Hi Any special tips to help me remove the handbrake leather console in my 355... Seems that the engine lid opening cable is tricky to remove and replace.. Howard
It'a a real PITA to remove and putting it back is worse....took me an insane amount of time to clip the handbrake cable back in...
Not sure if it can be done but if the mechanism where the lid handle can be left intact (don't think it can...) then you should leave it without dissasembling.
I took some pics when I took my 348 (same as 355) one apart - one tip is to cut a slot in the bracket with a dremel etc so you can get the cable out http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?45388-348-DIY-quot-Restoration-quot&p=711550#post711550
Leave it in. Unless you're replacing it with a new one it's hardly worth the trouble. Cleaning and redyeing the leather can be done "in the car". It's a lot easier to remove the seat.
+1. I recently had to replace the engine bonnet release cable because mine broke near the handle. I went ahead and cut a slot in the bracket (as suggested before) to allow me to slip the cable back in more easily. Coincidentally, I was replacing a defective, left side radiator at the same time and discovered that you cannot replace the entire release cable without removing the radiator itself. The cable is secured to the body, just behind the ribbed intakes of the rear fender. The only alternative would be to leave the original casing in place and then try to thread the new cable through it. But because the cable takes so many twists and turns and is secured to the infrastructure at so many points, I'm not sure if that would be effective. If you can avoid taking the cable apart, I echo the sentiments expressed before. DON'T DO IT! Good luck either way...
It is easier with the seats out of the car so you can work for the inside (the car) position. But it is almost a "you can't get there from here" proposition. Tricky and intricate. What really pisses you off is when you put it back in and then forgot something and have to do both steps again.