New wood Center console Where/how?
 

88' 300CE. The wood (plastic) center piece (from the ash tray by the gear shift to the stroage area) is cracked and kind of unsightly. Does anyone know where I could get a new one?, besides mercede$. Also how does the old one removed. Thanks

Under the carpet trim piece that is under the armrest you will see a screw that you have to take out and then it lifts up.

www.************************ used to carry wood replacement parts. You may try their site and see if they have one available for your model.

carson356 has the ashtray for sale on ebay right now. Maybe he might have the other piece you need too. Send him a message if you want.

Check w/Caliber Motors in California (800-252-6877). Tom Hanson was the parts guy, but during a recent call I made, found that he is no longer there.

Still, they have the new consoles for just under $200. Got one last year.

The plastic housing underneath the console that holds the switches are a bit different fit, so you might have to tug around to get things in correctly. Also, the newer console has provisions (i.e. holes) near the top for seat heater switches, so buy a couple of blanks (or actual switches, which I did).

The wood tone will be noticeably different from your old one (since it hasn't been exposed to the sun for over a decade) but not to the untrained eye.

For the price and looks, I was quite pleased. Even got a chrome surround and wood shifter to complete the look! Wife rolls her eyes when she gets in, because a keep a soft cloth nearby to wipe fingerprints and smears so that the console can always look its best! :rolleyes:

I think you will need to take a long hard look at the rest of the wood.... it may make sense buying a used set from someone who is parting out a car.... buying a whole new set is very expensive...

My CE came with a new set and it looks awesome.... however the piece in the back seat is beat....I am trying to get the guts up to re-finish the piece in the back.....

New wood Center console
 

Tom Hansen is a good source for parts. I have used him for years. He sell and deliver parts to Richmond Va at 70% of what the local dealer can. As to removal of the wood center console panel:
1 remove to ash tray insert
2 remove two screws in the bottom of the ash tray frame
3 carefully pull it out of the dash
4 now you can pull the plastic holder located forward of the gearshift up and out
5 the wooden will slide forward and up.
6 you will need to disconnect all of the switches on the bottom side.