Center console on 1981

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Jun 1, 2012 | 08:25 PM

TO_Vette

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 307

Likes: 4

From: Thousand Oaks Calif.

Center console on 1981

I'm trying to remove my center console and can't seem to see how to get it off. Any suggestions?

Jun 1, 2012 | 09:07 PM

qwank

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 5,943

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From: Southern NH

if you got all the screws out and it feels like it hanging up on something, check the PRNDL indicator.

Jun 1, 2012 | 09:51 PM

gbvette62

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 12,658

Likes: 3,117

From: Shamong, NJ

The console has the 4 screws at the corners, and a couple on the sides (behind the carpeted console side panels).

Besides the screws holding the console in, you will probably have to remove the 3 screws that hold the heat/AC control into the console. If I remember correctly, there isn't much extra harness attached to the control, so you have to unbolt it before pulling the console loose.

If it's an automatic, make sure that the indicator and it's light aren't hanging up the console. You may want to unplug the power window pigtails, from the back of the switches too.

Jun 1, 2012 | 11:46 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Crossville TN

Purchase a copy of the 1981 A.I.M. It has all that info.

Jun 2, 2012 | 09:39 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7T1vette

Purchase a copy of the 1981 A.I.M. It has all that info.

Yah. The AIM shows the two hidden screws at the bottom of the center cluster.

Work slowly. The trim plate is plastic.

Jun 2, 2012 | 06:40 PM

TO_Vette

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 307

Likes: 4

From: Thousand Oaks Calif.

I can see the two hidden screws at the bottom of the center cluster in front of the arm pad but how the heck do you get to it? I can barly get a finger on it.

Jun 2, 2012 | 07:30 PM

KapsSA

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Beecher Illinois

You DO have the carpeted side panels off the console?
Just askin'.

Jun 2, 2012 | 08:28 PM

cmac72

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 193

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I found that if you take out the carpeted side panels and the seats, life is much easier. More room to work. Agree that the PRNDL lever needs to be disengages (pulls out sideways) and the three screws holding the heater control and the two screws holding the rear window defogger (one screw is shared by both) need to be removed leaving the two controls sitting on the tunnel.