Volkswagen Repair: Replacing Glove Box 2000 Jetta GL, latch assembly, tip number

Question
The right hinge on the glove box door has broken.  It looks like I need to remove the center console to get to the last screw(s) so I can remove the right hand dash and replace the glove box.

Can you tell the fastest/easiest way to remove only what's needed to replace the glove box door?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jeff;
Yep, you're right the last screw is under the center console fascia.  However, if that's the only fastener you leave in the area, you can bend the glovebox down, get the pins out for the hinges, and put the new lid/cover/door back in without everything necessary to remove that one insidious screw.  Two quick tips....first one...when the glove box door is out, and you are ready to put the new one in use a drill bit, in between your fingers, and "ream" out the two holes, in the hinges on the new one...the drill bit I use is a 3/8" bit in between my fingers.  It just gets a little bit of the plastic casting flash out to make the insertion of the pins a little easier.  Also, do not destroy the old glove box latch assembly...this is tip number 2....you need to get a good detailed look into the latch assembly where the lock goes in.  There is a spot in the latch where the lock goes that is deeper than the other surrounding parts.  If we are talking about a circle, this circle has 4 parts, and 3 of them are the same depth, the 4th part is deeper.  Get the lock in exactly the same or it won't lock, or if it does, you can't open it when it's unlocked, and then you'll have to start over with a new door...so, be careful when the lock gets reinstalled.  Get the right end of the dash off, get all the screws out on top, and below, then get the screws out in the side panel of the center console, the one in front is the most important, you can also remove the cup holder, and the little cover at the ashtray area, and get the screw out of there too, but there is still one screw that will be below/behind the corner of the passenger side dash assembly...leave it, and just bend stuff, gently.  Get the light out, get the little extension gizmo off for the "shock absorber," and get the pins out for the hinge.  You are there.  Reverse all operations and you'll be reassembled.  Just take your time, and make sure you ream out the hinge pin holes, and make sure you double check the orientation for the lock.  Done deal!  Good job!  Good luck, Jeff.  Hope this helps.