Hey guys, i had to find a replacement for my center console arm rest considering mine was broken and cracked and hard.

1. find a stock replacement (usually a brand new OEM one is $150+, still going to be hard.)

2. Recover mine, naaah

3. find alternative

Well i chose option 3. I took a look around several vendors who offer a repacement. I wanted something that would appear stock and be soft to rest an elbow on.

I found Camarocentral.com

they have a replacement pad made from black pleather, padded and a direct bolt in.





looks great, but of course there are a few differences.
#1 it doesnt have a latch mechanism. For me this is fine, the stock button latch mechanism was never really good, and always rattled around.

#2, its solid underneath and heavier, since it doesnt use a latch to keep it closed, it uses its weight to keep shut.

For me, this is fine, its very sturdy and the cushon is very comfortable. No underside plastics to break or rattle from the latches.

here is an underside pic


to install, you simply remove the 3 silver screws and use your existing rear hinge. very easy.

installed




i know im going to get PM's for this, again i bought it at Camarocentral.com

best part about it, it was $59,

here is a link
http://www.camarocentral.com/product_p/con-175.htm

 

looks good

 

I had the same issue with the cracked and peeling cover. I removed it and cut away all of the foam. I found and cut neoprene to fit it. After gluing the neoprene down I then used blue quality (real) leather and stretched it over. I fixed it around the original plastic and over the neoprene with a healthy amount of epoxy. Then I made the bottom of the plastic rest flush to the leather with epoxy. It turned out quite professional looking and is very durable. I have access to these materials and all kinds of leather so this was an afternoon fix with materials that were laying around. I can upload some pictures when I get home to give you guys some ideas.

 

looks similar to a 86-89 riviera or 88-89 reatta console pad