308 GTB (1978) console removal

I took my 1977 GTB console out last year--trying to remember the steps.

I recommend removing both seats first--no big deal, just 4 bolts per seat. Make sure to disconnect the fuel pump kill connection under the driver's seat before you yank it out, if it hasn't already been done. (it senses the driver's weight and will disable the fuel pump if no driver is in the seat w/ the key in pos. 1)

Then it should be more clear how to remove the console. Several small screws need to come out. Oh yeah, first remove the forward section in front of the main console. This come out also w/ several small screws. Then you'll see what needs to be done to pull out the main console. Be careful w/ the A/C knobs, and other toggles/sliders. Seems like you'll need to disconnect connectors below. The duct sliders (choke too) are more difficult to disconnect from their cables, I recommend leaving them alone; can't remember how I worked around them...

You'll be surprised at all the loose change you'll find...

Good luck,
Greg

 

All Greg says is true - including the spare change. The biggest issue is the heater and choke cables. In fact, my choke cable is left disconnected! Sadly, I discovered that my heater vent cables are reversed! Now I have to get in there again - or perhaps not. ;-)

rick '79 308gtb

 

I think there are 2 screws in the ashtray that have to be removed too.

 

As I recall, the ONLY screws to remove are in the ashtray. Then the whole top piece slides forward an inch (IIRC) and comes out. It is held in by a clip. But you will not be able to lift it much, because of all the cables and stuff connected to the controls on the underside. You will be able to lift it enough to work on it though.

I didn't find it necessary to remove seats.

Birdman

 

Birdman's correct - the top of the console (where all the toggles and levers are) comes off separately. Two machine screws under the ashtray and it slides right out.

Photo #1 is the console top (stripped of all switches), photo #2 is the leading edge of the attached "clip" that Birdman mentions - it slides onto the base of the console (you'll see).

No seat removal or console removal required to get to the switches and the underside of the emergency brake.

Note: if you need to take out the consoles and therefor must remove the seats, be VERY careful threading the seat bolts when you put them back in – stripping the nuts on the underside of the seat pan is a huge PITA.
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and disconnect the battery or at least remove the cigarette lighter's fuse. There's permanent voltage even with the ignition off. The first time I worked there I created a short circuit at the connections and needed a new fuse anyway.

BTW; do all US-cars have a battery central cut-off switch ?

Best Regards from Germany

Martin

 

Be sure and tape some cardboard or other protection over the clip. The corners are sharp and can easily poke a hole in the console as you try to fix whatever is broken (heat levers in my case).

 

True, that. But I wanted to remove the whole shootin' match to vacuum out decades of crud, and of course find some spare change!

Greg

 

I took the whole shootin' match our when I redid my interior. Seats first then all of the console. I refinished the console with leatherique dye (yes, the leather dye does fine on vinyl as long as all traces of silicone are gone). Upon reassembly, there was not enough slack to reinstall the choke cable. Then again, I never use it...

 

You mean like this? Over three dollars worth.
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How do the black round knobs come off of the switches ( choke switch,etc.)? Need to remove to change bezsils. Are they just force fit?

 

They are a force fit. The metal part has a slight taper to it. Just pull straight up.

 

I just did I this a few days ago.
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Holy thread revival batman!!!!

Bonnieboy never did remove his center console in 2006.

I, however certainly did remove it, along with the rest of the interior in 2013, a few years after buying his car... still with the seized choke cable, dodgy hazard switch and torn handbrake boot

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I have just re-installed my Seats and Center Console after taking them out to re-dye using Leatherique. Its on another thread here somewhere... Must say that I had trouble removing the Main - Center Console. The Front / Small piece came off easy enough. With the Rear, I had to take off the 3 Handbrake mounting bolts so that I could pivot the console from the back, upwards and then lifted the front up and over the Gearshift Lever. On mine I could not lift the front up first as it crashed into the A/C Air Register in the Center of the Instrument Panel. Also I would re-inforce the comments about removing the Console Switch Panel and be careful to protect the leather from the sharp metal bracket at the rear of the Switch Panel, or it will make a mess of your Center Console. I am speaking about the area just in front of the Handbrake Lever. Good Luck!

 

Also I notice that your Steering Column has been adjusted to be better oriented to the driver. Did the PO do it? Makes a heck of a difference when driving, even though there is less space under the Wheel and the seat when you are getting in and out of the car. Also on my 85 QV, the fiberglass floor is covered with a Black vinyl under the seats and in the footwell area. Strange... looks more like Mike's Post #14, rather than Post #15.

 

One final question. On my 85 QV, am I supposed to have any carpet behind the Seats? Right now all there is, is Black vinyl covered floor.

 

I have adjusted the steering wheel for my driving and to view instruments, however it may also be 'down' in that photo to aid removal of the dash.

In the photo I have removed the under seat vinyl. I was changing from tan carpet to black so I also changed the vinyl from cream to black.

On my car the vinyl went all the way back to the firewall, so no carpet on the floor behind the seats. But my car is not a QV so might not be applicable, plus there are carpetting differences between GTB and GTS.