Hello, 82 owner here. I had to take the panels off of the sides of the center console to access underneath of the center console, and now when I put them back the tops are not flush with the console in all places. I don't have a picture at the moment, I can take one once I get home. I didn't take the center console out, I just lifted the console a little bit to access some of the ac switch wiring. The only bolts I saw on the center console were 2 attaching it to the center instrument cluster, I reinstalled those and the center console is flush with the instrument cluster, which is flush with the dash trim. I highly doubt I missed any screws or anything, all fasteners accounted for. There looks like theres some screw holes on the side of the center console that screw into some mounts under the console, running horizontally, but I dont remember taking those out at all. I can't even get the holes to line up if I try to push the console. Has anyone else encountered this problem? If someone has a later model c3 with a carpet interior, could you send me pictures of the center console sides? Thanks

Edit: After reviewing some post purchase footage, I believe that I actually got the car like this 😑. Wow, usually GM quality control is perfect 🤡
With that in mind, How do I remedy this? Despite looking horrible, theres also a water-resistance issue here.

 

I don't know if this photo helps. There are three places where the side trim pieces screw in, and they are adjustable from the factory (plastic slots, designed to put the screw where it makes sense). At the very bottom right of the image is one of these pieces, which I think are replaceable. It is a lot easier to get everything aligned with the seats out, which is simple in a late-model C3.

I don't know what you mean by water resistance. The stock carpet over particleboard isn't very water resistant. Corvette America sells (at great expense), leather covered center console trim pieces. They are very nice in my wife's fancy 79. Or you could make your own out of thin ABS plastic and vinyl wrap them for cheap.

 

I have those plastic pieces, in good condition. Screwing into them doesn’t resolve the issue.
i suppose water resistance isn’t too affected, but it’s better than nothing especially because for some reason my center console is a mess of wires compared to yours

 

These are the white inserts that you screw into and can be a PITA at times. If they are worn out, buy new ones to hold the screws in place where you want them. I have no clue either what you mean about "water resistance"?