Center Console Pad?

[motorman7]

Does anyone know the history of these Center Console Arm Rests? Are they after market items? Still available?

I am relocating the pad from my 70Z console to the 71 Z console because I really like it and I drive the 71 every day. (Not to mention, the JCCS judge gave me the evil eye on my 70Z indicating it wasn't a stock part).

Also saw the pad on this photo, but this pad looks a bit taller and nicer than mine.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/album.php?albumid=177

Thanks,

Rich

[Arne]

My '71 did not come with one. I've always assumed they were aftermarket.

[AZ-240z]

Rich,

That arm rest is one of the dealership provided AMCO after market products that were offered for new cars. I had one for my car but the bad news is one must drill two holes in the console to install it correctly. When restoring my car, I found another perfect console and bought one of the Motorsports cupholder armrests which just sits on the console, easily removed, and no need to drill to install.

Original, nice, AMCO arm rests such as yours are not easy to come by so hang on to it whether you use it or not.

Dan

[motorman7]

Thanks for the info Dan. I really like the pad. It is a nice arm rest while driving. Also, it is the first thing my arm rests on when getting into the car.

[Rich1]

Rich

I had one of these arm rests on my 72 z. I agree it is was very comfortable--as it sat higher than the other available armrests. Does yours mount on the inside of the console? Mine did--and too much pressure applied to the armrest caused the screws to strip.

I ordered a new one from MSA, thinking it would be the same model. It's not--it mounts to the backside of the console. I am going to give the MSA one a try when my console returns from Dashboard Restoration in Washington.

Rich

[psdenno]

I've had one in my '71 since about 1972. When I refurbished the center console last Spring, I had it rebuilt with new foam and upholstery. Not only is it a nice place to rest the right arm, but it also makes a nice lid for the coin tray on the console.

Dennis

[zcar70]

That is indeed the aftermarket AMCO armrest. As stated, they required drilling two holes on the rear of the console and they had a nasty tendency to strip over time.

They are not as rare as you may think, they turn up on ebay all of the time and sell for $30-$50.

The ones I have come across seem to fit the later 240 console, they are too long for the series one console. They install, but intrude into the choke lever assembly, covering the rear defrost switch. Perhaps AMCO made two versions of the armrest?

[motorman7]

Rich

I had one of these arm rests on my 72 z. I agree it is was very comfortable--as it sat higher than the other available armrests. Does yours mount on the inside of the console? Mine did--and too much pressure applied to the armrest caused the screws to strip.

I ordered a new one from MSA, thinking it would be the same model. It's not--it mounts to the backside of the console. I am going to give the MSA one a try when my console returns from Dashboard Restoration in Washington.

Rich

The pad mounts on the inside rib of the console. You can see in the middle picture at the top that the mounting hinge piece has a bend to match the console inside rib. I think this is visually much nicer and mechanically better.

My dad installed the pad with machine screw and nut; no problem stripping out.

Rich

[DeesZ]

I agree with everyone that you are looking at an Amco aftermarket piece. I sold these back in the day.... And, yes, they pop up for sale at reasonable prices. The draw-back in my eyes is the drilling to mount them. Otherwise very nice (and honestly, the most "stable" one because of the secure mounting). IIRC, the local Datsun dealer sold Amco aftermarket accessories through their parts department (in addition to many other distributors such as the one where I worked).

I wanted something in my '72, and after trying several options settled on the one pictured below. I cannot recall exactly where I got it - either eBay or MSA - but the manufacturer is identified in the pictures, and they are still in business. I like it because there are no modifications required to mount it, and it is very easily removable. I enjoy the fact that there are also several drink slots available, and it does hold a fair amount of stuff.

[ZCurves]

Hello,

I have a couple of these armrests. One is brand Spankin new and will be used on my restoration, the other is used which I grabbed out of a wreck. I am going to use the original as a template for a leather copy to match my seats. I will be happy to supply pics or even a pattern if any of you are interested. Send me a PM.

ZCurves

[Montezuma]

I got a used one that came with my 73 but when I put in a brand new console I did not put back....besides he has split in top center. New vinyl can be done.

[ZCurves]

I am attaching a number of pics of my Console Pads for those that have expressed interest... I hope that this helps. I am uploading them in two posts.

Andrew