Center Console replacement/modification?

[pmcaleer]

Hi all,My wife and I purchased our 2005 Vibe last night so, hi! I'm new.I have a question regarding the center console (between seats), though. I already found instructions and pics here detailing how to remove the console. But for comfort, what we need to do is modify the console so that the seatbelt harness (on the seat) can flex out a little more. The closed comparment prevents it from flexing more than half an inch.So I'm wondering, first, if the console was any different on older models (and if so, where you all think I could get one). If not, then I'd like to know if anyone has successfully cut down that compartment OR just left the thing out and went with an aftermarket cupholder/compartment thing.Thanks in advance!- Paul

[GMJAP]

Hey - welcome to genvibe. the console was not different in earlier models except for the lid, which is new for 05. Previous years had a taller lid with a compartment inside.

[ramenboy...]

hey! welcome to genvibe from another chicagoanenjoy the rideanniversary boy (gmjap) is right. i've got an 04 vibe and the center console is a bit taller. check the for sale/wanted threads, there's alot of mods going on out there, and sometimes other members here are willing to part with one.failing that, try ebaym/ >.< m/

[joatmon]

I don't think there is going to be any easy way to do a good job cutting that console down. Also, the seat belt end that is part of the seat, at least on my 2003, is a pretty rigid piece of metal, I am not sure how much it would flex even without the console there.Perhaps just remove the console and see if that is any help, if not then you would probably have to both remove the console and find some replacemnet seat belt end to attach to the seat.

[pmcaleer]

Thanks for the tips!On the seatbelt end of things, it looks like the black "glove" that holds the click point for the seatbelt would give more if the console wasn't there. We'll try removing and see what happens.- Paul

[BOZACK]

What about changing the seat belt part out for a longer one? Not sure what you would use, but I would look in the truck parts for one that is longer. If it was longer it would be easier to grab.

[pmcaleer]

Length of it is actually fine - the little click point stub of the belt is what's causing an issue. But thanks for the recommendation!- Paul

[pmcaleer]

Just as a follow-up....Removing the console (which was ridiculously easy) did allow me to flex the belt's metal arm out more, and it's going to be a better fit. Now the issue becomes: what can I install to make the center look not so ugly?I've already looked at consoles at a few stores, but they're all about 2" too wide. I might just try to fashion something instead.- Paul

[mcgusto82]

biuld one. use speaker box wood and biuld something simple. you can even probably cover it with black carpet.