Kneepad removal in a BRZ

[ddk168]

I've been reading the DIY guides in particular this one: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13583 and this video [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8lrrchH5A4"]Car Noob Ep. 3 - Interior removal & Carbon Fiber-ization - YouTube[/ame]

And it seemed easy enough, so I've managed to remove everything, but then I thought why of course, the BRZ has start button and for some reason I can't remove that panel to get to the screw to remove the center console. I've tried pushing it from the back and pulling it from the front but it won't budge, can anyone who've worked with a brz give me some tips?

The part I'm talking about is this:

But the BRZ/GTS has a push button.

[JPxM0Dz]

It's been awhile since I removed mine when I installed STi push button start. But it does come out with some force. I pushed it outward from the backside on one corner until it popped out and then pulled it from the front to completely remove it

Sent from Note III on BoBCaTROM

[ddk168]

Originally Posted by JPxM0Dz

It's been awhile since I removed mine when I installed STi push button start. But it does come out with some force. I pushed it outward from the backside on one corner until it popped out and then pulled it from the front to completely remove it

Sent from Note III on BoBCaTROM

I'll try again tomorrow morning, but I swear I was pushing it as hard as I can, but it won't even budge. =/

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by ddk168

I'll try again tomorrow morning, but I swear I was pushing it as hard as I can, but it won't even budge. =/

Here's the easiest way because I spent 2 hours trying to push it out from the back without success (I have fat hands and I wanted to cry cuz the STI start button was a lot of money lol).

You need to first push out the USB AUX jacks from the back, it will come out just be patient.

With the USB AUX jacks out of the way, from the front stick your thumb into the square slot and grab the bottom, while with the other hand either grab the top or bottom of the shelf and start pulling from the right side. Once the right side pops out, you can pull out the left side carefully. It will sound violent but nothing breaks. Then you do a happy dance!

I haven't got the guts to do the knee pads yet. Maybe later this year.

[djdnz]

I did mine, it took a lot of effort as you said but eventually it came out. I was definitely cursing by the time I got it out. Didn't break thankfully but I did start to notice the plastic bending (getting those white witness marks) on the outer flanges.

It's a tough mother but keep at it. The Canadian model doesn't have the AUX/USB in that location but we do have the start button. I don't think I disconnected the start button though, and there's really nothing to get a good grip on in the front as a result.

[Inextirpable]

I had to do this when installing my STI push start and my black interior pieces. I ended up using the back end of a long screwdriver I had to push it out from the inside. I had to use quite a bit of force but eventually it came out. The inside of that piece is scratched up now but since no one will ever see it I do not mind.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by krayzie

Here's the easiest way because I spent 2 hours trying to push it out from the back without success (I have fat hands and I wanted to cry cuz the STI start button was a lot of money lol).

You need to first push out the USB AUX jacks from the back, it will come out just be patient.

With the USB AUX jacks out of the way, from the front stick your thumb into the square slot and grab the bottom, while with the other hand either grab the top or bottom of the shelf and start pulling from the right side. Once the right side pops out, you can pull out the left side carefully. It will sound violent but nothing breaks. Then you do a happy dance!

I haven't got the guts to do the knee pads yet. Maybe later this year.

THIS... I had the exact same issue where I thought I'd never get the damn thing out, but then I followed the advice above and it was pretty simple after you get the USB/AUX jacks out. Do the above and you'll be fine!

[BRZNutt]

The good news is that once you do get it out for the first time, it will be much easier to do in the future. I will not tell you the analogy I am thinking of...

[brz_star21]

The DIY thread I made for the push start button has pics of the backside of the panels. I middle tabs are definitely a pain.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43765

[ddk168]

Originally Posted by krayzie

Here's the easiest way because I spent 2 hours trying to push it out from the back without success (I have fat hands and I wanted to cry cuz the STI start button was a lot of money lol).

You need to first push out the USB AUX jacks from the back, it will come out just be patient.

With the USB AUX jacks out of the way, from the front stick your thumb into the square slot and grab the bottom, while with the other hand either grab the top or bottom of the shelf and start pulling from the right side. Once the right side pops out, you can pull out the left side carefully. It will sound violent but nothing breaks. Then you do a happy dance!

I haven't got the guts to do the knee pads yet. Maybe later this year.

Unfortunately like djdnz mentioned, the Australia models don't have a USB/AUX jack there as well, they have that spot sealed and at one point I was seriously going to smash a hole through it just to get that grip...

But thanks everyone for the tips and encouragement, my war with that piece continues....

Also yeah, I came across you thread brz_star21, it provided me an idea but it's still quite difficult =/