Remving the Handbrake Gaitor/Tunnel Finisher

R

Rangi246

New Member
Hi everyone

I'm having a bit of trouble getting the tunnel finisher off the car. I've undone all the bolts/screws but cannot for the life of me get the handbrake gaitor off so I can remove the console.

Its in pretty good condition and I don't want to damage it if possible. Anyone got any ideas about removing it?

Cheers
Mark
 
You have to remove the console before you can take the gaiter off. Is your car auto or manual?
Remove the ashtrays. Remove the two 7/16 nuts at the back and the one at the front. There should be two Phillips screws at the front also going from the tunnel console into the front under the speaker grille, and if your car hasn't been messed with before, there should be 1 screw under the front of the handbrake gaiter. (There's a small flap) But these are usually missing.
Next remove the front speaker grille (2 screws) and the speaker if it has one.
Remove the gear knob and if it's manual, remove the chrome sleeve and spring under it. If auto, remove the gear selector plate. Push the gear lever forward.
Lift both seat back levers and pull the handbrake up as far as you can.
Lift the centre console and pull forward whilst sliding the handbrake gaiter along the lever (some lubricant may help). You are aiming to slide the console into the speaker hole. Some lifting and jiggling will be required to clear the brake and gear levers and I find it easiest to twist and push one seat lock down then manoeuvre past the other and push it down.
Once the console is off the securing clips for the handbrake gaiter can be seen. They are small spring clips and aren't really designed to come off. Good luck!
 
+1 on the lubricant. Squirt WD40 or similar down the handbrake gaiter on removal and refitment
 
I found the alcohol hand wash stuff to be a good lubricant as it evaporates quickly leaving no residue to clean off.
 
Be prepared to discover 40 years of foulness under the console! You might want to keep some of that handwash...
 
PeterZRH said:
Be prepared to discover 40 years of foulness under the console! You might want to keep some of that handwash...
Click to expand...

So true!

A definite contender for "Post of the Month". . . so far . . .
 
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