I need to access the center console to replace the toggle panel with a full bank (rear fog retrofit).

As the title suggests, I need to remove the center console to do so.

Does anyone have step-by-step instructions (pictures would be even better) on such a task? I found this thread, but it has only been mildly helpful.

 

I cannot understand why people seem obsessed about having the rear fog light if it is not a legal requirement in the US

I have probably used my rear fog light once in about 5 years here in Scotland. Seems a LOT of effort/expense for something that is hardly ever used.

 

Exactly. I am putting an oil slick nozzel on one side and a flame thrower on the other. But I do need to disassemble the center console to wire the ejector seat.

 

You don't need to remove the hand brake console (between the seats) to get the vertical center console out that houses the toggle switches. Or, at least I didn't on mine.

The center vent on the dash pops out, and there are two screws beneath it that fasten the speedo pod in place. The plastic trim piece behind the steering wheel and tach is held in by pins, it just pops out. If you open the compartment above the glove box, there is a plastic piece under there, I don't remember if it pops out or if it screwed in, but you should be able to see that when you open it. The two vents on either side of the center console are held in with screws, I believe it is two screws on each of them. And the side panels (on the side of the center console), if I recall correctly, are held in with two screws and clips. The passenger side panel doesn't clear the glove box lid very well, I had to work it out of there.

Once you have the above items off, you should be able to get to all of the screws that hold the speedo and stereo unit in place, I think you need to remove that before you pull the lower part of the console that has the toggle switches. In the lower part of the center console, in the cubby hole in front of the drink holders, there is a plastic panel that pops out. behind that is another larger screw that also holds the center console in. Once all of the screws are out, it should come out easily...if it does not, double-check before you try to force it, there is probably a screw or two that was missed.

Sorry I don't have pics, I didn't have my camera with me when I took mine apart. Let me know if this helps or if you need more detail on any part of it.

 

We get fog on a regular basis that is thick enough that you can't see the car in front of you until you are right on them or they hit the brakes....the taillights simply don't penetrate the fog enough. I like the idea of having rear fog lights to make my car more visible if someone is coming up behind me. Of course, that's unlikely unless it's another MCS. If everyone drove at a slower speed in the fog, that wouldn't be an issue, but unfortunately, that's not the case.

 

@ehart, THANKS for the information! I've been itchin' to do this for sometime now. A few weeks ago I experimented with pulling it apart, but came up short after I removed the side panels. I didn't know that the top vent on surrounding parts would have to be pulled too.

@KenL, we all have our own tastes and wishes--this is no different. I feel that rear fog lights are a safety issue. I'm going to do anything I can do to increase my visibility when an 18-wheeler is bearing down on me in dense fog--which we get a fair share. As an added bonus, I get to complete the toggle panel...something about a blank really bothers me (again my tastes).

 

And I wonder how useful the rear fogs would be for deterring the tailgaters?

 

^^Pretty useful, haven't had someone creep up my a*s yet, but most say it helps a lot. They're pretty bright so most will back up if you switch them on in traffic.

We also get relatively dense fog where I live. Have to admit, main thing that made me opt for them however is the OCD. I know some people simply can't understand, but seeing that missing toggle switch and those damn ugly (IMO) blanks in the real bumper grille without them, severely bothers me. Not to mention I honestly like the look of the lights.

To each their own.

 

I think driving lights on the back of the car would do the trick there.

 

Yes, but fog taillights are legal.

The Central Valley in California gets pockets of thick fog at certain times of the year, and multiple car pile-ups are not uncommon.

 

They are SOOOOOOOOO bright and annoying, yo uare more likely to get people running you off the road.

 

KenL: I have rear fogs...I've never been flashed or subject to road rage due to their use...

Wolfshiem: do you have any pics or instructions to your dissassembly? How'd it all go? Thx!

 

In my R50 I had it so I could fake out tailgaters without actually brake checking.

In my R56 (and my R50) I wanted them so I would not have a blank space where a toggle should be.

 

Actually, even though it's called a "fog" light, that little dude comes in very handy in heavy rain, too...anywhere visibility is compromised. I like it.

 

gives them a nice "Target" lol

 

This link may help you. See my first post in that link.

 

It has worked for me a few times, and not worked once. I only do it when there is nowhere to go. If I'm in the left lane and it is clear ahead of me, I usually notice approaching cars behind me and pull over before they get within tail-gating range, or signal that I'm going to when able.