I need to replace my radio console (ok, I admit it, I broke the mounting tabs) and I would like to go with the arm rest version of the entire centre console... question is then.. the later 2000 and 2001 models.. I know they changed the details on the radio and shifter surround.. so I would need to buy them together to get the interior to flow...

The rear question then, to this rambling and incoherent question.. is the ring that surrounds the shifter on the gen two cars metal or just painted plastic? I like the round ring better than the oblong hole my 99 has.

 

plastic ring
You can put the 2nd Gen shifter plate into your 99, as well as the stereo bezel, but it won't line up correctly. It'll look weird too.

The center console, with or without armrest is the same on 1st and 2nd gens.

 

I didn't realize there was one without the armrest....

 

Here in Canada,... pretty much everyone above a 98 came with them, because we didn't sell many base Tibs here, they were almost all SE's with all the options except ABS,....
All the SE's also got the Shark Wing (98-99) and Type R wing (00-01)
Some of the 97's they were an option.

But I think in the states,... lots of base ones were sold.

 

So the arm rests came with the base tibs then? Mine is a base tib I think, I bought it used so I am not sure. I think the only upgraded options chosen with mine was graphite colored dash, and cd player.

 

Mine is an odd Tib.. as I think I have illustrated before.. My centre console does not have the arm rest.. but rather a LARGE open bin.. the perfect size I might add, to store my CD case... but I am changing all that.

Thanks for the replies, I might just see if I can get a machine shop to fab me up a nice aluminum surround for my shifter.. one to match the work on my Momo shift knob...

 

I recently broke that little plastic shifter ring (Upper Console cover)
Why couldnt that damn thing been made of Nylon and not cheap plastic??!!

yeah, I also dont have an armrest - i have the storage bin thing too - its very handy sometimes