[phamaggot]

I had to drive my "Z32" (sorry, I can't get used to that name for a 300Z TT coupe '93 manual tranny) for a couple of weeks while my new Enthusiast 350Z '05 got a dent fixed. The separation cleared my mind about what feels wrong when I drive the 350Z.
The clutch needs adjustment, and I've learned (here) how to do that... but there was a "something else" that was too vague: a "jenesaisquoi" deal until today when a lightbulb went off in my head.

"Duuuhhhh!!! It's the armrest , Stoooopid!"
Of course, it really really is. Driving a manual puts my right hand on the shifter much of the time, and if the left hand has no support under the elbow zone, then the arm tends to pull the wheel counterclockwise. In the 300Z my driver side door armrest is just right : support is comfy and practical. I do prefer to keep 2 hands on the wheel, but I like to have left arm support nonetheless... the driver armrest in my 350Z is about 2 or 3" too low. No fiddling with my tilt wheel or the seat height or position made a difference.

THis is going to be important: I will never love this car unless I address this. I'm 5'9" and 150 pounds, not deformed, stiff nor crippled.

My burning question is: Am I alone in this ?
(It's a concern: my search turned up no ArmRest threads!)
Any advice at all please?
THanks!

 

[DiRN]

I just do as I do in every car I've driven: rest my elbow by the window

 

[jinxxycat]

There are several makers of Z armrests.....

http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mv...egory_Code=IA28

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/mer...duct_Code=ZREST

 

[studybuddy]

I think he's talking about for the left arm, the arm that he touches the steering wheel with. I don't see how one of those pads would fit on the door somewhere...

My arm reaches the armrest though, so I don't know what to tell you. I usually don't rest my arm though for some reason...

 

[jinxxycat]

Whoops, lol, I don't rest my left arm either.........ah well I tried....

 

[studybuddy]

Haha...it's all good. I thought the same thing and was actually looking for the links before I read all the way through it Thanks anyway Jinx :thumbsup:

 

[jetpilot718]

Yeah you really cant rest your left arm in the Z.. but its ok, you need both hands on the wheel at all times to hold on for dear life (if your driving properly) :lol:

 

[Zxrage]

I totally have this problem. It just doesn't feel comfortable to rest your arm on the "arm rest" so I rest my arm up by the window or I keep it straight on the steering wheel. It would be cool if there was some way to redesign the arm rest to sit higher up.

 

[phamaggot]

[/quote]


Well next to an answer, a response that says "Yeah, Me too!" is the best to see.
So I'm not crazy after all. And yes- it is the Left arm and not middle console support that is at issue.

I don't think it's valid to argue that "You shouldn't want this"...like your doc telling you "No- you're wrong: that doesn't hurt you". I've been driving a stick these 38 years and I have a posture that works for me. Lord, I'd be grateful for a positive, constructive advice!

Thanks, All!

 

[alfa georgia]

You're not crazy. I've been thinking the same thing for months. The window sill is too high and the arm rest too low. So... some clever dude needs to create a pad for the driver door arm rest.

 

[phamaggot]

"You're not crazy. I've been thinking the same thing for months."

If only more of us had announced this is an annoyance, more of us not willing to hang the arm out window all year all weathers... some smart enterprising customizing accessory guys would have heard and provided a solution on their webstore long ago!

Wait a sec..
If I get my wife in here, could you write that again now -really LOUD, so she can hear it?
I guess that won't work, but I'm still *very* grateful you posted to the thread and Im BLISSED out you agree that it is a problem too.

Not wanting to show myself to be a whining pain in the ass, nor even more so than average guys are... but why wouldn't other guys like you ('n me) have posted something before this?

I mean... the 350 is out for a couple years ...3?...and must sur have had the same annoying lack of arm rest all along. We are all of us 350 owners budget conscious guys who get a charge from maximizing our Bang-Fer-Buck ... since (IMO) that is the MAIN way the 350Z distinguishes itself from all those yuppie coupes ..those that have snob appeal largely for un-obtainability owing to how lowlifes like us can't afford 'em.

(Pardon the presumption there) But it doesn't compute that we type of guys would be willing to silently suffer a minor design flaw that so directly reduces our comfort and joy
with -what must surely be to most of us-- our most expensive self-indulgence!

If more of us had announced that this is an annoyance, smart enterprising customizing accessory guys would have heard and provided a solution on their webstore long ago!