help with console removal

[peterd]

You've probably had this one before but being a bit of a newbie I am looking for some advice

I decided that I'd have a go at putting in a new head unit and save some bucks on the installation so started removing the centre console then thought Id probably have to take the gear knob off

Turned and turned it but it doesnt unwind so I was wondering how do you get it off and why doesnt mine come undone?

or is it necessary to take the gear stick knob off at all and completely remove centre console to get the head unit surround off

I was thinking that I might be able to get the surround off without removing the entire centre console just loosen it might be enough

Thanks for any tips

[bear2230]

Hey Peterd,

It should just unscrew unless it is an aftermarket knob with a locking screw. Usually located at the bottom of the knob.
It could be a small screwdriver slot or allen key to undo it.
Don’t be afraid to give it a good tug. It probably has a plastic thread.
Take a picture and send it to me on 0416-247-363 if you are still stuck

Richard.

[slug_dub]

Gear knob is just on quite tight by the sounds of it, it will free up with enough force applied You do need to get the centre console out of the way to get at one screw at the bottom left securing the tombstone where the stereo will go, so getting that knob off is required.

[BadBong]

Hey mate,

To install your own headunit, you'll need to:

- Unscrew your gear knob
- Remove your centre console (the bit between your seats). It should come off after removing the 2 screws on the side (where you left knee would be touching as the driver) and 1 screw from the centre storage compartment
- Remove your tombstone / the trime that surrounds your head unit. It should come off after removing the 2 screws at the bottom of the tombstone, which would be exposed after you've removed the centre console

Removing the stock HU is pretty easy and I would suggest that you solder the wires to your new HU rather than using a connector block to prevent the loss of sound quality (signal).

Hope that helps.

[slug_dub]

There's five screws in the centre console Badbong, two on the sides, one under the ashtray/cupholder, and two in the armrest/glovebox.

[de Bounce]

There is a complete thread on how to replace a radio for an NB8B HERE

[peterd]

Hey guys thanks for the advice Im ok getting the screws out just cant get the gear knob off its a Nardi woodgrain mazda factory sports package option maybe theres a screw or allen key underneath havent had time to check will get back to you on that and will post a pic

[peterd]

Image0058.gif

Heres a pic of the gear knob tried turning the metal base anticlockwise seems to loosen and then seems to go round and round without coming off

[peterd]

Jeezus the more I look into this the worse it gets. I googled removing a Nardi gear knob and it seems that heaps of people have had problems with them. Theres one model that has a rubber boot at the base which can be prised down to reveal some allen keys which you need a special tool to remove. But mine doesnt have that. It has a metal ring at the base of the wooden knob which Ive tried unwinding. It seems to unwind and do up but not fully tight. Maybe you have to unwind the metal ring at the base then as someone on google suggested getting a wrench on the gear shaft and pulling at the gear knob to release it. This sounds like a lot of trouble to get a gear knob off and could damage something

So Im really wondering now what to do if I was to take it to a shop to have a new stereo fitted how would they go getting the bastard off !! Ridiculous!!

Any further suggestions welcome

[Shambler]

I had to go for a drive and wait for the gearbox to warm up, it came off really easily then! Either that or park it in the sun before trying it. This was the stock knob though, the nardi could be different