Hi

I'm looking to replace the leather gaitor on my RS centre console (type with the carbon fibre effect) but a little worried of breaking something., Anyone on here replaced this? if so any tips/help would really be appreciated.

The gaitor is stapled to a thin black plastic trim that clips into the chromed metal trim.

Unclip the parts carefully (the plastic trim is a bit weedy) and use a staple remover to straighten the staples out before pulling then through carefully.

I'd recommend not re-stapling the gaiter, you'd be better off just putting a couple of stitches through in place of the staples.

The knob removal can be a sod, it's held on with a plastic collar which clips on tightly to the knob base.

I'd cut the collar down one side so it comes off easier and then (if you get a gaiter with a cable tie at the top) stick it back on the knob leaving a small gap at the top for the cable tie to grip into.

If you are fitting a gaiter with an unfinished top designed to grip under the plastic collar (as the standard one does) I'd strongly recommend using a vice to hold the knob (wrapped in a cloth to avoid damage) and then prise the collar off with a screwdriver, reposition the new gaiter and tap the collar back on with a mallet or hammer.

Thanks for your reply, I think the gaitor currently on is a replacement as there is no collar. I cannot see any plastic trim that it may be stapled to but underneath is a series of plastic pins but don't seem to connect to the top (chrome) bit so maybe its been ditched. I assume then that the top chrome part does not come off? and maybe the current gaitor has just been wedged in although it does seem quite secure. I've just had a go at prising it out and part has come away but still a little concerned at applying too much pressure incase it snaps.

The chrome part unclips from the side facing away from the dash, use a screwdriver with tape on the blade and a cloth to protect the console.

You will find that just hooking your fingers under the trim by pushing the gaiter under it a bit will also allow it to lift up.

Just had a go at removing the chrome trim but seems to be secured by glue or tape and removing this doesn't give access to the gaitor. Perhaps your thinking of a later console and not from the mk1?

Ah yes, as you didn't specify the model but mentioned csrbon trim I assumed a MK2 or later.

I'll check my old Haynes for you.

Photo on there looks like it has a circular gaitor where as mine is sort of boat shaped.

The gaitor is boat shaped, Haynes just do really terrible pictures.