Couldn't find a topic like this before I had to remove the center console, so thought I'd make one real quick to save some others 5 to 10 minutes (mostly time spent trying to figure out what size socket to use on the bolts). I didn't remove it entirely b/c I just needed to see if a mechanic accidentally dropped my spare set of keys down there.

This is for 1997-2002 Camaro with manual transmission. I read elsewhere that this doesn't apply to '93-'96. For them you apparently need an American (SAE or whatever) 9/32" socket. That's just what I read, I'm not going to verify it.

Tools needed:
10 mm socket driver (AKA screwdriver with a socket on the end)
10 mm socket
ratchet
long ratchet extension (preferably 3 to 4 inches)

Steps:

1) Take all of your stuff out of the center console.

2) Use ratchet to loosen the 2 bolts from the bottom of the storage space. Use socket driver to completely take them out.

3) Take out ashtray just by gently pulling up on it. Use ratchet and a long extension to carefully completely loosen the bolt down there. If you have long fingers like me, you should be able to remove the bolt by gripping it between your index and middle finger just barely. Do not drop this, it would be difficult to fish out.

4) Use ratchet to loosen the bolt near the passenger's left foot, just beyond the fold-out drink holder. Remove completely with socket driver.

5) Open the driver's door and do the same over there.

6) Pull emergency brake up.

7) If removing entirely, I believe you'll have to unscrew the **** off the shifter. I wouldn't recommend doing that unless you're taking the console out completely.

8) Sit in the backseat and lift the console up and out towards you.

You're finished. That was 5 bolts with washers total.

Installing it is the reverse of taking it out, just don't overtighten the bolts, there's no reason to. Also, on the two bolts in the foot area, try to reinstall them in the exact same location as where you unscrewed them from to prevent the console from getting loose or eventually making a squeaking noise. You'll know it's the same location, b/c it'll be easy to screw them back in.

 

I'm not sure what bolt size it is, but I know for a fact it's not 9/32"

Bolt locations are slightly different (mainly the front) and I never was able to get my center console out without breaking the rivets in the front cassette holder area. The 97+ center console is a piece of cake to remove though.

Also, you need to remove the shifter **** off to remove the shifter boot, and you don't need to remove the shifter to get the lower console out.

 

Yeah, it was really easy to do. It took me longer to dig out the metric sockets and figure out the bolt size than it took me to take it apart.

Don't know/care about the size for the '93-'96 cars, but what I read was 9/32" which is wayyyyy small. It's probably 10mm like this was.

 

Chevy bodies and most of the engine have been metric since the early 80's.

 

Is this the same process for the auto? I ordered a shift boot from Red Line & was trying to figure out how to just remove the center panel. I don't think I need to take the whole console out, just that "center panel". It seems like it is connected to the front part of the armrest/storage area.

 

On the '93-'96 interior, if you remove the shift **** and such, the center panel plate slides right off if I remember correctly. Don't know about the '97-'02. The shift **** has a staple you have to carefully pry out with a small screw driver in the front that you can't see well (take note of how it is embedded as it won't go back inside the **** upside down!), then you need to carefully pry the button off (start in the front and be gentle), take it apart (very easy, there's a spring and a white plastic part), slide the **** off (don't smack yourself in the forehead with it), and then you can remove the cover. There's a light bulb in the shift thing that you remove by twisting a quarter turn, (don't yank the wiring out by accident) and hopefully that will do the trick for you. Avoid touching anything yellow inside that area, assuming there's an airbag sensor in your car right around there.

 

Thanks. Got the **** off, but the center piece seems to be hung up on the change holder in the arm rest....anyone know how to remove it?

 

the change holder just pulls straight up. It can be a little tight to get it off.