Center Console Removal-mega W/buckets

[Jwskj]

I've got an 08 with bucket seats and I want to remove the horizontal plastic/woodgrain panel that is forward of the storage bin area and goes forward to the vertical panel under the heater control area.



I want to add some 'personal' wiring and switches, and I want the job to look clean and neat.



I think there is room do do what I want underneath the panel, but I can't tell until I can get the panel off and check it out.



Has anybody out there ever removed that thing or anybody know how to do it?



I can pull upwards on the panel and feel two clips(?) release on each side (driver and passenger side) of the panel, but it seems to be attached at the rear portion of the panel close to the storage bin stack.



I don't want to pull too hard because with my luck I would just make a bunch of pieces.



Anybody have any suggestions??

 

[RDHamill]

when you open the lower storage section of the console, look in by the light, on each side you'll see taps that you need to press to release the "woodgrain" cover.

You are correct that there is lots of room under there.

good luck

 

[Jwskj]

I opened the lower storage area and mine has no light that I can see... . and I can't feel any tabs to press. There is only 1 screw on each side going sideways and not into the woodgrain panel. Am I missing something???

 

[RDHamill]

mine has a light htat comes on when you open the lid.

you'll have to put your head inside the storage comp. and look forward to see the little taps. they are a ***** to release , I do it with a small screwdriver.

I ran the air lines to my air bags in the console and located the switch in the lower section.

 

[Jwskj]

Your input really helped. Thanx!!



As I said, I don't have a light... maybe it's a Canadian thing.



Anyway, I found the tabs (all 3 of them), and they were a ***** to release.



The whole area under the plastic/woodgrain panel isn't free open space, but I should be able to do what I want.



I've got about 6 or 8 nice switches that I'm adding for everything from air horns to a couple of sets of driving lights and a few other things. I can put my fuse blocks and relays under the dash, but I needed a good place for the switches, and this will work just fine.



Again, Thanks for your help... it really made my day.

 

[RDHamill]

Funny, mine's got a light, and it's as "Canadian " as a Mexican truck can be. Must be the trim level, mine is a Laramie.

good luck getting all your stuff wired up.

 

[Jwskj]

Mine's a Laramie also, but I guess Dodge decided to save a couple of $ by eliminating the light from the 08's..... Ya know..... a $ here and a $ there, and if you save enough, you've got a Ford or Chevy!