AUIII Fairmont Ceiling Console Removal

[ladderman]

I broke the latch on the ceiling console of my AUIII Fairmont Wagon this morning (don't ask). :

The little metal latch thing has been dislocated, so the hatch won't stay up any more. Gaffa tape does the job, but looks poor.

I can't figure out how to get the console off so I can see if I can fix it myself.

Does anyone know how to remove these things?

[ubuxkl]

I can't answer your question Ladderman but I need to replace the roof console in my car as the lid is broken. So if anyone can help in connection with where to get a replacement at a reasonable cost, I'll watch other replies to learn how to remove/fit it. Hope you don't mind me piggy-backing on your thread. Thanks.

[Robe]

Sorry Ladderman but this is just another piggyback.

Does anyone know if the fittings are already there in the headliner in my '99 AU Forte so I can bolt on one of those consoles?

I love the concept! Very "cockpit". I made one for a van I used to have, complete with illuminated switches. The switches did not actualy turn anything on (except the driver) but the effect was excellent. Pre-flight check, destination: the supermarket, set switches to green and red. :nutsycuck

[ladderman]

Finally figured out how to get this thing out.

Basically, it requires pulling the head lining down back to the b-pillars so you can get in and unscrew the console from the mounting plate that is glued to the top of the headliner. To do this I had to remove the sun-visors, front grab-handle, and the a and b pillar covers.

As usual, its the 2c plastic latch that has broken. With a bit of McGyver work, I managed to dodgy the latch back on with a bolt and some Araldite. The console now closes nicely. Not perfect though, as you need to give it a wack to get it to open.