Removing front part of centre console with dash in place

[DWH]

Hi.

After meeting with Steve Fulcher of N Fulcher Coach Trimmers in Hethersett, it would appear that the reason for the huge differences in colour of my interior is that the dash and panels on top of the centre console have already been re-trimmed in a pale grey leather whereas everything all the other leather is still original and in places been discoloured buy the sun to a pale blue, it definitely isn't a deliberate re-colour.

So I would like to take out all the "original" grey / blue panels and get then re-trimmed without taking the dash out.

Is it possible to remove the leather front part of the centre console without disturbing the dashboard ? (the part that houses the panel with radio, choke etc.) I've got the Lotus Service Notes which states that the dashboard and front part of centre console come out as one unit but the fact that the dash has been re-trimmed and the front part of centre console hasn't, must mean they can be separated.

Thanks

[AndyC]

It might be easier with pictures and arrows pointing to the bits you want to remain in place and different ones to the bits you want to remove. I'm struggling to establish which bits you want to do each to.

[robertverhey]

Think I know the bit you mean, you might need to take console itself off first to give clearance for the part you refer to. It's very easy to damage the panel light rheostat switch as you pull the panel back, as it protrudes above the locating bracket cutout. I know this from experience

Yes some pics would be useful

Robert

[shaunw]

The centre console and dash are one piece. Not sure how you would seperate the two. In my opinion you would be better off removing the whole dash, its actually not as bad a job as it looks. I removed mine recently and it was quite time consuming but not technically difficult.

I have a pic of the dash out of the car on here somewhere if it helps. I think the thread was titled 'I've been busy again'.

Shaun

[DWH]

It might be easier with pictures and arrows pointing to the bits you want to remain in place and different ones to the bits you want to remove. I'm struggling to establish which bits you want to do each to.

On the picture of Shaun's dash on the thread below, it's the beige bit I'm trying to remove from the rest of the dash. I know they do come apart as they are trimmed separately but I would like to remove the beige bit with the dash still in the car.

http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtop ... ain#p39560

Thanks

[robertverhey]

Okay that clarifies, my comments above related to taking out the dash parts with switches, not the whole trimmed part they sit in never ad that bit out....I suspect it's a dash out job....but I guess you just keep removing bits around it until it comes free....and maybe that measn dash out, not sure.

Robert

[DWH]

The answer to my original question is, yes it is possible to get the front most part of the centre console out without removing the dashboard.

You have to remove the instrument binnacle to gain access to two rivets, at either side of top "rail" of the centre console part. These rivets hold the centre console part to the rest of the dash and must be drilled out before the console part can be removed.

I also cut the centre console in half with the blade of a hacksaw to enable you to get the console narrow enough to remove. As the centre console is firmly bolted to the body to the rear of the gear lever and has the metal panel that holds the choke, lighter etc, it should be secure enough when refitted....I hope.

I'll be using rivnuts instead of rivets when putting it all back together and then the binnacle can stay in place next time.....if there is a next time !