Center Console Armrest Review
- Thread starter THKPIC
- Start date
key1cc
New member
I've read a few threads on this topic and are hearing mixed reviews. So I decided to take a chance and order one on ebay. I ordered one on March 1st and to my pleasant suprise it arrived today March the 7th only one week later from somewhere in asia (by the look of the packing slip).
The first thing I did was open it up (adequately package by the way with styrofoam to prevent damage) and I took some whiffs to see if it had the said funky smell. I am happy to report that mine has only a very faint new leather smell which is a good thing.
I will likely attempt installing it this weekend and will continue my review. So far it is all positive.
Key1
The first thing I did was open it up (adequately package by the way with styrofoam to prevent damage) and I took some whiffs to see if it had the said funky smell. I am happy to report that mine has only a very faint new leather smell which is a good thing.
I will likely attempt installing it this weekend and will continue my review. So far it is all positive.
Key1
key1cc
New member
Well I just took a look at installing the asian console. It looks like I have a couple of options. I can install it in the center cup holder rather than the rear. This will allow the unit to sit more forward and I will have use of the front and rear cup holder.....Or I can install as designed in the rear cup holder and have use of the 2 front cup holders. My dilemma is that I wanted to keep my fold down stock armrest as I actually like it...... but the console won't fully open with the stock armrest in place.....now I have a decision to make...hmmm
Key1
Key1
key1cc
New member
I am happy to report that I have solved my dilemma and found a way to install the console while keeping my stock arm rest in place. I am very happy as it meets my needs of additional storage space for toll money, pens, calculator, etc. I am not seeking approval just providing insight if others were interested.
First, appologies for not taking pics of the unit itself before installation but bassically it arrives in 3 sections. A section that attached to the cup holder, a middle section to provide extra height for a more comfortable armrest, and a third section which is the padded storage area itself.
Since I am not interested in the arm rest feature since I planned on keeping the stock armrest I simply eliminated the middle section that provided extra height. Now the unit fits perfectly and is fully usable without me needing to remove my stock arm rest. Pictures are attached.
Key1cc
First, appologies for not taking pics of the unit itself before installation but bassically it arrives in 3 sections. A section that attached to the cup holder, a middle section to provide extra height for a more comfortable armrest, and a third section which is the padded storage area itself.
Since I am not interested in the arm rest feature since I planned on keeping the stock armrest I simply eliminated the middle section that provided extra height. Now the unit fits perfectly and is fully usable without me needing to remove my stock arm rest. Pictures are attached.
Key1cc
Attachments
-
frontview1.JPG -
frontview2.JPG -
frontview3.JPG
Last edited:
key1cc
New member
Keep in mind that this is a custom installation and you will have to drill tiny pilot holes to make it work. I used the 2 existing holes in the front of the cup holder section but I needed to drill two new pilot holes in the rear of the cup holder section so that the padded section could line up with the cupholder section without blocking the sonic's middle stock cupholder next to the emergency brake handle.
I also had to drill 4 new holes in the plastic bottom of the padded section. It folds out so access is easy. It took a little ingenuity to re-design it this way but it fits snug and works like a charm.
Key1
Edit: another point one may want to consider. My legs are relatively long so I ride with the seat all of the way back. If you ride with your seat slid forward it may be difficult to use the console with the stock armrest in place. You can always slide the seat back to open it but that's would not be very conveniant.
Key1
I also had to drill 4 new holes in the plastic bottom of the padded section. It folds out so access is easy. It took a little ingenuity to re-design it this way but it fits snug and works like a charm.
Key1
Edit: another point one may want to consider. My legs are relatively long so I ride with the seat all of the way back. If you ride with your seat slid forward it may be difficult to use the console with the stock armrest in place. You can always slide the seat back to open it but that's would not be very conveniant.
Key1
Last edited:
key1cc
New member
I keep my driver seat at the highest height setting because I like riding up high for better visability (all those years of driving SUV's I guess). From that high height you have to lean down to rest your elbow on it. If you like doing the "I'm cool lean" when you drive it is fine. I have attached additional pics with the stock armrest down to give you perspective.
Key1
Attachments
-
stock armrest up.JPG -
stock armrest down.JPG -
stock armrest from side.JPG
Natesriv
Lead Foot
Unable to install mine, I can't sit with the seat so high, and to make it work (even with the modification mentioned above) it still doesn't really fully integrate with the seat.
Taking off the armrest leaves that metal post sticking out and trying to leave it in makes the aftermarket console not really work , it either hits the OEM armrest or the emergency brake. So for now, I'm shelving it all...
This is a prime example of a small change Chevy could make to the car to make it that much more enjoyable.....
Taking off the armrest leaves that metal post sticking out and trying to leave it in makes the aftermarket console not really work , it either hits the OEM armrest or the emergency brake. So for now, I'm shelving it all...
This is a prime example of a small change Chevy could make to the car to make it that much more enjoyable.....
I'm so surprised that GM didn't add a center armrest console in the 2014 model. Really, what would it take to make drivers happy?
They are adding more tech stuff but how about sweating the small stuff?
I use the console in my Cobalt every day-put my sunglasses in it, cell phone, coupons, etc not to mention actually using it as an armrest. I really can't imagine living without it.
They are adding more tech stuff but how about sweating the small stuff?
I use the console in my Cobalt every day-put my sunglasses in it, cell phone, coupons, etc not to mention actually using it as an armrest. I really can't imagine living without it.
