Interior trim parts

[Barrett]

I have searched the archives before posting this question, but I often didn't fully comprehend the previous posts. So I hope nobody gets annoyed at my question (because I know it has been covered in the past).

I have three new trim pieces that I would like to install in the interior of my '04 C4S. I have an aluminum-look rear center console, an aluminum-look front center console (the upside-down U-shaped piece that surrounds the center air-conditioning vents and buttons), and an aluminum-look instrument surround.

I was thinking about taking these pieces to the dealer to have them install it, but it just seems crazy to spend $200-$300 for that. I will if I must, but I'm hoping I can do this job myself.

(1) For the rear center console, does anyone have instructions on not only how to remove the rear center console, but also to take off the glove box in the center console (and the lock), as well as the leather trim "wings" that are attached to the front of the rear center console.

(2) For the front center console, I am confused on how to deal with the lighter and the buttons.

(3) For the instrument surround, the instructions I found say something about disconnecting the battery. I don't understand why the battery must be disconnected when all I'm removing is a plastic trim piece.

I must be just misunderstanding all of this. Can somebody please lend me their patience and insight? Thanks so much in advance.

[Loren]

(1) The B&M Short Shifter install instructions cover removal and re-installing pretty well. You can download a PDF here.

The trim wings just snap off and you will need to transfer the metal clips from the old console to the new one. The lock, microswitch and console lid (with hinge) will also need to be transferred to the new console. The lock and switch are obvious, the lid will need to have the hinge pin pushed out and then the hinge and pin will have to be moved to the new console and installed pre-loaded (so the spring action works). Take a pic or study the old one before you transfer the hinge as some folks get confused. You will also need to unscrew the console tail piece and transfer it to your new console.

(2) The switches have tabs that you push to release. I suggest disconnecting the battery for that. The lighter is a little tougher (and tricky) and it covered in this thread.

(3) I think that they recommend disconnecting the battery because you have to remove the emergecy light switch (which always has power).

[KarlS]

Of the three you mentioned, the rear center console swap is definitely the most difficult. If you're going to pay the dealer for something, that would be the one job to choose.

Karl

[JoeA]

Loren,

DO you happen to have the instructions for the Gauge surround removal? 2. Is the Upper center console (horseshoe) removal the same as in this thread for a 99, 996? 3. Are there instructions for the Gauge surround to be removed?

I can't believe the prices they want to charge for this at the dealer.

[Loren]

Loren,

DO you happen to have the instructions for the Gauge surround removal?  2. Is the Upper center console (horseshoe) removal the same as in this thread for a 99, 996? 3.  Are there instructions for the Gauge surround to be removed?

I can't believe the prices they want to charge for this at the dealer.

1. Look here

2. No, there are 3 pieces on the pre MY02 cars. The side pieces come off if you pry them with a dull tool.

3. see item 1 and this thread.

[Vron]

Just to add another point to this, I now have a new silver centre console that does not have the 2 hinge mounts moulded on the top for the glovebox lid like the old one. I have read up on the hinge repair kit so will order those parts tomorrow.

One other problem I cannot find the answer to is that the black plastic extension piece that sits at the back of the console behind the glove box lid has 2 x red washers to hold the 2 torx screws in to secure the black piece to the main console body. These washers from my old console do not fit the later console without the plastic hinge parts moulded on. So my question is does anyone have a part number for the new clips? The mouth part on the red washers where they slot on is too narrow, I guess they thickened up the plastic for the new console because of the breakages.

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

[gmatsumoto]

Looking to paint my center console (Aluminum look) and can't find the paint code anywhere??? HELP,HELP...thanks..

[bscrivener]

Loren,

DO you happen to have the instructions for the Gauge surround removal? 2. Is the Upper center console (horseshoe) removal the same as in this thread for a 99, 996? 3. Are there instructions for the Gauge surround to be removed?

I can't believe the prices they want to charge for this at the dealer.

1. Look here

2. No, there are 3 pieces on the pre MY02 cars. The side pieces come off if you pry them with a dull tool.

3. see item 1 and this thread.

Loren,

I'm trying to get the horseshoe pieces off of my MY00 C2 and found this older thread. #2 above indicates the horseshoe is in three pieces and the sides pop off.

I have the two side pieces off which was easy enough.

Does the upper piece just "pop off" too or does it need to be unscrewed first? It did not come off as easily as the side pieces did and I didn't want to break anything. Looks like a torx could be holding it in place but I can't tell for sure.

Thanks for any help - I searched but couldn't find specifics on this top piece. I may have missed it though.

-Bo

[Loren]

Loren,

DO you happen to have the instructions for the Gauge surround removal? 2. Is the Upper center console (horseshoe) removal the same as in this thread for a 99, 996? 3. Are there instructions for the Gauge surround to be removed?

I can't believe the prices they want to charge for this at the dealer.

1. Look here

2. No, there are 3 pieces on the pre MY02 cars. The side pieces come off if you pry them with a dull tool.

3. see item 1 and this thread.

Loren,

I'm trying to get the horseshoe pieces off of my MY00 C2 and found this older thread. #2 above indicates the horseshoe is in three pieces and the sides pop off.

I have the two side pieces off which was easy enough.

Does the upper piece just "pop off" too or does it need to be unscrewed first? It did not come off as easily as the side pieces did and I didn't want to break anything. Looks like a torx could be holding it in place but I can't tell for sure.

Thanks for any help - I searched but couldn't find specifics on this top piece. I may have missed it though.

-Bo

No - on the early cars if you want the center vent out then you have take off the vent and the whole frame as they are one piece.

[bscrivener]

Thanks so much! I'll follow these details.

-Bo