GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Okay, I've had my Vibe for about six months now and just this morning I found another storage area. It's just below the shifter in the center console. I guess I bumped the button that opens it. I can't believe I missed it for so long. Also, I didn't know about the storage area on the left side of the instrument cluster. I guess I don't look very hard, but this car is amazing me almost daily.

quote:It's just below the shifter in the center consoleIsn't that an ashtray? Mine always opens when i hit a bump. It is annoying and I may have to get it fixed.

quote:Isn't that an ashtray?It's a storage area. The ashtray looks like a travel cup.

quote:It's a storage area. The ashtray looks like a travel cup.You're right. I just looked and there is actually a sticker in there that says not to put ashes in there.

Really?! Interesting. What storage areas do you know about and we'll let you know of any others. You do know there are 2 storage areas in the console under the armrest, right?

quote:You're right. I just looked and there is actually a sticker in there that says not to put ashes in there.That would make a good ashtray though

quote:What is the intended purpose of the long compartment in the "trunk" behind the rear seats, it's really only big enough to hold the cargo cover (that's what I have in there now)I use it for the cargo cover but it's also good for storing a spare umbrella.

quote:That would make a good ashtray thoughIt's probably not made of the right kind of plastic and might melt. It does come out easy enough, open it and pull up and back. -Is there a purpose for the side areas in the cargo compartment beside providing access to the rear lights? Seems like it would be a good place for something, maybe an air compressor. Could be a challenge to run power to it though.quote:a button for the rear hatch on the dash and also a knob for the rear wiperAre those parts of the power or security packages? A rear hatch button would be handy.

I don't know how it was for everyone else, but my sales guy told me about all the storage areas

quote:a button for the rear hatch on the dash and also a knob for the rear wiperAre those parts of the power or security packages? A rear hatch button would be handy.The rear hatch button come with the power package and it open only the rear hatch glass.

quote:What is the intended purpose of the long compartment in the "trunk" behind the rear seats, it's really only big enough to hold the cargo cover (that's what I have in there now)I use it for the cargo cover but it's also good for storing a spare umbrella.Or a snow brush! But I just keep my cargo cover there. Thats where my salesman said the cover goes.

My salesman showed me every little cubby hole in the car the day I bought it.That compartment behind the back seat - I use for the cargo cover, and it can also hold fishing rods (minus the reels) came in handy on a camping trip I made last summer

I thought about “trying” to put some 6x9 speakers (if they fit) in the storage compartments in the cargo area!

quote:it's also good for storing a spare umbrella.Real men don't use umbrellas.....

i dont mean to be a (removed), but its things like this that makes me wonder how people (in general) can be so unobservant.

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quote:What is the intended purpose of the long compartment in the "trunk" behind the rear seats, it's really only big enough to hold the cargo cover (that's what I have in there now).Let's see, I have in there a snow brush (gotta remember to take that out), a couple scrapers, an umbrella, the cargo cover, the CLUB (which i should just take out since I Never use), and an extra can of "invisible glass" all in there, and it closes fine.Just gotta be good with spacial quantities, that's all.

quote:What is the intended purpose of the long compartment in the "trunk" behind the rear seats, it's really only big enough to hold the cargo cover (that's what I have in there now). it's for smuggling fruits and vegatables across he canadian/ american border....damn, those guys at Toyota-General Motors thought of everything

Good call cidderiforus!You can store pineapples in the side compartments, bananas, cucumbers, and other long thin ones in the long compartment, and then use the rest of the storage for the miscellany ones...Brillaince!

quote:Is there a purpose for the side areas in the cargo compartment beside providing access to the rear lights? Seems like it would be a good place for something, maybe an air compressor. Could be a challenge to run power to it though.has anyone else taken out these rear panels? there's tons of room back there, damn shame they made the storage compartments so small, had they made them a little bit bigger, I could've just used a compartment for my subwoofer

quote:it's for smuggling fruits and vegatables across he canadian/ american border....damn, those guys at Toyota-General Motors thought of everything thats fine, just as long as all of the canadian vibe driver dont smuggle SARS in it to the states using it

What I want to know is how many Vibe owners actually keep some quarters in the little coin holder left of the steering wheel on the dash?There are two in mine, put there when I got change at a car wash for a using a Fiver for a 4.50 wash. But I only notice them occasionally, and never when I'm actually in need of a quarter, dang it!KSNeptune

quote:What I want to know is how many Vibe owners actually keep some quarters in the little coin holder left of the steering wheel on the dash? I did for a while but got tired of them rattling. I keep some change in the compartment under that coin holder. The other coin holder (under the hand brake) is pretty awkward to use.

quote:None... Change goes in the ash-cup. thats what i do too

i like it cause it holds alot, plus its removable, so if i need that extra cup holder, i can throw the change in the arm rest storage

