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I have been seeing several Corvettes in various forums and groups with the pad in what I think is backwards. As such, I'm curious what each of you think is the right way to use it? Which is right? Top or Bottom?
The car never came with one. The top of the park brake console is already soft.
they look terrible no matter how you put it in.
My 2 cents.
You own a 77.....which does have a soft top....the early C3 Corvettes use a hard plastic console in this area. And not really at the right height for an armrest...so this thing was invented and used by many.. Personally, I don't need an armrest at all...so either the early or late center console piece works for me,....without this thing.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Jun 24, 2023 at 06:16 AM.
I wouldnt use one based on looks alone, but A, my car had one in it when I bought it, so why not try it? and B, it really does help.... that rubbery console cover area is pretty uncomfortable IMHO....
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I just bought one for my 82 Collector Edition. I like the height of it for resting my elbow.
It looks more correct with the wide area behind the seats, but with my seat all the way back it pulls the cushion too far back. So, I use it with the wide portion forward, narrow portion to the rear.
From: Way too effing close to the city.......NRA Life Member!
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I bought one and used it for a couple years. I used it with the wide part behind the seats. I also added a mini 8 track tape player to the top of the rear part of the console and decided it didn't work too well with the pad on top so i sold it to a forum member. Might have kept and used it without the 8 track there....who knows.
In answer to your question, this aftermarket, non-original item, made by several manufacturers is 100% intended for use as in the top picture.
Honestly, when I see photos of people with the console pad in backwards like in the bottom picture I want to ask, “how can anyone leave their car looking like that?”
The shape of the pad is clearly intended for the bigger, flat edge to sit up against the carpeted bulkhead.
If that’s not obvious enough, when the pad is in backwards, the zipper (when there is one) is exposed in the front!!!!!
And if that’s not obvious enough, every single catalog picture shows it installed properly (unless the seller is insane).
My '70 came with one from previous owner. Narrow part of pad should face front of car. I also added some velcro on the bottom to keep it from slipping around.
In answer to your question, this aftermarket, non-original item, made by several manufacturers is 100% intended for use as in the top picture.
Honestly, when I see photos of people with the console pad in backwards like in the bottom picture I want to ask, “how can anyone leave their car looking like that?”
The shape of the pad is clearly intended for the bigger, flat edge to sit up against the carpeted bulkhead.
If that’s not obvious enough, when the pad is in backwards, the zipper (when there is one) is exposed in the front!!!!!
And if that’s not obvious enough, every single catalog picture shows it installed properly (unless the seller is insane).
I don't use a console pad, but I do own a nice one. So, reading this thread, I decided to experiment with the pad. I still don't think I will use it for typical driving around. The primary reason is that my right arm is generally busy shifting up and down through four gears. Not much time to enjoy a center armrest.
However, if I were to take a long highway trip, I think I would place it in the car since it is more comfortable under my arm. In that case, definitely the top pic, with the wide end behind the seats.
I don’t have one, and I won’t pay the ridiculous cost of buying one new. $100+ for a chunk of foam with a cover? Nope.
I’d rather spend the money on something custom, better designed, like a taller parking brake cover.
I had one in my C2 about a hundred years ago. Black then it cost maybe $25. And the wider end goes in the back. They were originally designed so that the seat backs kept it from sliding forward. It worked really good especially if you wanted to squeeze a 3rd person in the car. And NO, we did not wear seat belts.
I bought a black one at Corvettes at Carlisle last year for 40 dollars. I use it for long trips. It makes driving long distances more comfortable. I will be leaving on Wednesday for my sisters for the Fourth of July Roughly 600 miles on way. I had an older one that was white, that needed some repair. It makes it a little more comfortable when traveling.
Which Way Do You Use Your Console Pad?
