Is there an easy way to remove the rear ashtray from the handbrake console? It looks like there are 4 rigid tabs that will just snap if I pull out with force!

Those tabs are quite soft so they won't snap off the first time you look at them.

With a flat screwdriver flex them down and roll the ashtray out of the console.

Cheers Joe, did the job!

Newbie here!

Please may I re-start this thread. I'd like to remove the rear ashtray assembly from the back of the centre console - both the little plastic 'straps' that limit the ashtray cover from opening too far are broken. I should add that the ashtray doesn't get used, but it's a tidy car and a small detail I would like to fix if poss.

If I can get the whole unit out (or just remove the cover) I can look to possibly repairing/glueing the two delicate plastic securing straps on the cover together again. Failing that I can hopefully find another intact ashtray cover.

Can someone help with a little more detail on removal please? I can't see/identify the four tabs mentioned in this thread from long ago, and nor can I see how to remove just the cover...

Unconnected, I see in this thread there was an owners' guide book available, written by Joe Knight and Neil Barnes. Is it still available?

Any advice/assistance gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Tim

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You’ll need to remove the handbrake console first. 2 Phillips screws in the rear storage hole thingy. Then 2 more screws at the front that you’ll need to remove the window switches to see.

Then undo the leather gaiter, pull the console back and then sort of up, be warned the wing mirrors switch will be connected to a wire so don’t go yanking it too far up

Probably sounds more complicated than it really is

Adam

As above - you may also have to undo the nut under the handbrake lever to make it more upright; that will allow you to pass the console up and over the lever.

(Count how many turns )

Thank you both, Very grateful for the instructions, and I'll get to work. Tim

Tim1, for future info feel free to visit the comprehensive How-To section; the part concerning handbrake console removal for example is here

I'd add that an abundance of caution is needed if folk aren't familiar. That nut slackens the handbrake cables. This obviously makes the handbrake (even) less effective. You'll want to chock the car and take precautions. Counting the turns is OK fastening it back up, but you mustn't touch the brake pedal in between as the brakes at the back may adjust themselves up (which they're designed to do). Putting the nut back then could make it too tight and cause the brakes to drag. I'm sure I've made it sound more scary than it is, but do check the car rolls freely with the handbrake off if you mess with the handbrake adjustment

Hello Tim, welcome to the forum.
I purchased a copy of the book last year from Lulu (I think it’s printed on demand), more details are here: https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1464371