There seems to be different type armrests specifically where the upper bolt goes through and mounts the rest to the physical door. Some arm rests allow for a plastic covering (or beauty trim) that provides a better look. Other pieces seem to have the same vinyl/plastic that the door rest is made out of go all the way back.

I was going to switch out my door rests in my Camaro. The current ones I had used the plastic beauty trim ring but the new ones I bought cannot have the trim ring put on due to the 2nd scenario above I described.

Can someone shed some light on this for me? I installed the new armrests and it looks tacky at the top without the beauty trim plastic piece. Is there a different piece I need to get instead?

 

As you said, some are different. Some are totally smooth, some have indents all the way on the facing, some have the beauty ring you describe, some don't. Just have to get the kind you like.