On my '78, I'm trying to replace the right power window switch. So far I've taken apart the console as far as I can and it will still not lift up. It's as if something I can't see is holding it down. Any suggestions? Also, is it safe to assume the gear shift ball will unscrew so it can be removed?

See...really dumb.

Thanks,
Franc

Franc,

Before you go too much further I'd recommend getting either the Chilton's or Haynes repair manuals (or both). They have very good step-by-step walk throughs on doing most anything on your car. You should be able to find them at any auto parts or book store near you as well as in the Buy Now! column on the right side of most of the pages here on the site.

And if you don't have an Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) I'd also recommend adding it to your library. They show everything about how your car went together (and comes apart!).

Thanks, Jim. I already have the Chilton's and they don't go into much detail on consoles. I was disappointed when I saw just how little instruction there is. I'll try to get the AIM manual next.

Thanks,
Franc

Hello Franc !
If your vette is automatic trans to unscrew the ball of your shifter you must unscrew firs the chrome button ( counter clock)
after you could unscrew the ball. after you unscrew the power window switch it will drop down.
Normand

I have had mine apart a few times but it has been awhile. As far as I remember I had to first take the carpeted side panels off. This revealed all the stuff underneath the console. The shifter console is attached to the dash console with two screws that as I recall required a small screwdriver and a little finesse. I believe there are also a couple of screws down close to the parking brake housing. All of these screws are on the underneath side of the console. As Norm said, the shifter balls just unscrew very easily. When you lift up on the console plate remember that all the wiring and vacuum tubes are still attached to the A/C and the windows, but I believe you have enough slack to carefully turn it over to get to the screws holding the power window switches. Hope that helps. It isn't hard but it does take some time when you're trying to be careful.

on my 72 there is a single screw under the center storsge compartment. you have to open the right compartment and take the tire jack out and the box it sits in out and then you can get to this screw. it screws into the parking brake cover.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I'll give them a try as soon as the weather up here warms up! This is a great group!

Franc

Hi,

In case it ever happens to you, just wanted to let you know I figured out what was stopping me from removing my '78's console enough to replace the power window switch. Once all of the primary screws are out (there's only 4 of them), look in at the gear shift mechanism from the passenger side. Attached to it is a do-hickey that moves the light on the console to display what gear you're in. If you're careful, you can move the connecting parts enough to disconnect this mechanism, which will allow you to raise the console enough to get a stubby philips head screwdriver in there to loosen up the two screws holding the power window switch.

You all probably knew this already, but thought I'd pass it along.

Franc

be careful with that light, those wires are a real pain to get back in place, the PO of my 75 just kinda yanked...and I spent several hours trying to get that light to work again, still light free. so be very cautious.

Scot