Astra mk4 - how easy to replace centre console?

[greg (archive)]

Hello people,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me how easy it is to replace the centre console on my mk4 astra? I bought the car recently and it's got a horrible fake wood effect and I need to replace it asap!

Same applies to the gear knob, is this an easy job?

Thanks!

 

[Chris (archive)]

Hi Greg,

I've done this - replaced the horrible black plastic one with the wood one!!!

The gear knob is easy - it just twists off. It is not screwed on, in fact its just sits on top of the gear stick. Obviously it is a tight fit. So whatever you do, don't fall into the trap of trying to cut it off.

The centre console is a bit more tricky. A word of caution first...the screws which hold the console in are 'star head' and are made from white metal. They are easy to damage so make sure that you use the right 'bit' to remove them. The first thing to remove is the radio. Put your hand in behind the radio (after removing the cage) and you can remove the heater controls and vents - they are clipped in place. This will reveal the 4 screws (if memory serves me right). The ashtray will also need to come off to get to the 2 screws at the bottom of the console. They are easily visible though. It really is a simple process but remember not to force things, took me about 45 mins, and I had no idea what to do when I started.

The silver console seems to be all the rage at the moment.

Chris