Removing 2 vertical pieces on either side of shifter
 

How do you remove the 2 vertical pieces on either side of the center console up near the shifter. I am talking about the 2 black ( in my case ) pieces with the white stitching . I think this would give the console a better look and provide a little more room for my right knee . I'm not a big fan of the stitching anyway although the interior and dash is a big improvement over my 350Z.

Do these pieces cover anything ie: wires, a hole , bolts, etc?

can you take a picture just to validate the parts you are talking about. If its the pieces I'm thinking of, pop the shifter ring, undo two screws that connect bolt it in place and pull them out. But then again, I'm not sure what part you are talking about. :shakes head:

here is a quick vid my daughter and I did on swapping out the shifter knob. Are talking about the panel that has the white stitching in the very first scene?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD2JNE7pEz8

From looking directly at the console area: There are 3 screws in the top left hand corner and top right hand corner. Take those out to to remove the sides and the plastic unit surrounding the head unit.

@Coon

He's talking about the diagonal-ish knee pads that flank the sides if the center console.

Also http://Vimeo.com/m/7382676

Best walk through I could find for you.

yeah man. Thats all there is to the process. Just pull gently when taking the panels off. If they have never been removed, they might take a little force though. Pretty simple process. If you need more help, let us know.

remove the piece around the shifter first by pulling up. Then you will see screws that hold the pads. Take those off and then pop them out.

MX52Z, Yes the 2 knee pad things are what I am referring to.

Remove the shift boot trim (if you have 6MT - not sure about AT) by pulling up from inside the ring. It just pulls straight out. This will reveal the screws for the knee pads. See the image below for general screw locations.

http://i45.tinypic.com/f045kx.gif