Here's what I put in where:compartment to the left of the steering wheel: sunglasseschange compartment below that: nothing ... I spent itcompartment below the shifter: tire pressure gauge & penschange compartment below the park brake: about $0.20 in nicklesash-tray: candytop console compartment: my & boyfriend's cell phone charger (2 phones, 2 different chargers)bottom console compartment: CD's, can of Static Guard, hair brush, cell phoneright hatch panel: some sort of dash cleaner/spray that sucks a lot ... only used oncecompartments above the spare tire: mittens (Canadian, eh!), spare bungee cords, car vacuum & jumper cablesglove box: you don't even want to look in there ... it's full of junk.The Vibe appeals to my pack-rat nature

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pmh013 wrote:quote:The Vibe appeals to my pack-rat nature Since we're comparing our pack-rat-ness...Here's my set up:Left Wheel Storage: EZPass, and my "pharmacy" (sheets of frequently needed OTC meds (headache, allergy, upset stomach, etc)Left Wheel Coin Holder: Filled to the max with quarters, because if I even leave room for one, they rattle...yet I have NO use for quarters, since I have EZPass! LOL!Shifter Storage: Sunglasses in case, portable pack of hand wipes (god help anyone who gets so much as a thimble of stickiness on my baby!), one-time use wipes for glasses & sunglassesParking Brake Coin Holders: Each filled with dimes and nickels. Again, no fewer than capacity, to avoid jingling...yet change I have no use for other than to fill the spot provided for them. Ash Tray: CHANGE!!! Tons of it too. I keep it in the car rather than at home because my bank has a machine that counts it for free. I always empty the cup when it gets full. I use it at work sometimes (to make change for people, of course!), but other than that, no need for it.Upper Console: Extra box of pens for work, pad of paper and extra pen for those random thoughts I get on the road.Lower Console: My snack bar! LOL! I have tons of packs of cheese & crackers in there. Just like to keep them handy in case I ever get stranded, or more likely, I get a craving on the road and don't want to (or can't afford to) stop for real food...also tend to throw my CD wallet in there...Glove Box: Maps out the (removed)! Got maps for half of NJ counties, Boston, Philly, and Indiana...also, a pocket sized umbrella, all-in-one tool kit, tire pressure gauge, tread wear gauge, manual and related documentation, cell phone headset (just in case) and charger cordLeft Hatch Storage: Bag 'O First Aid Supplies and big (removed) Mag Lite flashlightRight Hatch Storage: Space for Rent! Call 555-1111 Rear Cargo Long Storage Area: Target Dog Umbrella (accept no subsitutions!), the CLUB (as if I even use it any more), cargo cover, snow brush, scrapers (note to self, winter is over)Under Floor Storage: Towels, bungees, can of glass cleaner, paper towels, rain poncho, flares, assorted tools, jumper cables, cargo area tie-down anchors, spare tire tie-down traps...Sometimes, too much space can be a very bad thing!

quote:Jeeze......... Get yourself a plug in cooler and a crapper you would live in there.Funny, my best friend said the same thing. She's like "hitch up a potty trailer, and you've got yourself a mini RV!"

quote:Jeeze......... Get yourself a plug in cooler and a crapper you would live in there. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerofile/886/y_porto.jpg

quote:Jeeze......... Get yourself a plug in cooler and a crapper you would live in there. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerofile/886/y_porto.jpg How appropriate, rofl.

i think all that stuff could be a fire hazard in your vibe, you might get stuck trying to get out!

Just curious, Meathead... Are you a fan, owner of a bike by, or employee of West Coast Choppers?KSNeptune.

just a wannabe, a very big fan though. i want a bike bad, but that all takes money. i doubt i could every afford a WCC. hopefully i can get a harley someday. that would be pretty cool to be an employee of WCC, imagine the discount!!!

Is it a safe bet that you're an avid fan of "American Choppers" on cable?

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quote:pmh013 wrote:because my bank has a machine that counts it for freewhat bank is that??wish my bank did that i have tons of changeCommerce Bank.It's a NY/NJ local bank...they're great. Open 7 days a week, most nights till 830, open holidays. It's wonderful!

quote:Jeeze......... Get yourself a plug in cooler and a crapper you would live in there.Actually, I have both of those in my conversion van! No more emergency "potty stops" with the girls!

