Shifter install help please?

[ACSPONY]

I ordered an MGW and am getting ready to install it, after reading some threads on here I decided to remove the console. I don't have a ratcheting box end or combo to get to the bolts under the radio. So far the console removal is going well, except for the screws in the glove box. I've already taken the glove box out and one of the screws next to the fuel door/hatch release. I can't get the second screw out and I can tell if I keep turning the screwdriver, it's going to strip. Does anyone have recommendations on removing the screw or is there a way to work around it? The screws on the driver's side are the same. I have tried to ignore removing the console and take out the bolts for the shifter boot with an 8mm combo wrench, this is not working, one came out, the other seems like the clip holding it to the boot came loose so now it just spins... I can't really get to the front 2 with a combo wrench and this ****ing car is fighting me every step of the way. I'm about ready to light it on fire lol...

Any ideas? I'm all out
Thanks guys,
~A.C.

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

whoa.. back up.. you are doing a Shifter install??? Just take the knob off your old shifter, then grab underneath the edges of the boot and pull straight up, Them remove the inner boot, (4 bolts) Then the shifter is right there, There is NO reason whatsoever to remove the console, Thats craploads of extra work. I think the last time i had my shifter out i got it out in about 5 mins. You may find it easier to bend the floor a bit to get the front shifter bolts (you'll see what i mean) but i have done it with just a plain old ratchet and extension.

Dr.

 

[Red_LX]

Yeah really, don't mess with taking the console out. Just cut the plastic where it's over the front shifter bolts, the boot plate covers that area anyway, and it makes the bolts a lot easier to get. Use a 1/4" drive with a flex extension also.

 

[Henceforward]

Here is my install...

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=528042

 

[Roland69]

I took my console out and it made it a good time to clean everything lol

 

[ACSPONY]

whoa.. back up.. you are doing a Shifter install??? Just take the knob off your old shifter, then grab underneath the edges of the boot and pull straight up, Them remove the inner boot, (4 bolts) Then the shifter is right there, There is NO reason whatsoever to remove the console, Thats craploads of extra work. I think the last time i had my shifter out i got it out in about 5 mins. You may find it easier to bend the floor a bit to get the front shifter bolts (you'll see what i mean) but i have done it with just a plain old ratchet and extension.

Dr.

Can you explain bending the floor? I've got one of the inner boot bolts off, one just turns (I think the clip is loose) and the others I've just been using an 8mm on.

Yeah really, don't mess with taking the console out. Just cut the plastic where it's over the front shifter bolts, the boot plate covers that area anyway, and it makes the bolts a lot easier to get. Use a 1/4" drive with a flex extension also.

I didn't think of the swivel, good idea. Cutting the console is something I'll probably do too...


Thanks for the help guys
~A.C.

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

well, the sheetmetal of the floor makes it hard to get to the 2 front bolts with a ratchet, you if you take some pliers and bent it a little bit, its alot eaiser to get to, And the inner boot covers it, so you dont have to worry about noise or anything.

Dr.

 

[ACSPONY]

Thanks for all the help, with a dremel and a buddy we finally got the stocker out and the MGW in