Nic's Centre Dash-Console swap

[ZipcodeUK]

Got my mits on a centre console, and a few other dash parts over the weekend.

Will try and do a small right up as I go along in case others want to follow the same path.

Today's job was to figure out what I have and what I still needed to get from Pauly. Hopefully that is sorted now and some parts will arrive tomorrow so I can finish the install.
I also got a replacement glovebox, with all the bits I need for attaching the cooling hardware. As a bonus, it's also from the comfort dash spec so is nicely flocked with some insulation, compared to our poverty spec part that comes as std in our 30k plus highlines (tight arse be!!!) . .
Spent an hour swapping over some mounting hardware, the lock and a few bits so it can be reinstalled after the centre console. See pics below

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Best get cracking on with the job! Thanks @Pauly

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Here my guide to the centre console installation:

Tools:
Trim romoval kit
Torx bit set (2 sizes needed)
Cutting tool ( Dremmel / junior hacksaw etc)

Start on left side and remove the panel, (Clips only) once out unplug the airbag connector.


Remove the lower panel under the glovebox (clips only

Remove the glove box: 3 x screws below

The open the glove box, 4x screw along the top.


Remove the right side panel (same as the left, without the need to unplug anything)


Then remove the black panel underneath the drivers side footwell (no screws, only clips along the front edge)


Remove the headlight switch, so video link below for demo:
Dropbox - Headlight switch removal.mov

Disconnect the wiring from the light switch, and remove the screw tonthe rear at the bottom of the housing.


Remove the trim below the steering wheel, (clips only)
Unplug the dimmer/ headlight adjuster.



Remove the small disc on the gear stick and unscrew the torque screw


Remove the gear knob and the spring


Remove the black trim surround


Remove the access lid to the fuse box and remove the screw


Remove the screw on the screw on the left side of the console.


And remove the 2screws to the left of the small consoles.


Remove the two screws on the right (drivers side) of the console.


Pull the centre console towards you and downwards, there are a few clips running along the top edge (below the heated controls)
Unplug the cigarette socket)


You should now be at this stage:

 

[ZipcodeUK]

If you are running cooling pipes then you need to follow these next steps for plumbing in pipe works.

Remove the radio trim surround which also includes the two vents. Start at the top left corner and work your way accross. Once the top edge is lose then do the bottom.



Then remove the vent on the left side. Start with a trim removal tool at the bottom and firmly press the vent upward. I found you have to leave a trim tool in the lower edge while then prying the top edge out. The vents are really tight if they've not been removed before.

Then remove the top console: there is one screw which is accessed front the glovebox.



To remove the top console, you need more than trim tool. It takes a lot of effort and you have to firmly leverage the unit out as the clips aren't really designed for being removed. I started along the right side first, then moved accross the top right side to left. I spent about 30min removing this. I've posted the image of the compartment removed so you can see where the clips are.



To locate the grommit for connecting the t-piece you need to feel in the top right corner. You have to run your hand over the back plastic unit and as you move you hand over the right edge of the box you can feel the grommet



To remove the grommet, with you right hand wedge the angled trim tool under the grommet (use your left hand to help line the trim tool up) it should pop off)


The pipe kit you get isn't long enough to reach both the glovebox and the bottle cooler. It's fine if you only do one or the other, but the short hose is too short to reach the glovebox or the bottle cooler.
I needed to connect both the glovebox and bottle cooler, so basically what I did was add a small piece of hydraulic hose into the short pipe



I then connected up the T piece and routed the long pipe from where the grommet is down to the centre console (behind the re-enforcement bar)
The pipe is plenty long enough so I cut some off the end leaving just enough to reach the plastic pipe connector: below shows how to mount the plastic pipe kit. Attach the hose before mounting the plastic fitting.


The piece I cut off, I then used by connecting it to the short hose which now has the small piece of hydraulic pipe in it. Below is the result.


Finally, connect the hose to the glovebox cooler fitting.

To fit the centre console, you need to trim the black plastic cover that's fitted over the floor which protest the wiring / gear shift components. In total I trimmed about 3 inches of the left edge down to about 2 inches accross the front left edge.



