Hello,

I have been trying to remove the center console from a 2008 Corvette MN6 (base), and have run into lots of difficulty. I have studied numerous threads on this forum prior to starting, but most are aimed at pre LS3 cars. The main problem is that I cannot get the console over the shifter because the newer cars appear to have the shifter boot retained by the console cover. It appears that if I could remove the shifter ****, my problem would be solved! However, that is where my trouble began.

The Phillip screw holding the shifter **** is cemented in place. I was able to get it to turn for about two full revolutions and then it stripped! I have applied heat thinking I could break the Loctite loose, but it has not helped--I only have a few more chances before the screw is totally stripped!

The bolt is out far enough that I cannot put the plastic ring back in place; I have tried taking a soldering iron and holding on the bolt for 3 or 4 minutes to no avail. I am completely stumped! How do I get this screw out? Why would GM use a Phillip screw with heavy Loctite?

There is no turning back now, I need to get the screw out and replace with a properly designed one.

 

Mabey drill it out and chase it with a slightly bigger screw for reinstalling?

 

An impact screw driver might work but you'll need someone to help by backing up the opposite side with a heavy object or hammer. Also another post about this problem, good luck.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...***-screw.html

 

One quick thought, does this screw sit in an indention? I ask because since the screw is partially out, perhaps the **** is actually loose and just need a firm pull up to dislodge? If there is an indention, this is a mute point. . .

 

Those things are a nightmare. My buddy actually cut his shift *** off with a hack saw when he went with a short throw. Good luck.

 

That will probably be my best bet, I will likely use a dremel. the thing that baffles me is I bought the car used and it already had an after market stereo, some one removed this screw in the past . . .I don't see how, it took about 30ft pounds to budge it!

 

Hmmm...you say you have a philips screw cemented in place for the shift ****? That is NOT how your car was built. I also have a 2008 and mine had a Torx head screw. The difference between the shift **** for the 2008+ vs the older C6s is that there is a chrome ring between the shift boot and the bottom of the shift ****. You need to turn that chrome ring 1/4 turn then push down to expose the screw (but I guess you aready did that) after that, the method you can use to remove the shift know/boot can be found on the DS Vette site here:

http://dsvettes.com/new/pdf/DSV_Shiftboot_install.pdf

If you found a philips head there, it sounds like someone screwed something up previously. Who knows how you would remove the screw. If you cannot take it off, perhaps you can remove the bottom section of the boot while keeping the **** in place. Good luck.

 

"If you found a philips head there, it sounds like someone screwed something up previously".

Not so, my 08 had the Phillips screw and it was extremely tight. A very good quality screwdriver is a must or it will strip. I still think the impact screwdriver is worth a try if you could borrow one. It is powered by hitting it with a hammer which at the same time seats the tool into the screw tighter allowing it to hold and hopefully turn the screw.

 

I guess I was lucky. I swapped out my shift **** and did not have any issues with removing the Torx screw in my 08. Seem if I had the phillips screw it would have much more painful.

 

Is it my or my 09 Zr1 doesnt have a torx bolt? it look like its the shift **** is screwed on the shift rod??

Edit: i swapped my shift **** and i had to removed the torx bolt wasnt easy but it did worked out without stripping it!

 

I am a toolmaker and if the screw is stripped your best bet is either to put a pair of vise grips on the head of the screw extemely tight and go for it. otherwise you could use a dremel and cut off wheel to make a new slot for a flat bladed screwdriver... if you do this use a flat head that has a square shank so that you can put an adjustable on it for extra torque/leverage...
i have taken out the center console on three or four occasions not a lot of fun but doable if you dont run into stuff like that. there was no loc tite on the screw and it was a torx head.. i swapped and my 05 for a 08 one and moved the airbag light to the glove box