81 to 84 conversion

[philbert]

Nice work, Mark!

You have obviously had the dash and consoles apart, I need to service the switches and stuff in the center console block, where the seat belt and catalyst lights, power window switches, trunk release and emergency flasher nest together in a block. I tried unsuccessfully to pop the whole block out, is it supposed to come out that way or do I need to dismantle the whole center console or?

Thanks for any advice.

[So Cal Mark]

the center panel is held on with screws, all of the indicators just pop out

[Boris61]

Philbert, Mark is of course correct about the screws, but it is not simple. If you can get to the things that need work through the radio and courtesy light holes I suggest you do so. If you must remove many of the screws are in very tight and hidden places. I once had a diagram in German that had them all shown. I can't find it but maybe someone here has that to give you. From memory on my 84 the worse ones were hidden behind the clock, and on either side of the top section. One of these can be accessed in the glove box and the other is opposite it and I had to partially remove the instrument cluster and use a right angle ratcheting driver to get to it. Be extra careful prying out the clock cause the veneer is especially fragile and thin there. You could try masking tape to protect it. I wish I had done that. Finally when the vents come out the foam gaskets behind will probably turn to powder(anyone know where to source these?) Go slow and be patient. Good luck!

[So Cal Mark]

there is one screw at the top in the center and two screws under the courtesy light. That will get the center panel out. The rest of the center console screws will be visible once the panel is out

[philbert]

Thanks for the help, where is the screw at the top? Do I remove the clock to find it? And I have tried to pop the black plastic block of switches out towards me, I can get either the top or bottom of the group to tip outwards but no luck getting it to pop outwards, don't want to break the black plastic or the fake wood veneer.

[So Cal Mark]

the top screw is under the clock, the two lower screws are under the courtesy lamp

[philbert]

Found it, got it done, thank you!