Center Console
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Georgia
Center Console
Would like to update my center console to the new shinney carbon fiber look piece, how much touble is that to get the old one out and the new one in?
LKicklight
Dallas, GA.
LKicklight
Dallas, GA.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 3
From: Chandler Arizona
Its not difficult to do at all and well worth it. There are a few really good right ups on this with pictures showing all the hidden torq screws.
I just did this, taking my time and being extra careful it was about 2 hours.
I just did this, taking my time and being extra careful it was about 2 hours.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 207
From: Olathe KS
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 6
From: (d/fw) tx
. i've done it twice now with the painted and now the 2010 console. you'll want to be carefull not to scratch it, or damage any of the things the wires plug into. 45 to an hour is more like it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Portland OR
Just finished doing mine. I replaced the 06 console with an 08 console. I also ordered the ashtray panel from TKO so that all of it would match. Not too bad, but 15 minutes - me thinks not. Plan on a couple hours to be safe.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: ★ Performance Parts & Accessories ★ 1800 778 9898
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
When we install our carbon finished center shifter consoles,
takes about 45-50 min easily. Its not hard, its just some of the plugs for the electronics can be a pain to remove.
If you need and help, feel free to contact us for any helpful hints..
Take care
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Allow us to add you to the list of extremely satisfied customers.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
I must admit 15 min is a little "aggressive" LOL. But it is not difficult. It gets easier after a second time. After changing to the 08 "carbon fiber" style, I also had to take it out to install a new nav system. It's those electrical plugs that are a pain.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
I agree with everyone else here in that it's a pretty easy swap and DEFINITELY worthwhile. It will substantially upgrade the look and feel of your 2007's interior. A couple of things to add:
- You don't say what trim level your car has. If it's 3LT, don't spend the extra $$$ for a center console bezel with heated seat buttons. The buttons in your existing bezel are an exact match and are easily transferred to the new bezel.
- While the stock 2008-09 factory bezel is a big improvement over the gray plastic 2007 one, you can take things up even more by getting the DS Vettes version of the new bezel. DSV begins with a stock 2008-09 bezel. They remove the "pleather" (imitation leather) trim from around the perimeter and replace it with real stitched leather in your choice of color(s). In your case, you could go with all ebony leather or you could go with ebony for the upper half and cobalt red for the lower half, just like your instrument panel. The dividing line between the two colors would be adjacent to that of your instrument panel.
- If you do the console bezel (either the stock factory 2008-09 version or the DSV version), it would be a great time to upgrade the shifter and e-brake boots with leather ones from DS Vettes. The leather boots make a much bigger impact on the car's interior than I would have imagined. Just a thought.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Papillion NE
Amen! One of our members talked me (via e-mail) through this one. I was about to use the old male standby technique (brute force). The forum showed me where the connection was....badda bing, badda boom...I was done.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,587
Likes: 90
The only post I question is the 15 minute man. 20 is more like it roflol.
Really I think the 15 minutes was meant as a joke.
I've done this and I am NOT a small person, nor do I have small hands.
Small nimble hands/fingers I think would really help.
Figure about an hour, but its the best mod you can do (pre '08) interior. Plus Gene is great do deal with and a good forum vendor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,627
Likes: 29
From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Cruise-In 8, 9 & 11 Veteran
I wish I could find an alternate console for my 09 that I like. If you breath on the CF too hard it scratches. My car has 1200 miles on it and the console already looks like ***. I'm thinking about having the CF covered with that CF cloth stuff.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
I couldn't be happier with my '08 swap. Not hard to do at all, although a couple of the connectors really gave me a fit. A couple of my good friends here helped me with that though. I also added my MGW shifter, shift ball, and DSV goodies at the same time. My DSV steering wheel will be on early week too! Make the swap and you'll love the new appearance. 
Make the swap and you'll love the new appearance.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,007
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
This is very much a matter of individual taste, there is no real right or wrong. But...
We had a 2006 3LT Coupe with the silver-painted center console.
We got a 2009 3LT Coupe with the imitation carbon fiber console.
In my opinion, the 2006 looked better.
The 2009 carbon fiber is obviously fake, the shiney surface shows every fingerprint and small scratch, and the silver on the steering wheel now looks "lost".
I'm not going to change back to the silver painted system, but I would have ordered it that way if there was an option.
Your car, your money, your choice.
We had a 2006 3LT Coupe with the silver-painted center console.
We got a 2009 3LT Coupe with the imitation carbon fiber console.
In my opinion, the 2006 looked better.
The 2009 carbon fiber is obviously fake, the shiney surface shows every fingerprint and small scratch, and the silver on the steering wheel now looks "lost".
I'm not going to change back to the silver painted system, but I would have ordered it that way if there was an option.
Your car, your money, your choice.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 6
From: Wilmington NC
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
yes siree bob, but ok in the end.