Any G8 Console Install How To's?

[jpalmer]

I am about to replace my 2013 Caprice PPV 9C1 console with one out of a Pontiac, and after reading a bazillion posts any info on a step by step install? I'm a pretty good backyard mechanic but know nothing about interior stuff, especially plastics clips that break when you look at them wrong.

I found a couple of good posts with some pics but that is mostly parts you will need that aren't salvaged.

Thanks,

[elc32955]

As far as a formal write up, just what is contained in the individual threads currently. This would be a good topic for a knowledge base article since it is a relatively common item for 11-13 owners to do, anyone want to step up & write us an article for the knowledge base?

Thanks
Eric

[ColoCapriceGuy]

Here is a written how-to guide. I have no photos, so maybe if you follow this, you can add in the photos after.

Teardown:
We will start by removing all trims from your vehicle that are applicable to the swap.

1. Both silver dash strips. Tabs hold on them on. I demonstrate how to remove these on my YouTube channel under everythingcapriceppv on the video for cluster removal. Remove two Phillips screws near the radio that are now exposed.

2. Remove the top speaker cover in the center of the dash. It pulls from the nearest the windshield up towards you like you are opening a book. Remove the two Phillips screws under the cover.

3. open the glovebox. There will be a small black cover to remove, exposing one Phillips screw. Remove it.

4. Remove the cover over the e-brake. Losen the ebrake connector and slide both balls out of the bracket. Go under to the ebrake pedal and remove 3 or 4 bolts and unplug the wire, pull the ebrake off and slide out the cable with it that runs to the center console area. Remove the two side bolts on the ebrake connector bracket, and remove the bracket. Keep these bolts for the console.

5. Put stops on your wheels. Go under the car. Remove four bolts around the shifter, and loosen the bolt on the linkage.

6. Pull the shifter off. With the shifter off, you can pull the black trim piece off around the radio. You can now grip the radio under it and pull up and the radio fascia and top trim will come off as one. You will have to pull on the lower dash trims at the corner slightly down to clear it. The glove box doesn't necessarily need to come out like many people do.

7. remove the Phillips screws on the radio. Disconnect the radio at the antenna on the left and the connector on the right. It is a great point in time to replace your radio with an ALC unit that has dual amps, a fifth speaker, and Bluetooth. Remove the final Phillips screws on the center support bracket and remove the bracket.


Build:
Time to reverse the process mostly.

1. Put in new center support bracket, and replace radio.
2. put in new G8 shifter.
3. Put in console and connect to support bracket, use the ebrake bolts to hold console down. The existing ebrake cable left behind will connect to the ebrake of the G8 but does require the adjusting block, some people make this part if your console doesn't have it. If your wanting it to be 1:1 extend the old wire that's at the old ebrake to the g8 ebrake so it displays on cluster.
4. Put radio fascia back on install new 3.5" speaker if you bought ALC radio. Put speaker cover back on
5. put new center support cover on. replace screws and put silver strips back on
6. Install steve walker kit to shifter to allow tap shift and sport and traction button to work. If you're feeling really wild, send your cluster to me to display gears and get rid of L gear
7. Put new shifter surround piece on.
8. Put side trims of console on
9. Enjoy new console

[Mooseman]

One thing though is the brake cable. The 9C1 one will not work. You have to either replace the cable with one for a 9C3 or take the metal bracket that comes on the G8 cable end, cut and modify it to slip it on the existing cable.

viewtopic.php?p=9601#p9601

viewtopic.php?t=3280

Mine I just cut the slit in the bracket and slipped it on the 9C1 cable. I didn't bother welding it like in the post.

[jpalmer]

Man this is awesome thank you very much! I now have an outline as to what to do and in what order. I really appreciate the heads up on the brake cable! It seems way easier to do this method than to drop the exhaust and run a new e-brake cable....is that a true statement?

Thanks,
Jeff

[elc32955]

CCG & Mooseman, thank you very much! I'm going to do some editing and paste this into the Knowledge base, interior 11-13 section. When you get pics let me know and we can add them into the article as well.

We're off & running!!!

Thanks
Eric

[Mooseman]

It seems way easier to do this method than to drop the exhaust and run a new e-brake cable....is that a true statement?

Thanks,
Jeff

Oh hell yeah! When I picked up some G8 shifter parts from a pick-n-pull far away, the cable was still there but had been cut from the underside. All I had to do was pull that cable end with that bracket. Still had to cut the slit to be able to slide it onto the existing cable. When I was preparing for my swap, I had bought the 9C3 cable but decided to just grab and mod the bracket. I should sell that cable however nobody here would use/need it

[jpalmer]

LOL
When I read drop the exhaust it was like wow that would be tough in a driveway with jack stands! by the way, what did you used to make that slit? seems like it would need to be thin, like a sharp chisel?
Thanks

[Mooseman]

I think I just used a 3" cutoff tool.

[jpalmer]

Thanks Mooseman!