Taking my car into the shop Monday to get the Aerokit front bumper conversion kit installed that I ordered from Suncoast. While its there, having them also paint my center console the same color as the car....

So tomorrow, my plan is to de-install the console. Anyone remove theirs and anything tricky to know and approx how long did it take?

Also, anyone that has had theirs painted or it was painted, under the arm rest inside the console, is that painted as well or was it somehow taped off so that remains black?

Appreciate the help...

 

It's quite a big job. A lot to take apart. More importantly, it is absolutely crucial to take notes about every little screw and spring, and to organize all parts into different marked ziploc bags. I'd say, if you've never worked on the PCM/glove box/shifter surround area of the car, then figure at least four to six hours for center console removal and disassembly. Again, take very detailed notes. Can't stress that enough.

Also, I'd not trust the painting of the console to anyone except Eric at Bumperplugs.

The storage compartment needs to come apart completely, and the storage console lid needs to be disassembled and removed. The insides are definitely painted, and you definitely notice all the painted areas when you open the lid.

Lastly, just know you will get an airbag warning light (that is a hard code), which you will need to have reset (unless you have or have access to a Durametric).

Best of luck. The end result is pretty great. Getting there is a pain.

 

It's not a big job. Just had mine off to put new shifter in. Don't turn the ignition on if you have the electrical plug removed. That throws a code that must be reset by dealer or durametruc tool

 

And you had it completely apart, down to every last component, so it's then free and ready to be painted? That's what the OP is going to have to do. It's a lot bigger of a job than you made it out to seem, especially if you want to do a perfect job. Lots of small pieces.

 

30-45 minutes tops for the first time removal. There are a couple of different screw sizes to keep track of but no big deal. Don't over-torque the screws when you reassemble or you'll strip out the nylon nut/tabs.

See for a good reference:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-1-of-5-a.html

 

30-45 mins? Yeah. Okay, I must be the world's slowest wrencher then. Again, for the OP, tearing it out and throwing it back in isn't the goal. He is disassembling it down to the very last spring and screw, in order to prep it for painting. Even if it won't take him as long as it took me, it's still a complicated job, as far as the interior goes.

Anyway, best of luck to the OP. Let us know how it goes. Cheers.

 

You may be right about complete disassembly to paint. I don't recall there being that many parts to dismantle once the entire console was out.

 

The actual console lid assembly, for one, is a bit complicated. If I didn't label everything clearly and take photos of how it all goes back together, I would never have gotten it back together, haha. Cheers.

 

I was really not wanting to hear that there are a large number of pieces and parts. Back in 1979, I took the center console out of my 1977 Camaro when I was 16 and it was really easy, one peice and about 6 screws...hard to believe this car would be that much different So I might rethink this whole thing because thats not what I expected and as much as it will look great, maybe I buy a used one, get it painted and then swap at home when I have time, which will also save me from having to get the code reset. Thanks for all of the info....I rather hear the worst case so I know what to expect.

 

Macarbon has detailed removal instructions....

Center Console

MacCarbon Website

I've done this to install my Numeric shifter it is very easy but very fiddley as you don't want to break anything... took me some time as I am super careful. Get the plastic removal tools... get cheapies from Harbor Freight.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

 

It's not horrible. I've done it about 4-5 times now. Set aside 3-4 hours. There's a thread on P9 also. There's one screw that sits under the cubby under the AC controls that can be a pain but if you remove the cubby you'll be good.

Removing the shifter can be a pain also, depending on shifter. My sport shifter needed to rotate and then pulled. I put a locking plier on the shaft and something to leverage it up. Better than busting a nose or teeth.

Next minor headache is the arm rest. The top has to come off and then the bits that attach it.

Next on the list is removing the DC/cig/charger plugs. That game me a headache but you literally just push them out. I think I have a thread about it somewhere. You definitely paint the inside part under the arm rest. When I did mine on my own that just never came out as glossy as the rest but that's fine.

Ashtray cover comes off too....

You get the idea. It's not bad but it will consume some time. I took my wiring harness off too ....

 

DIY & Tech Index
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...moval-diy.html

 

+1

I followed these instructions when I removed my console to replace it with a painted unit from www.bumperplugs.com. It's not too difficult if you take your time and have a little patience.

 

I would really second the above advice to talk to Eric at Bumperplugs.com -- he does a core exchange where he paints a center console to your specs, sends it out to you, and you send him back your intact core.

It's funny you're asking about this, I JUST did this and posted about it...
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...r-console.html

 

Did this on my old Cayman S some years ago. Painted console from Bumperplugs was great and the core exchange is pretty easy. I let my dealer take it out and install it though....