Front Bench Armrest Replacement

[Federaly]

I have a brand new Crew Cab Silverado 4x4 with front bench seating, meaning the armrest/console pulls up so somebody can sit in the middle. The problem is the armrest's "storage" doesn't have a lid. It doesn't hold much, everybody can see what's in it, and you have to empty it should someone actually need to sit there. I've never seen this in a GM before. Yes, I know I went cheap.

 

I recently had a rental Tahoe (09) that didn't have bucket seats (I'd never seen one before either). The corresponding armrest/console of this vehicle had three cup holders instead of two and actually had the storage with a lid. Basically what I would prefer.

 

So here's my thought: Why can't I order the part(s) from GM and install the same armrest myself? I researched and found what I think is the part(s). The problem is I have no way of knowing if it will work. The net or forums provide no help on this topic whatsoever. The part(s) are non-refundable. I'd hat to spend $300+ and be left with a console that won't go in anything.

 

So here's my question: Do any of you have any knowledge or experience in my potential project? Any advice or direction to solve my problem?

 

Here is what I've found: GM Part #20758071

Diagram at http://www.gmpartsdistributor.com

 

Thanks for any help.

[brad519]

I don't have knowledge on swapping the parts but my console is like what you described as wanting to install. The arm rest that lifts up has 3 cup holders and a cover so I don't see why it won't fit. But mine came like that. Maybe some one with more knowledge it chime in.

[jrrod2004]

I have a brand new Crew Cab Silverado 4x4 with front bench seating, meaning the armrest/console pulls up so somebody can sit in the middle. The problem is the armrest's "storage" doesn't have a lid. It doesn't hold much, everybody can see what's in it, and you have to empty it should someone actually need to sit there. I've never seen this in a GM before. Yes, I know I went cheap.

 

I recently had a rental Tahoe (09) that didn't have bucket seats (I'd never seen one before either). The corresponding armrest/console of this vehicle had three cup holders instead of two and actually had the storage with a lid. Basically what I would prefer.

 

So here's my thought: Why can't I order the part(s) from GM and install the same armrest myself? I researched and found what I think is the part(s). The problem is I have no way of knowing if it will work. The net or forums provide no help on this topic whatsoever. The part(s) are non-refundable. I'd hat to spend $300+ and be left with a console that won't go in anything.

 

So here's my question: Do any of you have any knowledge or experience in my potential project? Any advice or direction to solve my problem?

 

Here is what I've found: GM Part #20758071

Diagram at http://www.gmpartsdistributor.com

 

Thanks for any help.

 

 

There are a couple of guys that have done a full swap on the GMT900s. Generally speaking, it can be done with a simple swap (though a little time consuming). I remember somebody documented it on one of the forums that I read on...I will see if I can find it for you. I did it with my truck but it doesnt apply as mine is a GMT800

[jrrod2004]

cant seem to find it...

[sonjaab]

NO cover on your center seat armrest/console? You didn't happen to get a base WT

model did you?

 

Anyhoo GM sells just the replacement top for around $150 BUT I don't think it will

work with your existing base because it does not have the release latch and related parts.

 

I would guess the replacement armrest/console unit would just swap in but they are

$pendy at around $400 bucks.

[sonjaab]

 

http://www.gmpartsdistributor.com/partloca...playCatalogid=2

[sonjaab]

Show All Parts Body Parts Only

Please select a corresponding number from the illustration below to view the details of that part.

1) W/o leather Ebony 2) W/o leather Ebony 3) Seat back assy Insert

4) Front cupholder 5) Front cupholder Insert 6) Lid

7) Lid Latch 8) Lid Bumper 9) W/o leather Ebony

10) Seat cushion Latch 11) Lock cylinder 12) Tray lining

13) Insert Small 14) Power outlet 15) Power outlet Retainer

16) Harness 17) Lower cover Ebony 18) Seat frame

19) Latch 20) Latch cover Ebony 21) Outer Ebony Right

22) Outer Ebony Left 23) Inner Ebony Right 24) Inner Ebony Left

25) Mount bracket 26) Rear cover Ebony 27) Rear cupholder Ebony

28) Insert

 

Description Year MSRP Price Core Price Your Price

Lid - Split bench seat Center seat-w/az3 - Split bench seat Center seat-w/az3

07-10 N/A

[Federaly]

NO cover on your center seat armrest/console? You didn't happen to get a base WT

model did you?

 

Anyhoo GM sells just the replacement top for around $150 BUT I don't think it will

work with your existing base because it does not have the release latch and related parts.

 

I would guess the replacement armrest/console unit would just swap in but they are

$pendy at around $400 bucks.

 

Not base WT, but one step up with LS.

[Federaly]

The posts have been helpful. I agree that this will be a time consuming project. It being I live in Texas, this may be a good project for fall/winter. One of those non-hunting/college football weekends anyway.

 

I do fear that the arm rest portion of the console (the #2 in the diagram) will not fit the base that I have. It does look like that base even has storage on it too or am I mis-reading it? I may order the armrest portion and if it doesn't fit, order the rest. With the labor and time that this will entail, I fear having a dealership do it may cost upwards of a $1,000. That will be a deal breaker for me.

 

If anybody else has any ideas or tips, please chime in.

[Federaly]

 

http://www.gmpartsdistributor.com/partloca...playCatalogid=2

 

 

Having the above diagram for the one that I have would be most helpful.

[sonjaab]

Thats the only diagram I could find for a 10 gmt-900.

And it shows only that one and not one without a lid.

Not to mention the GM catalogue is a PIA to navigate.

 

 

I had 2 center consoles in my gmt-800s replaced under warranty

for a broken push button (to open the lid) and took them apart.

The top/hinge/storage well was all one piece that fit inside the console base.

The console was sold as one complete unit. Not sure if the gmt-900 unit

is like that.