I would like to remove the sticky gue on the lowest part of my centre dash ie on and around the ashtray.
Anyone know how to remove this part from lower centre console?
I see if you pull the ashtray part out, some screw heads can be seen at the top.

These posts have some useful info about how to remove it...

https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1067340

https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1410101

https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1482460

Getting it back in is a real pain though! I got stuck at this bit myself. Left me wondering if might make it a lot easier to remove the middle console section (around the gear knob) and reassemble the ashtray inside that before putting it back.

Many thanks rowl.
Good to know where the hidden screws are.
Certainly looks a bit of a pain but the gunk is really annoying me!
Seems like it might be easier to remove the whole middle section of the centre console.

Had a go at removing the gunk in situ with methylated spirit this afternoon.
Having taken the higher centre panel off and the gear knob gaiter, I was still struggling to see how I could get the lower section free, so started to see whether meths, paint cleaner or alcohol spirit worked best? After a trial, I thought meths was doing the best job of removing the sticky gue.

Anyway, lots of elbow grease later and, using a lint-free piece of clean rag, it seems I have got most of it off.
Whilst at it, having removed the previously cleaned centre console which has a crack on the top, I am in the process of swapping it for a body-coloured one I pick some time ago.

I have switched the clock, dash switches and A/c control but am left with the oddly taxing issue of how to get the Clarion stereo back through the appropriate gap without damaging the replacement centre section?

I have decided to sleep on it and try again tomorrow!

Thanks to Dave G I have been able to use the special keys to free off the stereo cage.
Trouble is the last plug at the back of the stereo is fighting me off and won't let go! Bit worried about not being able free it without breaking the plug or the wires???

There is very little free play on the stereo wires so a bit more head scratching....

Not by any chance the aerial cable Mark?

There are normally 2 plugs (but may be combined into one) plus the aerial cable, but depending what else is back there the cables and connectors can get caught on the frame of the lower console radio support, often a bit of jiggling around of cables at the back will free up whatever is caught.

Ah, just re-read, perhaps the "tongue" is proving a bit difficult to press in before releasing?

No, the aerial cable came away ok Simon.
Had another go after dinner and using a long thin flat screwdriver I was finally able to release the black block plug.
It helped when I figured out how they were held in by examining the adjacent white block plug.

Managed to swap over the centre consoles and put it all back together again. Fortunately, everything still works!!!

PS. Spotted the bumblebee recently at FCSS.
Hopefully just a service visit?

Hi Dave

Yes - it was the "tongue" which was causing the problem.
Not being very mechanically minded, I am a tad slow on the uptake and it took a while for me to figure out!
Thanks for the guidance - it has all gone back together this evening and is all working again.

Having started as a determination to remove the ashtray gunk, I found my "cleaned" upper centre console was very brittle and damaged at the top.
Therefore I thought I would swap it for another I have sat around which was painted Portofino to match the car.

To my surprise I think it looks good, lifting the darkness of the interior. Pics to follow.

Before and after pics

Yep, down in the area for family reasons Mark and suspected a wheel bearing going (again) which Joe obligingly sorted in quick time

Did you see my sprinty there Simon?

Glad you got sorted Simon.
Your car is still looking distinctive and very good.

I recall a sprinty being on the ramps Jimboy when I picked mine up after Joe had done a marathon session on my brakes.
You guys certainly travel some distance to get your cars worked on!
What were you having done?

No I didn't Jim as was pretty well "in and out" this time, but I was thinking about it, guess it was behind another door glaring at me