My 2008 350Z MT Touring does not have nav but rather has the "Instrument Pocket." With only 8,000 miles on the car, I need to replace it due to wear and tear on the door. I have already purchased a new replacement however have not been able to locate a source for instruction relative to the removal and replacement of the instrument pocket. That said, has anyone had experience removing and replacing the instrument pocket on a 2008 Z that can walk me through it or know of a source for instruction?

 

First, you need to remove the shift **** and the climate dial panel/shift boot assembly (pulls up and out). You then need to remove 6 screws: 2 under the rubber matt in the cubby at the corners (remove the plastic corner covers in the cubby straight out and screws are right there), 2 near the lower corners of the head unit and 2 next to the climate control amplifier unit - you can also remove the 2 adjacent screws holding down the climate control amplifier unit to loosen up the connections and give you a bit more room. BE GENTLE with the amplifier unit!!! You then need to remove the entire center panel by pulling straight out on the top and disconnecting the molex connector to the gauges and then the whole thing pulls up and out. Now it's time to disconnect the stereo and any other wire that's holding the center panel to the dash mounts.

Search the Audio/Video forum for a how-to on replacing head units or see if someone's posted a how-to video on YouTube.

The cubby is held in place by 4 screws you can only get at from behind the panel. It's a very simple swap. Once the new cubby is in place, put everything back together and you're good to go.

Word of advice: Find something to cover your exposed shifter arm (I use a big wire spool that's just the right size) and pull it back to 4th gear before you remove the console. The exposed threads on the shifter arm can and WILL scratch the hell out of your stereo.

The first time you do this, it might take you an hour or so. The second time you do it, it takes about 5 minutes. Have fun.

 

Thanks Much for the info!!