Vantage Roadster centre console removal and refurb?

[Heff31]

I need to refurb my scratched centre console and notice from the workshop guide that with the roadster its a bit more faffing then with the coupe. From what I have read you have to disconnect the battery and open the tonneau cover and then support it before you start removing the interior panels.
My question is in the workshop manual (page 1-9-20) it talks of a special tool that supports the tonneau which I dont have? Not sure how special this is, so would a bit of wood work to prop it open?
Has anyone removed their console in the roadster? Any other tips?

Finally is there anyone who specilaises refurbing the centre console in piano black or is it a simple case of taking to a local paint shop?
Many thanks in advance!

[M1AGM]

I’m taking my car to aston installations next week to have the centre console replaced when they do the carplay upgrade, they mentioned they can get the piano black repaired if I wanted so perhaps they can help?

[EVR]

Redpants just published a video on the matter, it is worth a watch to evaluate your options:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZMrPDA-NvU

[xstaticx]

Assuming it’s VH2 Vantage, there’s no reason to mess with the roof, although dropping it whilst working really helps. The rubber insert in the rear cubby hole pulls out upwards. There is then a small ashtray sized hole clad in leather. That is actually a flexible plastic u shape with no clips on it. You should be able to get a trim removal tool behind it on the front edge with care. It will then simply lift out. The rear sloped leather covered trim also just pulls upwards on 4 clips.

[Heff31]

xstaticx said:

Assuming it’s VH2 Vantage, there’s no reason to mess with the roof, although dropping it whilst working really helps. The rubber insert in the rear cubby hole pulls out upwards. There is then a small ashtray sized hole clad in leather. That is actually a flexible plastic u shape with no clips on it. You should be able to get a trim removal tool behind it on the front edge with care. It will then simply lift out. The rear sloped leather covered trim also just pulls upwards on 4 clips.

It’s a 2012 model so If I can do it without fiddling with the roof so much the better, I was just going by the workshop manual.

[xstaticx]

So you just want to remove the centre console from the rear cubby through to the gearknob? If so, no need to touch the roof or battery. Dead easy, Working out how to remove the little leather trim just behind the armrest was the hardest bit for me. Avoiding marking the leather at the forward edge is a challenge as mentioned above...