JDM Knee Pad Install

[Trojan_SC]

So I started installing the knee pads yesterday and thought I'd show you guys how to do it and not screw up your interior (I failed a little). Scuffed up the corners of my center console and broke the old new pads. So follow this if you want to do a clean install.

First let's start with the Center dash knee pads:

To do this you have to remove the center console.

Start off by taking off the small panels under the oem knee pads, just pull gently and they come right off.



Next remove filler under the AC controls (idk what it's called, the thing with the USB/AUX ports) You can just grab it and pull (gently) or you can push it out from behind where you just removed the panels.


Disconnect the wire harness and you have just exposed 2 screws for the center console.


Unscrew the shift knob. (easy enough)
Next pull off the trim around the shifter, it is just clipped in so it will come off with some pulling.


The shift boot is connected to this trim with 4 screws, unscrew and take out the plastic trim.


You have just uncovered 2 more screws for the console.

The last 2 are under the rubber liner inside the center console, where the cup holders go.

Now that you've found all 6 screws, unscrew them. Detach the e-brake boot, from the center console. You don't have to remove it entirely.


Remove the center console and get it out of your way.

Almost done.
Now remove the faux carbon fiber bezel surrounding the head unit



You've uncovered more screws. The following 2 screws are what hold the kneepads to the center dash. Unscrew them.



Once this is done, you can just grab and pull the knee pad out toward you. It's only clipped in now.



Look at the back, remove the silver trim by unscrewing the screw holding it in place.



Attach the new, sexy, red-stitched knee pad to the silver trim.


Reinstall everything in reverse order of how you took it out. Inventory your screws and make sure you don't lose/forget to install any and you're done. OH AND MAKE SURE YOU DON'T FORGET TO RECONNECT YOUR POWER OUTLET AND THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE TCS/VSC.


Took me a long ass time because I didn't know how to properly take apart the interior. I RE-DID it to do this DIY and it took me about 20 minutes.

Next up are the door panels:

I haven't been able to do these just yet because there seems to be a difference between the OEM knee pads and JDM knee pads. OEMs have the speaker grill built in as part of the mold, JDMs do not.

Some comparison pics FYI:




And for those of you that might want to ask "well can't you pull the speaker grills off?" No you can't:


***UPDATE***

So I got the speaker grills a couple weeks ago, and installed them, but didn't have any time to post up. Been pretty inactive on the forums since school started. Sorry guys.

So here's the steps on the door panel knee pads:

First use a small flat screwdriver to flip open the tab under the door latch to uncover a screw and remove it:


Using said screwdriver, remove the clip at the front of the door panel


Using the same screwdriver, VERY CAREFULLY so as to not scratch up your door handle or door panel, insert it in the seam between the handle and door panel to remove the silver trim. I will say it again, please be very careful when doing this part!





Unscrew both screws and your door panel is almost ready to be removed.

Pull the door panel from the edges firmly but carefully, it is held on by plastic clips.

Lift it up and out to unlatch it from the window gap. Unhook the door lock and door latch cables (don't forget which goes where)
Didn't take pics of this part because I had my hands pretty full and well it's pretty self-explanatory anyway.

Disconnect the wiring harnesses and remove the door panel.

Unscrew the knee pad:


Install new knee pad with speaker grill insert.

Note: You will need 3 more screws per door to properly secure the speaker grill to the kneepad/door panel. (Part Number: SU003-02917)

Screw the knee pad back in, reconnect cables and wire harnesses, place back in original position and press firmly to ensure clips are secured. Repeat for the other side and you're done.

Finished Product:




Update: I eventually did get the silver rings which are supposed to go with the set. I was just way too anxious to get them on and never posted pics. Literally is the easiest thing, just put over the speaker grills, line up the tabs and voila!

[BRZranger]

How are the knee pads? Are they like the door armrests in terms of material and cushion?

[BRZranger]

Also, it looks like the center knee pads are two pieces, you could almost take these parts in to an upholstery shop to custom add leather and padding; which someone else already did, probably break even for cost.

Also that other guy that had the custom leather, the speaker grill had to be cut out and reinstalled.

[ScottDRFT]

This is what I want to do! Awesome DIY! Where did you buy the JDM goods?

[ScottDRFT]

^NVM I kept reading xD

[RRnold]

Nice work!! Do you plan to swap out the HVAC for the JDM digital one?

[ayau]

here's a pic of the jdm speaker grill:



i can't tell if they're the same as the usdm speaker grill.

[ayau]

here's another one:

[RallySport Direct]

Wow I love this! Looks great too! I always find my knee resting there when cruising around, so this is a great idea!

Thanks,
Rick

[Trojan_SC]

Originally Posted by ayau

here's a pic of the jdm speaker grill:



i can't tell if they're the same as the usdm speaker grill.

If you see the pics above, they aren't the same. Must be a separate part.

[Trojan_SC]

Originally Posted by RRnold

Nice work!! Do you plan to swap out the HVAC for the JDM digital one?

I will eventually, but it's pretty low on my wish list. Fog lights and EDM GT-86 Headlights are next up.

I'll most likely get the one from the limited BRZ, same thing just cheaper.

[Trojan_SC]

Originally Posted by brzranger

How are the knee pads? Are they like the door armrests in terms of material and cushion?

Yes they are cushioned and have the same material. Feel and look so much nicer.

[JiB]

will be doing this soon. after an hour of driving it starts to get irritating.

[eriktherod]

Maybe the JDM speakers come with grills on them already?