Shifter Install Help

[ACSPONY]

Hey guys, I figure this place moves faster than the 2.3 forums...

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? I have to believe the shifter install will be a breeze after this PITA....

Thanks in advance for the help.

EDIT: I've gotten the plastic under the steering wheel off to expose the 2 screws holding on the console on the other side. These are just as hard to remove as the one on the right side, I'm using the same screwdriver as I did for the screw that I was able to take out. WTF! Did someone overtighten these in the past and that's why I'm having such a hard time?

 

[bill302]

if the console is ready to be removed all accept for the one screw you will need to carefully attempt to remove the console while pulling on the area where the screw is located and with the pressure pulling back against the screw attempt to remove the screw with a screwdriver the pressure pulling back on the screw and you turning screw with a screwdriver ought to allow the threads to catch in the fastner allowing screw to come out....hope i have not confused you but goodluck...post results...

 

[ACSPONY]

I understand what you're saying Bill, but the other side is the same. Please see my edit^^.

 

[bill302]

so your saying the screw won't turn and your afraid you may strip the screw head? i was thinking that you keep turning the screw and it won't come out....the best way i found to remove a screw that won't turn is to use a ratchet and a 1/4 in. socket with a screwdriver bit and push in on the back of the rachet while turning to loosen...

 

[ACSPONY]

Funny you should say that because it's exactly what I tried. The bit would turn and then jump out of the head, I figured it was too much torque and didn't want to strip it so I reverted back to attempts with the screwdriver..

 

[bill302]

seems like you have a pita the only other method i have is to drill the screw head off with a drill and bit and go from there but before that i would try to see if i could match a larger phillips head and try that if you have not already...

 

[ACSPONY]

Hmmm, I'd really hate to have to drill these SOBs out, I might just try to get at the bolts under the radio with a good ol' combo wrench. It'll probably take a while given the limited area but at least I should be able to get them out. Do you think WD-40 or PB would help at all? I hadn't tried it because the bolts aren't rusted or anything.

 

[ACSPONY]

I leaned into it with a drill, no dice..

 

[jrichker]

Find a long shank phillips bit and put it in visegrips. Hammer on the end of the phillips bit while trying to turn it. The vibration will help shake the screw loose. One of the hammer type impact tools is a good choice if you have one.

 

[ACSPONY]

I thought about getting an impact driver... Would a regular screwdriver work? I don't have vicegrips handy.

 

[Roland69]

tap the end of the screw driver to shock the screw...and puting the center console back in with the MGW I found to be a PITA cause of the long handle shaft. and don't forget the sheet metal screws on each side that you can't hardly see.

 

[ACSPONY]

Which sheet metal screws?

 

[ACSPONY]

I bought a can of PB Blaster today and soaked the threads of the screw, still won't come out

 

[Roland69]

Which sheet metal screws?

there is one on each side of the console up towards the firewall more. maby around where your shin would be when siting in the car...and same on the passenger side. I faught with mine and was getting piss'd at it till I found I was missing those two screws

 

[ACSPONY]

If I can get these freakin dash screws out maybe I'll get to the others
I'm about ready to forget it and just use a combo wrench 1/8 turn at a time on the boot bolts.

 

[ACSPONY]

Got a combo wrench on them, the ones under the radio are taking ****ing forever. I took out one of the other shifter bolts (the ones that you can actually get to) and it came out fine. The other one seems like it broke loose from the clip and now it just spins. This ****ing POS car is fighting me every step of the way. I'm about ready to roll this car off a cliff or light it on fire... Any ideas anyone?

 

[90_Red_LX]

I was in the same position you were in on them inner boot bolts. Nothing but cussing, getting mad, messing with them, and of course time got them bolts out. Take a break if you get frustrated as you can easily break the plastics surrounding the console and then you really will be mad.

 

[ACSPONY]

Yeah I was about ready to rip the damn dash out... So you didn't remove the console when you installed your Pro 5.0? Just used a combo wrench?