Its DONE: I took the console top off(just snaps on), removed the back half console(4 10mm nuts), pulled the brake lever cover off the shaft, then removed the parking brake assembly(4 13mm nuts). There is a slight offset on the lever already, but it kinda goes the wrong way. I put it in the vice, bent the top 5" section to the right a bit, then remounted in the vise down further on the lever(just higher than where the cover stops covering), and bent it to the left, ending up with a 1.25" offset to the right, and still parallel to the console. You have to tweak the disengage rod a bit so it lines up and operates smooth, then warm up the lever cover so it will fit back over the lever, and bolt it all back. Perfect, another 1.25 clearance is a big improvement. I took pics, I hope you like them.
PS, it doesn't look crooked in person, part of the angle is at the back cupholder area where the offset is.

 

Nice mod! Now you've got a Bentley in your HHR...you know what they say about girls liking Bentleys

 

wonder if thats the Onstar box under the cup holder? i been thinking about doing "hack onstar" mod but i didnt feel like diging it out of the dash, if its that easy to get to i might have to try it now.

 

lol nice mod

 

dpoll, that is the airbag module under the cup holder. Nice place for a coke or pepsi to drain into. You might get a light after that. your VCIM (onstar) is in the right rear quarter panel. Like the brake handle mod very much. Will have to try that.Thanks for the pics.

 

very practical - thanks for the write-up and pictures

 

Your center console is dirty! . . . Thanks for the pics. That may very well be added to the list of upgrades.

 

Very nice

 

Yeah, I didn't realize how dirty till those pics enlarged for the thread! It's been pretty dark and gloomy here the last week or so.

 

Mine seems to be bent over that far already???