My personal opinion is that the single biggest mistake Honda made with the Element is not having a floor console. I have solved that problem with an expensive, but outstanding product. A Console made by Tuffy Products for jeeps. It comes in 6.5 and 8" widths and fits perfectly. I do not use the parking brake at all, so I went with the 8" model and front/rear cup holders. This is basically an all steel box that can be just set on the existing floor unit. I placed a layer of that toolbox nonskid stuff under it and put a couple of well placed screws in it. Works and looks great. there website is http://www.tuffyproducts.com/consoles/center/typeII.html

I also turned to jeep to solve my console problem.
The black matched my interior perfect
My site has pics of it installed.

http://www.jeeppartsstore.com/jeep_bestop_trailmax_consoles.html

Would the 6.5 " allow the use of parking brake?

Iskie

My bestop is 7 and allows for the brake. Depending on how it is installed. So I would bet the 6.5 would easily accomidate the brake.

Pictures? Does the armrest have to be flipped up to use the handbrake?

Iskie

I'm pretty sure the 6.5 would allow the hand break to be used easily. You would not have to open the top. I got the Tuffy instead of the Bestop because I did not want all the little compartments thaqt took away from the armreat length and overall storage space. It just depends on what you want; but if you have the automatic there is no use for the hand break and the room in the 8" console is great. The Tuffy isw burgler proof if mounted properly, but it does cost about $250 with shipping and the optional rear cup holder. can't figure out how to add a picture to this forum.

Even with an automatic, it's a good idea to use the hand brake. When you use "Park" on the shifter, you are still placing thw weight of vehcile on the transmission. By using the parking brake, you are putting the weight on the brakes. Same deal with the manual transmission, which is why drivers of a standard tend to use the hand brake. Not to mention, you need the hand brake to do a hill start.

Iskie

Need the brake.

Love the brake.

Try going up and over Lombard Street in SF without one with a manual transmission on a weekend...

peace,
-jdef

Well it all depends on were you are driving. I haven't used the handbrake in twenty years. I live in the desert. It is FLAT. But like I said if you need the brake go for the 6.5" width.

Nice console! It is important to use the E brake also due to rusting and seizing issues with the cables and the calipers as your Element gets older.

My personal opinion is that the single biggest mistake Honda made with the Element is not having a floor console.

I for one am glad that there is no console. I want to be able to pass-thru to the rear without having to recline the passenger seat fully or climb over anything. A larger console as an option might be alright, but not as standard equipment. I guess it all depends on how you are going to use your Element.

Good point to be considered Alien Element. I am reluctant to drill hole anywhere unless I absolutley have no choice.

I like being able to walk through also, but to each his own. I have also always live in flat areas. It has not happend often but I have lost breaks twice do to a blown breakline. The were older cars but in one case the hand break allowed me to slowly drive home and in the other the hand break saved my life.

<nodding vigourously> Yes, the hand brake is also known as the emergency brake. :D And to reiterate what RVDIII said, if you don't use the hand brake, it won't remain in good service.

By the way, how many manual shift drivers know how to do a "hill start"? Best driving lesson my Dad ever gave me.

Iskie

Down South, we call it a "clutch" start since you pop out the clutch to turn over the engine after you get rolling...

Uh, yes, the clutch is the clutch. A "hill start" is Brit-speak for having to start on a steep incline, or having to shift into gear on a steep incline. It takes a bit of talent to manage the clutch, gas, and the hand brake all at the same time. A real bugger in my old S-10 where the hand brake was a foot-activated parking brake - more suitable for an automatic.

Iskie

[quote:029318d6ca="isketerol"]. Same deal with the manual transmission, which is why drivers of a standard tend to use the hand brake. Not to mention, you need the hand brake to do a hill start.[/quote:029318d6ca]

You know, I really wish someone had told me this all those years ago when I was learning how to drive a stick. I had to learn the hard way. In traffic. At rush hour.

As it is, I still think I clutch too much.

I'm a klutz. Automatic for me. :oops:

Its Ironic.....the "mistake" you mention is one of the things we like MOST!
We plan to REMOVE what little console Honda put there (3 dumb cup holders?) if we do buy the Element. We agree their execution is LAME but we like to be able to walk from front to back........so we think their thinking is smart in the end......we are generally satisfied and might buy the vehicle since we wouldnt have to remove anything at first and fabricate a cover....AND You can ad a part to make you happy..........We are also disapointed the brake handle isnt on the DRIVERS side......to each his own!
Later!