I've never had to. The clips are there so that the nuts will stay in place if you are re-installing the center console with the center vent in place. If the clips are not there, you would need to remove the center vent to R&R the center console just to hold the nuts for re-installation.

But, probably a ***** to get them back out. Someday I'll save a pair when I remove a dash, probably stash them somewhere that I can't find them.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff