Console Swap Issues

[sanlyn]

I have my 2004 New Beetle with the center console without an armrest. I'm trying to swap the console out for a 2004 console with the armrest/cd changer compartment.

I have the old console off, the base of the new one goes on fine, but the metal cage for the frame of the armrest doesn't seem to fit. The four bolt holes line up, but the one that attaches to the bolt on the driver's side of the emergency brake seems recessed, and although it lines up with the hole, the bolt doesn't extend beyond the hole so the nut will go on. The bolt on the front of the emergency brake base on the passenger side is the same. What am I doing wrong? do I need longer bolts? How do I change them out????

One other issue, what's the trick for removing the emergency brake handle? I've seen it done, but wasn't close enough to see how it was done.

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by sanlyn

I have my 2004 New Beetle with the center console without an armrest. I'm trying to swap the console out for a 2004 console with the armrest/cd changer compartment.

I have the old console off, the base of the new one goes on fine, but the metal cage for the frame of the armrest doesn't seem to fit. The four bolt holes line up, but the one that attaches to the bolt on the driver's side of the emergency brake seems recessed, and although it lines up with the hole, the bolt doesn't extend beyond the hole so the nut will go on. The bolt on the front of the emergency brake base on the passenger side is the same. What am I doing wrong? do I need longer bolts? How do I change them out????

One other issue, what's the trick for removing the emergency brake handle? I've seen it done, but wasn't close enough to see how it was done.

Feel for a clip under the brake handle, towards the back and underneath. So not the part with the push in button, the other end. Use a small screwdriver to pull the clip down a bit, then it simply slides off As with the bolts, not a clue sorry Even though i know what you mean.

[Blugg]

[sanlyn]

Got the handle off, thanks for the help. The replacement console was a very tight fit, but I did get it to work. Unfortunately I didn't get the wiring harness part for the third power port. Not sure I'll bother as I suspect nobody will be in the back seat anyway.

[kcbassin4jc]

Hi seriously thinking about swapping out my console as well... Really news an armrest. I went to the dealer yesterday to price the console and accessory parts and was quoted $577.00 plus about $225 for labor. Question - any leads on used or cheap console parts? Thx

[sanlyn]

Originally Posted by kcbassin4jc

Hi seriously thinking about swapping out my console as well... Really news an armrest. I went to the dealer yesterday to price the console and accessory parts and was quoted $577.00 plus about $225 for labor. Question - any leads on used or cheap console parts? Thx

One of the local wrecking yards had a nice selection when I was looking for mine. $100 for everything I needed.