Upgraded center console lid

[rt66er]

I consulted with my trim guy and he told me covering the existing console lid wasn't feasible. Bummer.

Then I found that JHP sells the upgraded leather-covered, sliding console lid. Not cheap at $300, but I decided I would buy myself a 50th birthday present. This piece is 10 times nicer than the cheapo rubber lid that comes in the car. I ordered it on Tuesday and received today; DHL delivered in 4 days from down under!

http://forum.grrrr8.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1944&stc=1&d=1243026462

[wreckwriter]

Interesting. Do you have a pic showing it open? Easy install?

[J Wikoff]

Why does it slide?

[Slizzo]

Why does it slide?

Probably storage in the lid, as well as below when opened.

[wreckwriter]

Probably storage in the lid, as well as below when opened.

Looks like a little gun would fit nicely in lid.

[rt66er]

Interesting. Do you have a pic showing it open? Easy install?

You have to remove the rear console trim and pop it out of the hinge fittings. It's a little scary; I was sure any second I would hear a "pop" and the plastic would break. Even being slow and careful the installation took all of maybe 10 minutes.

[R.Penguin]

Uh, what? :p

[bowtiefan]

Nice! Does it sit a little higher than the stock one? I think the stock console sits a little low and not very comfortable for my arm/elbow while driving!

[Crazy Paul]

I've checked into this before for a couple members here.
The cushion top of the armrest slides forward about 6" towards the gear stick.
Although the top looks more comfortable the material is much firmer than the stock G8 armrest. I sat in at least 6 cars of different model and to me the armrest material felt like the consistency of a baseball. It does sit around an inch higher, it has to because of the sliding mechanism underneath.

[It's A G8!]

This sits on top of the cup holders?

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/UpgradedConsole01duh.jpg

[The Commodore]

Nice.

Why didn't they put it on the GXP?

The GXP is basically just a performance package on the G8 GT. It should have been a much better optioned car.

Or is this aftermarket?

[beach]

Nice.

Why didn't they put it on the GXP?

The GXP is basically just a performance package on the G8 GT. It should have been a much better optioned car.

Or is this aftermarket?

That's what the GXP trim line has been since inception...performance parts, not special luxury items beyond what a GT can have. Pretty typical for such things. This armrest is an OEM Holden part used on higher end Caprice, etc. models of the platform.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/caddycruiser/capricearmrest.jpg

[Crazy Paul]

Nice.
Or is this aftermarket?

It's standard in all the Holden VE cars >$ than SS-V
(Calais,Statesman,Caprice etc)
All the HSV cars have it also.

[Crazy Paul]

[QUOTE=The Commodore;93433]Nice.
Why didn't they put it on the GXP?
[QUOTE]

I saw a lot of moaning about the sale price of the GXP as is.
All of the Australian built cars you've received since 04 have been built with a target budget in mind.
Of course there are better bells and whistles available for all of those cars, but you only get what you're prepared to pay for.....or the target $ that Pontiac (R.I.P.) decided the market could sustain.

[Fatdaddy]

I consulted with my trim guy and he told me covering the existing console lid wasn't feasible. Bummer.

Why is covering our stock hinged lid not feasible?

[mjf232]

I like it and may get one in the future. I payed the same price for a similar console in 2002 on my bmw 325i so this is not a bad deal.

[BudaG8]

I've checked into this before for a couple members here.
The cushion top of the armrest slides forward about 6" towards the gear stick.
Although the top looks more comfortable the material is much firmer than the stock G8 armrest. I sat in at least 6 cars of different model and to me the armrest material felt like the consistency of a baseball. It does sit around an inch higher, it has to because of the sliding mechanism underneath.

So Paul, can you get hold of these? Do you have an estimate on your price? Will it ever end? :)

[GeorgeInNePa]

So Paul, can you get hold of these? Do you have an estimate on your price? Will it ever end? :)

+1 to all of that

[Crazy Paul]

So Paul, can you get hold of these?
Yes no problem.

Do you have an estimate on your price?
I will on Monday.

Will it ever end? :)
Never.

[Crazy Paul]

In the interim, tape a Street Directory about an inch thick to the top of your current armrest, hanging over the front about 6"........thats what its going to feel like.

:)

[Ktlplxm]

What does it look like when it opens?

[Crazy Paul]

What does it look like when it opens?

If you can wait till Monday I'll go take pics of a few.

[GXPaycheck]

There are some pics of it open on the other board.

[rt66er]

It isn't as soft as the oem lid, but it's definitely not as hard as a baseball. Somewhere in-between. Here's a pic with it open.

http://forum.grrrr8.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1963&stc=1&d=1243093426

[rt66er]

Yes no problem.

I will on Monday.

Never.


Do I get a commission? ;)

[Crazy Paul]

Do I get a commission? ;)
Sure.
You also get to answer all the complaints about the padding being nowhere near as comfortable as it looks.

:)

[BudaG8]

Sure.
You also get to answer all the complaints about the padding being nowhere near as comfortable as it looks.

:)

The original rubber lid might have more padding but I don't think it is all that comfortable and this alternative definitely looks alot better. :thumbsup: I promise not to complain Paul.

[BluYa76]

I to would be interested in upgrading my arm rest with this one. It will go nicely with my upgraded gear shifter and soon to be upgraded steering wheel!

Thanks Paul for checking on this and to the OP for enticing me to shell out more money! :woohoo:

[BSmith]

I'd love to order one of these if I could get my 40lb dog to stop sitting on the damn thing.

[Crazy Paul]

Calais Sliding Armrest (Onyx) black
US$290
Delivered by airfreight ETA 2 weeks.
Order and Pay by Paypal.

[Snakey]

looks like a nice addition.

[Panzer Leader]

What no pen holder on the underside of the lid like stock? No credit card holder either? No matter I think its an improvement over stock anyway.

[TxNessie84]

That is nice, it's a shame it costs so much.