6th gen: How to take off plastics?
MalleusMaleficarum
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,668
Likes: 0
From: Asheville, NC
The center console just snaps on and off. You have to manuever it around the shifter and e-brake. The radio bezel has two screws underneath it and one behind the hazard switch. Using your fingers, pry out the hazard switch and remove the screw behind it. It's tough, don't be scared to pull a little. After the three screws are removed, the bezel just pulls off. The radio is held in by four screws, two on each side.
Stupid Power Ball
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 11,619
Likes: 0
From: Dirty Jersey
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: north of Atlanta, GA
Couple of suggestions:
1) use a cleaner/plastic prep made by SEM to ensure that any grease, ArmorAll, crud, etc. is completely removed before you prime or paint. SEM makes a very complete line of products specific to refinishing interior plastic & vinyl surfaces. I've had excellent results using their products over the past 15 yrs, as long as I followed their recommendations completely. Also, I'd suggest that one use the entire 'system' from whatever manufacturer they have chosen, to make sure that everything is compatible. . .
2) purchase a Helms service manual for your '98. You should be able to locate a used one at a fair price on eBay (or even on this Forum). You'll pay for the cost of that manual with the $$ you'll save because you didn't screw up and break a part trying to remove it without specific 'how to' instructions '. Some of the parts - such as the plastic piece that fits below the radio and above the center console - as an example - are downright tricky. Ditto for the parts around the HVAC controls and the stereo. (or go to a pick-a-part type of auto-wrecking yard and practice on a junker !)
1) use a cleaner/plastic prep made by SEM to ensure that any grease, ArmorAll, crud, etc. is completely removed before you prime or paint. SEM makes a very complete line of products specific to refinishing interior plastic & vinyl surfaces. I've had excellent results using their products over the past 15 yrs, as long as I followed their recommendations completely. Also, I'd suggest that one use the entire 'system' from whatever manufacturer they have chosen, to make sure that everything is compatible. . .
2) purchase a Helms service manual for your '98. You should be able to locate a used one at a fair price on eBay (or even on this Forum). You'll pay for the cost of that manual with the $$ you'll save because you didn't screw up and break a part trying to remove it without specific 'how to' instructions '. Some of the parts - such as the plastic piece that fits below the radio and above the center console - as an example - are downright tricky. Ditto for the parts around the HVAC controls and the stereo. (or go to a pick-a-part type of auto-wrecking yard and practice on a junker !)
MalleusMaleficarum
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,668
Likes: 0
From: Asheville, NC
Ok, that was too easy. Hold the rotating vent piece in you hand and push down from the top, you'll see it come out of the dimple that hold it in place and allows it to rotate. Slowly pull forward untill it comes out. Now you have a good grip on the trim piece from the inside and it comes right out.