Try velcro/hook and loop.

 

The SS with the performance seats only has a mount lug for an arm-rest on the passenger seat only in the 5-speed version. The auto transmission gets the arm-rests on both seats.

 

Now to mount this thing on the console I will need to mount the straps further up in the tower. Then I will use the screws that my mud-flaps came with to mount it on the console. So, the straps will be making a squiggly S-turn to go down the side of the console. Right now, I have it all pictured in my head. Once the seats are back in their normal position, the straps will be mostly hidden. I'll just paint them black.

 

The deed is done. And, this thing is just the right height for me and I can even use the shifter lazy boy style.
Here are some of the work in progress shots. As you can see, I painted the straps a flat black.
[ATTACH][/ATTACH]
I scrounged some hardware from work, bolts and clip-on nut plates. I cut slots into the side of the tower.

On the right rear strap, when I drilled the holes into the floor console, I hit some reinforcing plastic.

With the seats back in the normal position the straps are barely visible.
More pics in next post.

 

The arm rest appears to be off-center, but that is because the drivers seat does not have the arm rest lug on it.
;

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the look and the new feel while driving.

 

Nice job Mike - I used some naugahyde "sleeves" that I made to hide similar straps in my 56 F100 to mount an armrest. The grain in the fabric matched the console texture closely. Glad your drive is more comfortable now.

 

This is great. Is the center console the same for all HHR's? I'm thinking of getting one at a boneyard and doing it off the car.

 

I can't say about the center console itself. I do believe the cup holders are different sizes though between the '08 and '09. I think the '08 has bigger cup holders.
The 'SS', at least the later models have the 'GM Performance Seats'. The automatic transmission version has the regular seat mounted arm rest while the 5-speed has none. Some people have ordered or bought parts to install the arm rest for the passenger seat. There is no way to install one on the drivers' side. On the 2008, unless you special ordered, would only have a drivers side performance seat. Yeah, for a while the SS came with mismatched front seats. When I made my initial order, I didn't want the performance seats. But, it was added while I was waiting because they became standard equipment. The price I paid for this arm rest was a bit steep, and Canadian shipping was fairly high. My total cost was @ $110. After a trip to Lowe's, it was about another $7.
If your front seats are matched, because you have an '08 you probably have the standard HHR seats. Plus you already have the seat mounted arm rests. But, like I said, I can't say if the consoles are the same.

 

Great job Mike, looks awesome. Something the HHR should have had to start with. Todd (Uma)

 

I was looking at your pics and I'll bet that is thermoset plastic. I could possibly be heated with a heat gun and made for conform to the console.

How is the position for your right arm? Does it sit forward enough to be comfortable?