removing the ash tray and its surround from a series 2 105 spider centre consule

[pbhawkin]

Hi all,
The rear of my centre console is loose and on removing the side panel there is a nut with a large washer that is attached the the transmission tunnel and a two pronged metal 'fork' that looks like it is supposed to slide under the washer that would then be tightened. However, there is no easy way to get a spanner onto the nut via the removed side panel.
I thought that if the ashtray can be pulled out i would then have access to the nut from above.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I also note that the screw hole for the side panel to attach to the centre panel near the Choke is broken (appears to have had a metal bracket behind the plastic that is missing and the plastic broken as well). Any suggestions on fixing it? I guess taking the centre console out and glueing new plastic in (maybe fibreglass) but what to do about the missing metal piece? 

regards
Peter
Mudgee