I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but I can't find what I need from searching so here we go. First off I have the 97+ manual console, it has 2 "prongs" on the front sides of the console, they don't seem like I can attach them to anything so should I just dremel them off? Second, I had to take out my radio pod to get the console around the e-brake, now I'm having a hard time getting them both to sit right. Is there a better way to get it in without taking out the radio? I thought this was going to be a bolt in operation but its taking a bit more work than I thought.

 

I dremeled the notches off, in fact I cut the console until it was flush with the cupholder to give me more room to play with (I did mine on a camaro though), it takes alot of work and shifting things around, but it'll get there

 

Well I dremeled off the things on the front easily enough, but I still can't get it around the e-brake with the radio pod in. And when I take the radio pod out to get the console in, then I can't get the radio pod to go back in

If anyone has any tricks to share, please do so. I'm gonna step away from it for a bit before I decide to smash it into pieces...

 

you did right by cutting the tabs off, not needed in our cars. pull the E-brake handle almost stright up. nose the console in under the pod and then set it in. thats about the only way to do it unless you unhook the cables at the Y under the car. be sure you have the trim plate out when doing this also.
also where are you putting your mirror and window switches.
if i can get time i will take some shots of what i did.

 

I just installed mine this weekend heres what i did. First i took a hacksaw and cut the ears off of the front of the console. Then with the radio pod installed i took and raised the e-brake all the way up. Then i took the console and slid it down over the e-brake. Then slid the console down between the seats. With the E-brake all the way up you should have a couple of inches to play with forward are backwards with the console. Then once my console was all the way on the floor i had to slide it as far foward as i could. Then i could see the two mounting holes in the floor through the console(where the factory ones bolted). Then i put my shifter **** on and put the E-brake handle back on and was finished. If you have any questions you can PM me.

 

Oops double post

 

not nessicerily a double post, i didnt mention taking off the E brake handle. that DOES make it alot easier. BTW once you get it over the handle, release the handle tomake other adjs easier once its on.

 

I got it on yesterday, had a friend come over to give me and extra set of hands which made it much easier. I took the radio out, put the console in, slid the console back some to install the radio then pushed the console forward to where it should be. Its a tight fit but its in there. Now I have to mount the window/mirror switches. When all is said and done I think my new interior is gonna look really nice.

 

here are a few pics of what i did with my switches.

http://www.pontiactorque.com/quickch...sole_00002.JPG

http://www.pontiactorque.com/quickch...sole_00007.JPG

http://www.pontiactorque.com/quickch...sole_00010.JPG

 

I did this swap also, except I got the late-4th gen console (the one with 4 cup holders). I need to find somewhere to mount my switches. I liked the mirrors on the side, like shown above. I don't smoke, so I'm thinking the window switches will get some kinda fiberglass plate in there. Right now there's just lose inside, lol. My power mirrors are just hanging out underneath cuz I didn't have anywhere to put them... and I rarely adjust my mirrors. I'm hoping to break into that project sometime this weekend. I installed the console waaaaaay back in July, so it's about time!

 

will the automatic 4th gen consoles go in as well...or are the manuals the only one to switch over?

 

Do a couple of searches on this, you'll find all the information you need. It's not as easy of a swap. Everything does not line up the same...

 

Fanatic im like you , i dont smoke and wont let anyone that has just smoked near my car. as for the ashtray im a functional minded person so i use my ashtray for change or the occasional oddor end. the lil change throth i use for my gas cap key and i use my cup holder for a cellphone seat.
heck , the lil light that comes with the ashtray even works.