Got arm rest off: check

Got hole filler for arm rest in place : check

Got center console off :check

Removed old parking brake bracket :check

Got new bracket bolted down :SCREEECH!!!!!!!

Yep screeching halt......


For the life of me I cannot get the bolts to line up correctly to bolt the new bracket in...trying to get that wire guide and the new bracket at the right angle is almost impossible! You really need to pull down on the wire guide and try to thread the bolts in..the closest I could get was the top one in ..no way no how could I get the bottom one to catch and thread properly....yeah I could gorilla thread it with a ratchet and destroy the original threads by going in at a weird angle but don't really wont to do that......

And I did drop one of the bolts down between the carpet and frame and thought I was hosed...luckily I blindly fished it out with a long magnet.......

I swear I spent almost 2 hours trying to do this before I gave up....my fingers and body were starting to cramp up trying to get this on...


So right now my car looks totally ghetto as I'll be cruising around with no middle console until I can figure out how to get this right...hell even just putting the bolts back in the wire guide I could only get the top one in...

So I have all the parts and debating whether just to drop off at dealer and have them complete the job. I don't want to spend another 2 hours and possibly lose a bolt again..we are getting some sick snow tonight and tomorrow so that throws my plans off a bit


SO.....any tricks or tips or advice? I feel pretty foolish as I SHOULD be able to do this for crying out loud and am a little embarrassed it has taken me all this time and still stuck....

I didn't even envision this part being a show stopper

 

Did you completely bolt the other one down? Or just partially?

What you can do, take front bolt out and use a screw driver that fits on the hole. Use the driver to line up the back bolt, once it catches, put the other bolt in and then tighten both.

 

That is not a bad idea...I may try that...gotta be so careful not to damage the threads though.....will be f'ed if that happens

Biggest part of the problem is getting it in at the right angle and having the bracket and wire guide line up at right angle like I said above...trying to get them aligned perfectly (and they have to be or that bolt and going in) is a B&*$h


I tried both..partially and complete..and gotta be so careful with that bottom bolt as one fumble and it might be gone for good even with a towel tucked in trying to prevent that! I hope I'm not f'ng up my ebrake pulling down on that guide!

Ok, thanks for the info

 

A shot in the dark here, but, did you happen to buy a replacement console for the GD, or did you got one specifically for your GE? If not, this may be your problem.

Some items for the GD also work on the GE, some do not. I don't even know if this is an issue with the console. But if all else fails, you may want to check into that. I can't imagine bolt placement being off that much if it is indeed a "made for GE" part.

Like I said, I could be completely off base regarding your issue, but I've read of similar problems on these forums in the past. Just wanted to throw that out there.

Good luck!

 

Yep, I double checked it as I wanted to make sure as well...It is for a GE...it isn't off by much...I mean just slightly off...just enough to tease you that it should go but won't and laughs at you lol........really irritating that is what is holding me up....

I was bumming big time when I dropped that bolt...don't know of I'll be as lucky in retrieving it again if it goes between the carpet lol

 

i think i used a screwdriver or something to pry the bracket towards the rear of the car, once i did that the bolts went in pretty easy.

 

I'm no expert, but I'm in NH (Concord) and would be happy to take a look for you. I've never done this particular job, but have done others to many other cars. PM me if you want me to take a peek.

I'm out of work and have been, so something fun like this is great and keeps me busy!

Mark

 

Oh, and I can't do it today in our little April Fools Day 12" flurry....but am free this weekend...

 

Did you do it using the method Goober mentioned above?


Mark- Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on that if I can't get it to go......yes today is out lol...I stayed in MA last night but can't wait to see what awaits me in Nashua when I get home.......60's next week though

 

i don't remember at this point, but i think i more put pressure on the entire plate to force it to the rear of the car.

 

This might help YouTube - Episode #154 - 2nd Generation Honda Fit Armrest Installation

 

ehhh..I pussed out and swung by the dealer and they completed the job...feel a little guilty as I know I probably could have done it but between the weather and time I wasnt sure when I would have been able to do it....

Let's hope it holds together...I checked on the tech as he was doing it and he said this was the first arm rest install he had seen....ehhh lol