Removing dashboard plate from around radio, temperature control unit, etc

[Renagade132]

On my H2 I want to remove the center dashboard plate that goes around the radio, temperature control unit, On Star controls, etc to paint it, do I have to remove the center console to remove it? Because I off the 2 long Allen key bolts, and most of it came loose, but the three 12volt accessory/cigarette lighter plugs would not let me pull it out. I tried, but I can't even pull it out far enough to disconnect the three accessory plugs. Do I pull harder? Up and out? Or do I have to remove the center console? If so, does anyone know how the console can be removed? Also how do you remove the inside door handles surrounding frame, as I want to paint that as well. I tried removing it a little, and something behind it seems to have cracked or popped, so I stopped, so I wouldn't damage it. I'd appreciate any advise

 

[LoJac963]

You need to unbolt the center console and slide it back a few inches. That way you have more room to bring the center stack trim forward and get everything disconnected. Take out the console bucket for a couple screws and the shifter knob and trim-underneath are a few screws also.

There is a How-To over on Elcova

 

[n0useforaname]

Yeah.. the center console has two bolts going into the area you are trying to remove.. Here is the kicker though... I used that walk-through on Elcova.. and they have you remove like 15 bolts that are not needed. I've had mine off like 10 times in the past month The main bolts you wanna get are bigger/silver.. I believe there are 4-5 under the actual cubby in the center console, and one beside the shifter.. then there are two small black bolts that screw directly into the dash area that are located under the Cig lighters. If you get those out, you can get your center console back.

 

[Renagade132]

Thank you both for the information, I will try working on it this weekend.