REAR CENTER CONSOLE

[ESK]

I'm considering ordering an alu-look or CF rear center console. My questions:

1. Is this a DIY project (I am reasonably handy)?

2. Do I need another person?

3. Do you have detailed instructions/photos?

4. Time frame?

Thanks,

Eric

[Loren]

I have done a few of these and its pretty easy. You will only need a couple of tools (Torx drivers and screwdrivers). Much of it is the same process for installing a B&M Short Shifter and/or handbrake... so if you wanted to add one of these you can save some time by doing them all at the same time.

You will need to transfer the oddments tray (center glovebox) from the old console to the new one. Depending on the year of your car you could need the center console steel hinge upgrade kit. (Older cars had plastic hinges that have now been replaced with steel hinges).

Tell me what year your car is (so I know whether to send the hinge TSB) and I'll send you the other info.

[ESK]

Loren,

Thanks for the quick response. My Cab is an '03 model. :D

Eric

[Loren]

You've already got steel hinges then.... that makes it easy.

I will private email you instructions...

[Tool Pants]

It is so easy Aileen can do it blindfolded. We shot 4 videos of the console removal when we did B&M shift installs. Aileen removed the console in 3 of the installs, 2 of which were on 996s.

The only trick is that 2 of the 7 screws for the console are hidden. One is under the plastic floor plate in the storage box and the other under the coin holder. Jeff

[NASA racer Pete]

Where swapping consoles differs from simply putting in a short shifter is transferring all the clips, hinges, nuts, rear lid, rear console etc...etc.

I didn't find any good references on-line and so sat down and patiently went through the thing using my new console as to a reference where a screw or clip was and I didn't bother taking the shift knob off but did take the front lower console off for convenience.

It took me 3 hours but I had a headache and wasn't rushing and just sat there patiently going through it. I had a new console with the plastic bin hinge so had to dremel that off because I had the metal hinge so that took a bit of time.

As long as you have a good set of TORX bits and I highly recommend an angled/wratcheting torx driver...and you are halfway handy, it's not "difficult" at all but there are lots of little bits involved including taking the buttons out etc...etc.

Go for it.

[ESK]

Jeff & Pete,

Thanks for the tips. I ordered an aluminum look console today and should have it next week.

Loren sent me a PDF of the removal/install instructions. The instructions show removing the lower console including the CD holder/storage bin. Pete, in your reply you say you removed if for "convenience." Jeff, your picture shows you only removed the side panels. Is it necessary to remove the entire console? I'd certainly prefer not to since several of the pieces are held by clips and they have a tendency to break!

I'm definitely going to buy the right tools before attempting the project.

Thanks,

Eric

[NASA racer Pete]

I was having some trouble sliding the console out (probably because I left the shift knob on) but that center console is held on with 6 screws so was less only a couple of minutes work to remove.

[ESK]

Pete,

Thanks. One last question. When you removed the lower console, did you have to remove the storage bin/cd holder, or did the whole unit come out?

Eric

[Tool Pants]

4 Pete. You must be the Audi guy when Peter Smith posted on that board. He told me some tales.

[Loren]

Yeah, I forgot to mention the trick to getting the console out easily is to lower one of the seat backs as far as it will go. That will let you lift it over the seat.

[Mark House]

When I removed my rear center console I did not remove anything from the center console other than the side panels (leather on my car) and the "batwing". You do not have to remove the CD holder et al. Mark

[Brian in MA]

Could I aks for the removal instructions PDF too via email?

Thanks!!

Brian

brianf1960@yahoo.com

[Loren]

Brian,

You've got mail...

[NASA racer Pete]

4 Pete.  You must be the Audi guy when Peter Smith posted on that board.  He told me some tales.

Acutally, Pete Smith is a guy who we race with. They were our main competitor a couple of years ago when we ran Civic vs 944 in E1.

Can only imagine what he'd tell you, that guy is a real card. It's dangerous being at the track with him because you'll arrive only to find the steering wheel missing!

We took one of his helmets once when he wasn't looking hehehehe.

[Tool Pants]

Pete took out more suff then you need to. You do need to remove the batwing so you can tilt the console to get it out of the car. The batwing just pulls out with your fingers but you need to grab it from behind. 2 ways to get your fingers behind it. Remove the 2 side panels like in my first picture and you can get your fingers on each side of the batwing and pull it off. That is how we did it on Colm's car for the video.

On Chad's car for the video we did it the other way. Remove the cd holder/storage bins above the batwing then you can get your fingers behind the top of the batwing. You can see in this pic that the side panels are still on. If you have DSP or the a/c display above the batwing then you have to do it the first way.

[ESK]

Jeff,

Thanks again. I just wanted to confirm that I ONLY need to remove the batwing and the side panels of the lower center console and NOT the storage tray and CD holder? The fewer parts the better!

Thanks,

Eric