Centre console trim removal

[Griffo46]

Hello all

I’ve been researching the removal of trims so I can tidy them up and improve on the scratched brushed aluminium trims. I’m happy with the dash trims, I’ve removed them successfully but now it’s time for the centre console trim. Not many good vids on YouTube and no threads that outline steps.
Looks like I have to remove the full centre console including rear section. Any other way around this or guides for this process?

I’m being impatient as I want it done fast and want to enjoy rest of the decent weather at the same time.

 

[Zedebee]

No way around it that I know of. And it’s really important that you do everything in the correct order or you are into a whole world of pain.

I think I have captured it all here, but reassure yourself that everything is in a logical order

 

[Zedebee]

Part 2

 

[enuff_zed]

Of all that the bit that haunts me is getting the knee pads off to access the screws underneath.

 

[Mr Tidy]

The only step that seems to be missing is removing the gear lever gaiter, which is a shame as I'm tempted to reinstall the illuminated gearknob that came with my MC!

Any tips for that would be welcome.

 

[enuff_zed]

The only step that seems to be missing is removing the gear lever gaiter, which is a shame as I'm tempted to reinstall the illuminated gearknob that came with my MC!

Any tips for that would be welcome.

Once you've tugged yer knob off, simply get a wide, thin trim tool and gently ease up all around the edges of the plastic mounting. Little bit at a time and once one bit is lifted, wedge it with another tool while you work round. Some of the metal clips may come adrift but once off it is obvious how they fit.
Once you've lifted it all away you should have full access, but if you turn it upside down you can see that the actual leather part unclips quite easily as well.
If you need more clarity PM me your number and I can Whatsapp video it for you tomorrow.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Once you've tugged yer knob off, simply get a wide, thin trim tool and gently ease up all around the edges of the plastic mounting. Little bit at a time and once one bit is lifted, wedge it with another tool while you work round. Some of the metal clips may come adrift but once off it is obvious how they fit.
Once you've lifted it all away you should have full access, but if you turn it upside down you can see that the actual leather part unclips quite easily as well.
If you need more clarity PM me your number and I can Whatsapp video it for you tomorrow.

Thanks Martin.

I ought to be able to manage that!

 

[enuff_zed]

Once you've tugged yer knob off, simply get a wide, thin trim tool and gently ease up all around the edges of the plastic mounting. Little bit at a time and once one bit is lifted, wedge it with another tool while you work round. Some of the metal clips may come adrift but once off it is obvious how they fit.
Once you've lifted it all away you should have full access, but if you turn it upside down you can see that the actual leather part unclips quite easily as well.
If you need more clarity PM me your number and I can Whatsapp video it for you tomorrow.

Thanks Martin.

I ought to be able to manage that!

Wasn't meant to be patronising, honest!
If you heard some of the plaintive cries for help I've sent to Bigwinn for what turns out to be simple stuff once you know. :roll:

Forgot to say you'll need to disconnect the plugs too of course.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Wasn't meant to be patronising, honest!

No problem, I didn't take it that way!

I've got a standard ZHP at the moment, so want to lift the gaiter to check whether the illumination works before I risk life and limb getting the ZHP off. :lol:

 

[enuff_zed]

Wasn't meant to be patronising, honest!

No problem, I didn't take it that way!

I've got a standard ZHP at the moment, so want to lift the gaiter to check whether the illumination works before I risk life and limb getting the ZHP off. :lol:

Ah well then just unclip the whole assembly. It should lift far enough for that.
Considering the most prone part of your anatomy to a gear knob removal incident I am quite jealous that you refer to it as a limb! :?

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Considering the most prone part of your anatomy to a gear knob removal incident I am quite jealous that you refer to it as a limb!

Not met Mr Tidy, but unless he's seriously vertically challenged he won't be able to stand in his MC, so his limb will be quite safe!

 

[Griffo46]

Wow that is a mega job just to switch the trim over. I think that’s a winter job! Thanks so much for providing this process, very useful!

 

[dhobbs]

Great info. I need to replace the rear centre console so that helps me big time

 

[srhutch]

Wasn't meant to be patronising, honest!

No problem, I didn't take it that way!

I've got a standard ZHP at the moment, so want to lift the gaiter to check whether the illumination works before I risk life and limb getting the ZHP off. :lol:

You don’t even need a trim tool to get the gaitor off. From either side you can just push it inwards at the base towards the gear lever andit will pop out.

 

[Zedebee]

Wow that is a mega job just to switch the trim over. I think that’s a winter job! Thanks so much for providing this process, very useful!

In reality it’s an hour’s work. You just have to be really careful, follow the process and think carefully before you apply force to anything. Putting it back together is the same (in reverse) although you don’t have to worry so much about breaking anything.

 

[enuff_zed]

Wasn't meant to be patronising, honest!

No problem, I didn't take it that way!

I've got a standard ZHP at the moment, so want to lift the gaiter to check whether the illumination works before I risk life and limb getting the ZHP off. :lol:

You don’t even need a trim tool to get the gaitor off. From either side you can just push it inwards at the base towards the gear lever andit will pop out.

Never tried that tbh. Thank you, that makes life a lot easier.

 

[Dr. Zed]

I did this last winter so I could wrap the centre console in carbon. When you watch videos or read guides it seems a lot more daunting than it is. It really is quite straight forward. It's also a good chance to give that section of your car a hoover

The worst part for me was the knee pads. I scratched one up pretty badly, even with a plastic tool. Luckily I had a spare.