Storage, Random Stuff, and 3rd Row Seats

[jeffro0001]

I have a 2007 Tahoe LS with the bench seat in the front that has the fold down armrest. The thing I don't understand is why GM made the console in that armrest open without a lid to keep stuff in. Has anyone found an effective solution to make that into an enclosed storage area?...I think that the 2008 Tahoes have a lid like the 2005 Tahoe I had did. Has anyone bought a full console and taken out the middle seat in exchange for the seat? I found a few consoles for my Tahoe on e-bay (dealer removed parts) and was wondering how simple they would be to install. Since I am in my Tahoe for the long haul due to low trade-in value, I want to make it as useful and comfortable as possible.

Also, has anyone found a solution to the door panels rattling around the edges. The dealer put some insulation behind the door panels to help, but it really didn't help. I know that the door panels are actually hung now instead of held on by the old fashioned plastic rivets. The dealer won't do anymore to fix the noises because it is within factory specs (the usual story). So far the best I have found is taking the fuzzy side of velcro and putting it between the door and the edge of the door panel. I would prefer a more permanent solution.

Third and final question is whether anyone has noticed any actual MPG increases by taking out the third row seats in their Tahoe. I have read that in vehicles with this much power that it won't make a difference like it would in a V6 or 4 cylinder. Mine is a 4.8L engine and I didn't want to worry about finding a place to store the seats or worry about taking them out until I knew whether it actually would make a difference.

Thanks!

 

[JAGastrock]

A) Yes, you can go to gmpartsdirect.com, look up under a 2007 Silverado (New body style) and you will notice that it has the console armrest with a lid on it. You can replace the entire bench if you want the in-seat storage, or just the armrest. Big difference in price, BIG difference in work.

B) Havnt found a solution......doctor put me on xanax about 40 days ago and it hasnt helped with the rattling.

C) I cant see THAT much of an MPG difference, but the additional space is always a good thing. Those 3rd row seats take up oodles of room

 

[Black Dog]

If I'm not mistaken I think Gambler put a regular console in place of the folding seat one, keeping the 2 original seats. You can see pictures of it in his audio upgrade thread, and maybe he can give you some info. As for the weight reduction in the back, I wouldn't count on seeing anything noticeable at all, it's a small percentage of total vehicle weight, and you'd have to consider that factor too.