DIY - OEM Armrest Install (Hybrid/more secure method)

[Byza]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

Thanks. I guess dropbox killed my public links. Images have been fixed.

Thanks for re-uploading the pics. I'm doing this install today and while I'm sure I would have worked it out without much trouble, having the pics makes the job brainless.

[Byza]

I did the install last weekend.

I used all the original bolts so they would match and purchased some M4 nylock nuts. I also painted the bolt heads black so they would blend in.

I only ended up using one mushroom nut (near the open/close clasp), the rest I could get to easily with a ring spanner or ratchet.

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by Byza

I did the install last weekend.

I used all the original bolts so they would match and purchased some M4 nylock nuts. I also painted the bolt heads black so they would blend in.

I only ended up using one mushroom nut (near the open/close clasp), the rest I could get to easily with a ring spanner or ratchet.

You used nuts on all bolts?

And what do you mean you used all the original bolts,? Isn't that assumed? What other bolts would someone use?

[Byza]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

You used nuts on all bolts?

And what do you mean you used all the original bolts,? Isn't that assumed? What other bolts would someone use?

For some reason I thought you bought new bolts.
I almost wish I had, hex bolts would have been less of a PITA than those Torx heads.

There was only one bolt I couldn't get to without removing the foam, and the packet of nuts I bought happened to come with 8 nuts so I figured I may as well use as many as I could. Perhaps differences in the console mold, due to LHD/RHD, may have made some of the bolts easier for me to reach.

[wolffbite]

Thanks for the write up and pictures!

I'm leaning towards this as I've realized the door cup holder works just fine for my coffee mug and I don't really need the middle cup holders. I need a place for change/stuff to keep it out of sight instead of sitting in the open in my car... this armrest would work nicely.

Did you use a particular guide for taking out the center console? I've found a few guides for taking out the shift boot + trim but not the console itself..

Still hesitant to drill holes into my brand new car but it will have to happen eventually

[Wise]

I'm going to have to try this method, after I screwed up most of the rubber grommets after removing the armrest as I wasn't happy with the fit (My bad as my template must have been off slightly).

I've already sourced a replacement centre console piece, so I might do this method on that piece since it's already off the car and then install that and replace the original centre console that is sort of screwed now.

[bhmax]

Thanks for this. I'm guessing yours came with the template? I got mine from UK seller snowsgroupwest and I only got the armrest and hardware. Doesn't seem too hard to get it where it needs to be though.

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by bhmax

Thanks for this. I'm guessing yours came with the template? I got mine from UK seller snowsgroupwest and I only got the armrest and hardware. Doesn't seem too hard to get it where it needs to be though.

I honestly don't think it did, IIRC I found it online and printed it out.

[bhmax]

Thanks. I just found the instructions with the printout online.

[broberg]

I installed mine a couple of days ago, have to say that the rubber expansion bolts are plenty secure. Seems like overkill to remove the center console just for that. Sure if it's already out anyway then nuts and bolts are a more permanent solution, but in car the rubber ones work fine.

If the rubber ones can hold the fairings together on the ducati supersport then it can hold a armrest in place ��

The tip on just drilling the holes for the three pegs with the template and then using the frame itsef as the guide is excellent!

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by broberg

I installed mine a couple of days ago, have to say that the rubber expansion bolts are plenty secure. Seems like overkill to remove the center console just for that. Sure if it's already out anyway then nuts and bolts are a more permanent solution, but in car the rubber ones work fine.

If the rubber ones can hold the fairings together on the ducati supersport then it can hold a armrest in place ��

The tip on just drilling the holes for the three pegs with the template and then using the frame itsef as the guide is excellent!

I thought the same after using anchors on the 3 side bolts. But over time I had concern that they would eventually loosen up and figured I'd make it permanent. The center console does come out relatively easy, so why not.

[tose86]

Just installed one in an 860. Didn't like the idea of the larger holes in the console, cut off the three support posts under the hinge with a dremel, got some black screws at the hw store, fit the frame on the console, drilled small starter holes, attached the frame to the console, installed the arm rest cushion.

Tried to change the silver stitching to orange with a scripto to match the 860 but was a bit too reddish, changed to black scripto and blacked out the stitching. There's a bit of a strain on the frame when the arm rest is moved vertically due to the springs that keep it vertical, but it's working ok so far. If it becomes a problem, I'll either remove one or both of the springs or put a flat head screw near the hinge area.

[Cole]

Just saw this about 30 minutes ago. Had some random hardware laying around to give it a test fit. Works really well. Gunna try and find some black/Ti hex bolts to use and make it look real pretty now that I know it's a pretty easy process.

[Byza]

Originally Posted by tose86

Just installed one in an 860. Didn't like the idea of the larger holes in the console, cut off the three support posts under the hinge with a dremel, got some black screws at the hw store, fit the frame on the console, drilled small starter holes, attached the frame to the console, installed the arm rest cushion.

Tried to change the silver stitching to orange with a scripto to match the 860 but was a bit too reddish, changed to black scripto and blacked out the stitching. There's a bit of a strain on the frame when the arm rest is moved vertically due to the springs that keep it vertical, but it's working ok so far. If it becomes a problem, I'll either remove one or both of the springs or put a flat head screw near the hinge area.

Hate to tell you this now, but you could have purchased one with orange stitching. The toyota part number for the LHD version is PW281-18000-E7.