Center Consel Lock Missing
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 13
From: South of Boston MA
My guess is GM just went a little cheap. They also got rid of the light under the hood. Those little changes add up when trying to cut costs. It's a bean counter thing not that GM felt they were improving the car by removing these features. 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 5
From: Nevada
GM has routinely deleted standard equipment and raised prices to create inventory. The place has been run by morons.
You can install the prior version of the arm rest base with the lock kit in an 08 (make sure that you get all the lock parts - some should come with the base). However, the lock kit is a plastic cylinder kit with steel inserts and unless you are a lock person you will likely have to go to a locksmith to get it keyed. The console base is priced reasonably but the lock kit is way overpriced. However, it is only about $10 to match your ignition key if you get it keyed before you install it. When you see what it is you won't want to mess with keying it yourself. Everything else is pretty easy to change out.
Note that the later style 08 key blank is narrower than the original key blanks used on the C6. The lock cylinder kit can be made to work with your existing key but the key will feel a little wobbly when it is inserted. When you are all done, you will have a plastic lock, which can deter the casual thief looking for something open but not much else.
I wouldn't be surprised if GM actually scrapped the console lock because they didn't want to come up with a new lock kit to correctly accomodate the new size key blanks.
You can install the prior version of the arm rest base with the lock kit in an 08 (make sure that you get all the lock parts - some should come with the base). However, the lock kit is a plastic cylinder kit with steel inserts and unless you are a lock person you will likely have to go to a locksmith to get it keyed. The console base is priced reasonably but the lock kit is way overpriced. However, it is only about $10 to match your ignition key if you get it keyed before you install it. When you see what it is you won't want to mess with keying it yourself. Everything else is pretty easy to change out.
Note that the later style 08 key blank is narrower than the original key blanks used on the C6. The lock cylinder kit can be made to work with your existing key but the key will feel a little wobbly when it is inserted. When you are all done, you will have a plastic lock, which can deter the casual thief looking for something open but not much else.
I wouldn't be surprised if GM actually scrapped the console lock because they didn't want to come up with a new lock kit to correctly accomodate the new size key blanks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Good info, thanks! I leave the glove box and center consel open when I go somewhere to let people see there is nothing to take. I don't know if thats good or not, but it's almost impossible for the car to get stolen as is. I would definatly make some interior changes myself, but getting rid of the lock would not be one of them!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 8,022
Likes: 8
From: Stafford VA, home of our wolf den. No house break ins to date.
the console lid is so easy to pry up..so if you lock it... its asking for it...there goes a ton of console damage... if they take the time and make the effort to break in your vette...they wont let a console lock stop them.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
GM has routinely deleted standard equipment and raised prices to create inventory. The place has been run by morons.........
I wouldn't be surprised if GM actually scrapped the console lock because they didn't want to come up with a new lock kit to correctly accomodate the new size key blanks.
I wouldn't be surprised if GM actually scrapped the console lock because they didn't want to come up with a new lock kit to correctly accomodate the new size key blanks.
Actually 2 good reasons to get rid of it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,079
Likes: 29
From: Murfreesboro TN
The 07's didn't have the console lock. NevadaVette's explanation makes sense also since the 07's were supposed to have the new style fob with the inserted key like the 08's.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,402
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
That's why I have my fob in the first place. If there is a console lock, I would need a key to unlock it. I like leaving a fob in my pants and not using a key of any type. I think that's what the reasoning behind it is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 204
From: Sunnyvale CA
While we are on the "feature missing" subject can you tell me where did these go ?
- Trunk pull down handle
- Orange ambient LED lighting on passenger sunvisor
- Hood light
- ... !
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17,373
Likes: 6
From: Chatsworth California
GM also got rid of the orange light in the passenger sun visor to help light up the interior at night.
Last edited by danl72; Apr 27, 2009 at 11:38 PM.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,891
Likes: 4,344
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Lake Worth Florida
With the new fob style, there is no readily available key. I think it had more to do with the fob and the whole "keyless" premise. Now what happened to the underhood light and the ambiance light, who knows.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern PA
The lock may not keep someone out, but would ruin the chances of someone who casually tries to pilfer the compartment for a radar detector, cash, etc. I use the compartment all the time on my 05 when I don't feel like putting the top up every time I park. If you're parked in a place where you've gotta worry, the top would be up anyway. I personally find the lock very useful.