358 XJ Sovereign Ashtray (front) SORTED IT'S REMOVAL

[Azure123]

Need to remove the front ashtray in order to swap the veneer. Not sure how to. The torque screws visible with the J gate surround removed appear to be holding down the J gate selector housing (2) and the actual centre console (2). The body of the ashtray seems to be sitting behind the console frame. Is this a bigger job than I thought?. The lid of the ashtray doesn't look as if it can removed in situ. Any thoughts anyone.

With the centre console removed (4 Torque Screws) access to the side of the ashtray from the side is possible. Simply lever the veneered panel gently from the side and it will separate from the ashtray body. Go to the other side and repeat. The panel then lifts away with the ashtray still in place. I removed the console because I am changing all the wood veneers from Burr Elm to Burr Walnut