Disclaimer: The instructions below are what I did to my car and can be used as a "guide" for working on yours. But, I take no responsibility for what you decide to do to your car. Be sure to read through all of the instructions first before doing anything to your vehicle.
Application: 1st Generation '95-'99 Dodge Neons.
Time Required: 1 hr
Scale of Difficulty: 2 (5 being the hardest)
Cost: ~$80
Tools Required:
Just a FYI: The armrest on the new console is quite larger than the 1st Gen, so it can get in the way of your elbow when you shift. Also, I would definately try to get a 2nd Gen e-brake handle. The 1st Gen is a couple of inches shorter and thicker. It'll rub on the console and is a little difficult to work because of it being shorter.
Credit goes to Chris for posting this on the ORG. Here's his website: 2nd Gen Console Swap
1. Remove the driver's seat to give you more room to work with by taking out the (4) 15mm bolts holding it in.
2. Take out the screws holding the console in. There should be (2) by the cup holders and (4) in the armrest storage. Pull the e-brake ALL the way up as far as you can, then pull the console up and out.
3. If you are re-using the 1st Gen e-brake, remove the (2) 13mm nuts holding it down. Put the (4) washers over the new bolt on the right (closer to the passenger's side), put the e-brake onto the new bolt with washers and install the 13mm nut. The washers will tip the front of the e-brake up so it will work with the new console. I left the back of the e-brake loose, but you could put a screw through it to hold it down. Otherwise it'll work fine without it. You may want to get a plastic/nylon spacer or wrap some tape around the un-used rear bolt because the cable will rub across it and may cause it to tear over time.
4. If you are using a 2nd Gen e-brake, first you may want to slot the front hole 1/16" - 1/8" so that it will sit a little more towards the passenger's side. Then remove the (2) 13mm nuts holding the old e-brake on and rotate the cam around so you can remove the cable. Attach the cable onto the new e-brake and put it over the bolt on the passenger's side, then tighten the (2) 13mm nuts.
5. Install your choice of shift boot. The pic shows where the 1st Gen boot doesn't cover in the rear portion and the 2nd Gen boot doesn't fit perfect either, but at least it's the same shape as the console.
6. Pull the e-brake all the way up and slide the new console in place. Install the screws in the armrest storage and you may or may not be able to use the screws up in the cup holders depending on the year of your Neon. Reinstall the driver's seat and you're done!