Cubby near turnsignal: Registration, proof of insurance, receipts, and when I use a tollway the ticket sits here for easy retrieval when exiting.Left wheel coin holder: Golden dollars, quarters, and a carefully bent paperclip to stop the rattle no matter how many coins are in there. I might glue it in place because it pops out when I remove the rightmost coin. Better solutions?Shifter storage: Sunglasses, candy, and a pile of premoistened lens/glass wipes. Handy for the car and the laptop.Parking brake coin holders: Crumbs that fall into them, since they're awkward to clean and mostly useless.Tray below parking brake: Change, batteries, dust brush, GPS lurks here when not on dash, receipts, scissors, Altoids, miscellany. Little hole behind cupholders: Hairbrush, utility knife, flashlight, pens.Upper console (armrest): Aspirin, allergy tablets, skeeter stik, bug repellent, screwdriver, electrical tape, business cards, tire pressure gauge.Lower console: Digital camera (rests in foam for vibration absorption), mini tripod, lens cleaning kit, polarizing filter, bottle of Grey Poupon mustard. (I like to harass limos.)Rear cupholder: Emergency caffeine supply (can of Dew or Energy), and a small cardboard can full of ketchup, salt, taco sauce, soy sauce, mustard, etc.Left door: Napkins, various styles from fast food places.Right door: Maps, mostly AAA but some Rand McNally and H.M. Gousha.Glove box: My filing cabinet! Paperwork, receipts, manuals, night-drop envelopes for my bank, calculator, sporks, knives, straws, spare tire valve caps and cores, tape adapter for feeding audio into head unit.Driver's seat rear pocket Road atlas, magazines, catalogs, paperwork from my last job that doesn't seem to have a home.Under rear seats: Crap that falls down there when I fold seats forward, never to be seen again. How to access this space?Rear long storage: Haven't found a use yet. Usually inaccessible.Left taillight compartment: Cargo net when not in use.Right taillight compartment: First aid kit, wrapped to keep from rattling. Hard to keep stuff from falling out before closing door.Under floor storage tray: Jumper cables, bottle of Rescue, folding shovel, flares, bungee cords, tiedown anchors (wrapped in cloth bag to keep from rattling), spare flashlight, bottle of fresh water.Small cargo net: Attached to right side hardpoints, restrains dry chemical fire extinguisher and a small roll of bubble-wrap.Also, a 5-gallon bucket in the rear cargo area (tied to a hardpoint to keep it from tipping over) holds bungee cords, 12-volt extensions and splitters, cleaning wipes, glass wipes, cans of caffeinated goodness, envelopes, pens, postage stamps, stapler, hair bands, comb, folding toothbrush, WD-40, towel, AC outlet splitter, Pocket Ref, Pocket Partner, multimeter, pliers, twine, ethernet cable, crimpers, RJ45 ends.It occurs to me while typing this, such a list is a remarkable peek into my personality. Pack-rat or just prepared? I feel a certain kinship with pmh013. Oh, and this doesn't even include all the stuff in my laptop case, which is presently a 45-cal ammo can.

you don't happen to wear a Utility belt too, do you??you should change your nickname to batman

quote:Under rear seats: Crap that falls down there when I fold seats forward, never to be seen again. How to access this space?Just grab yourself a 12mm (i'm pretty sure it's 12 mm) socket driver and unscrew the bolts holding the bench down on the outside of it...you'll see 'em...then just lift up the bench. No fear, the seats won't come out.

quote:Is it a safe bet that you're an avid fan of "American Choppers" on cable? i try to catch it when i have time

Actually when I was driving an Encore, the guys at the repair shop used to call me Inspector Gadget. I think it had something to do with the shop-style dwell/tach wedged into the dash. What else was I supposed to do? The car didn't include one!I work in telecommunications equipment installation and maintenance, but much of the gear is just general preparedness. My friends joke that "I have one of those in my car" should be my middle name. And people wonder why I prefer to drive 10 hours than fly down to visit friends in other states. I can't be without my toolbox, er, car!I don't wear a utility belt, per se, but there's a SwissTech on my keyring if that counts. If you don't have one too, it's probably because you've never heard of it. Google, my son, and be enlightened and prepared.

Wow, and I thought I had a lot in my Vibe. But, I also have a purse, which contains a lot of other stuff. Would you like some German Immodium? Allergy meds? Advil? Needle & thread (many colours to choose from)? Gum? Nail file? Ear plugs? Batteries (AA)? Little powder-covered papers to get rid of shiny forehead? Business cards? Palm Pilot? Cheque (2 different accounts)? Address book (contents not yet copied to Palm)? Calendar (contents copied to Palm, but still in there for some reason)? Money? Feminine hygiene products? Miscellaneous papers? Pen? Cough drops? Lip balm? Lipstick w/ little mirrored case?Got that in my purse. And it's not that big of a purse.Purse goes in my Vibe.

quote:I don't wear a utility belt, per se, but there's a SwissTech on my keyring if that counts. If you don't have one too, it's probably because you've never heard of it. Google, my son, and be enlightened and prepared. That's cool and all, but I'll keep my leatherman. try to keep my keyring minimizedSame with the Vibe,I have a tendency to accumulate clutter, but in the Vibe, I'm trying to carry around as little as possible. I like having it empty and clean. That will change over time. For me, the reliability of the car is inversely proportional to the amount of support equipment I feel I need to carry in it, so right now because the Vibe is solid I don't need the toolbox.