you so long to just plug something in. At that point I suggest a drive around the block followed my a margarita.

Lionel

2000 996 Cab + cup holder.