I had to putt a couple small cuts into the rubber flooring to enable the lower edge to fit nicely. Screw in the hex screw to the right of the dues holder and the 3x screws on the left (and 2 on the right side no pic sorry)


The screw in the 2 screws above the black plastic tray and another 2 accross the top edge of the console


I clip the gear 'gaitor' by releasing the 3 clips. Tip, undo the top one first before the sides.



Then reinstall the gaitor onto the new top panel. Do so before mounting the panel as it requires quite a firm push to click in the clips.
Clip the top panel by starting at the top edge first then the bottom.



Then, refit the glovebox, lower dash trims, light switch holder and switches.
Refit the side panels (don't forget to plug in the airbag switch) and reinstall the two footwell panels.

Hopefully, you now have something like this.

 

[DaveyB]

Cracking write-up there @ZipcodeUK, great work.

 

[Ed Webb]

Awesome right up. Do you happen to have a list of part numbers required for the job? This is a mod I'm wanting to do.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Awesome right up. Do you happen to have a list of part numbers required for the job? This is a mod I'm wanting to do.

Inbox @Pauly , he can supply everything

 

[Ed Webb]

I was just thinking to make this a one stop thread with part numbers and a good indepth how too guide with photos which this is we could get all the info on this thread. Saves pauly getting the same email each time someone wants to do this mod. I shall enquire nearer the time when I've got spare funds.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

I was just thinking to make this a one stop thread with part numbers and a good indepth how too guide with photos which this is we could get all the info on this thread. Saves pauly getting the same email each time someone wants to do this mod. I shall enquire nearer the time when I've got spare funds.

Agreed, @Pauly is going to clean the thread up so it can be used as a guide. I'm sure he could add the parts lists, great idea

 

[Keaney]

Awesome write up thanks

 

[Ed Webb]

Agreed, @Pauly is going to clean the thread up so it can be used as a guide. I'm sure he could add the parts lists, great idea

Fair play it seems an idiot proof guide here and is exactly what I've been looking for. Once its been tidied it could be a popular thread.
The forum seems to be getting a few really good how too guides at the minute. It's really good to see as even the best guides have found information from other threads. We've got a really community feel about the forum.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Also, just to add:
A: I'm still struggling to remove the cigarette socket. Even once it's out of the old console / holder trying to split the outer plastic housing from the metal ring / chassis is not straight forward.

B: I've not yet cut the old fuse box lid to cover the small 'gap' at the lower left side. I have the rubber floor and the gap is really small and only noticeable when looking into the car from the passenger door. If it bothers me I'll put the lid in but for now I'm ok with it, here is a pic:

 

[ZipcodeUK]

And a few more photos just to show how small / un-noticeable the gap is. You really have to lean down to see it.

 

[T5.1 auto]

Great write up mate does the van feel any quieter on the road with the extra sound deadening that these parts have compared to the older trims? Think I would leave that small gap as it is, really got to look for it.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Great write up mate does the van feel any quieter on the road with the extra sound deadening that these parts have compared to the older trims? Think I would leave that small gap as it is, really got to look for it.

Well, I don't think you can really tell if there is any difference. But I've not done a proper drive since fitting it so will wait and see. I'd be surprised if it's noticeable.

 

[Sjacko20]

Also, just to add:
A: I'm still struggling to remove the cigarette socket. Even once it's out of the old console / holder trying to split the outer plastic housing from the metal ring / chassis is not straight forward.

View attachment 14588

I recently swapped my cigarette lighter ring for an illuminated one. If you look inside the socket there are two black plastic lugs holding the collar to the metal part. An electrical screwdriver will nicely push them out and then the metal part slides out easily. You then depress the black clips on the collar and remove it from the trim, should all come out without damage for reuse.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Yeah, I've been trying that but the plastic lugs will not budge!!

 

[Sjacko20]

Yeah, I've been trying that but the plastic lugs will not budge!!

I found putting the screwdriver inside then pushing it between the metal and collar lug whilst trying to move the collar slightly worked to ‘trap’ one lug then same with the other. Failing that, break the collar off and I will post you mine as it is no longer required.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

Finally, it's off without snapping the ring!!

 

[Tony&Dawn]

@ZipcodeUK , thanks for a great write up, i've got the parts off Pauly to do this mod, did you do anything with the Usb ?
Penry