OEM armrest unboxing/review

[RojerLockless]

Best armrest ever. Looks great, functions great, best mod I've made to the car by far.

[FR-S Hot Lava]

Just installed my OEM armrest......very happy.....thanks Nigel

[Cards2323]

Im about to order this too but Im a little hesitant on drilling, anyone tried using a thin 3m tape? I think I may go that route first and see how it turns out.

[MokSpeed]

Originally Posted by Cards2323

Im about to order this too but Im a little hesitant on drilling, anyone tried using a thin 3m tape? I think I may go that route first and see how it turns out.

It won't sit flush and you will have a gap.

[86SPEED]

Originally Posted by Cards2323

Im about to order this too but Im a little hesitant on drilling, anyone tried using a thin 3m tape? I think I may go that route first and see how it turns out.

You should drill it , Plus two of the holes need to be countersunk for strength

The above statement is also correct

[FR-S Hot Lava]

Originally Posted by Cards2323

Im about to order this too but Im a little hesitant on drilling, anyone tried using a thin 3m tape? I think I may go that route first and see how it turns out.

There are 3 pegs on the hinge side that you need to drill for to make the armrest sit flush.


I would suggest you download the installation instructions from this thread first, since nothing came with the armrest.
It will show you why you have to drill holes in the console.


At the end it will be worth it.

[Cards2323]

^^Yea I actually read the whole thing but was still going to give it a try...Maybe i'll just suck it up and drill..

[bumperhumper]

Just received mine, hoping to install it this upcoming weekend.

I wanted to clarify with you guys what things I will need for the install. Hoping to clarify what equipment I need to buy/borrow before the weekend for a smooth install. Here's what I've come up with:

1. drill and drill bits
2. torx wrench (and black sharpie for the silver screws) OR replacement black screws with allen key
3. hammer and nails to create holes to guide drill (optional)
4. some scraper tool used to smoothen the hole after you drill?
5. vacuum
6. the cut outs included in the manual and tape to secure it in place

[FR-S Hot Lava]

Originally Posted by bumperhumper

Just received mine, hoping to install it this upcoming weekend.

I wanted to clarify with you guys what things I will need for the install. Hoping to clarify what equipment I need to buy/borrow before the weekend for a smooth install. Here's what I've come up with:

1. drill and drill bits
2. torx wrench (and black sharpie for the silver screws) OR replacement black screws with allen key
3. hammer and nails to create holes to guide drill (optional)
4. some scraper tool used to smoothen the hole after you drill?
5. vacuum
6. the cut outs included in the manual and tape to secure it in place

You forgot one last point:
7. Cold beer for after armrest is installed.

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by bumperhumper

Just received mine, hoping to install it this upcoming weekend.

I wanted to clarify with you guys what things I will need for the install. Hoping to clarify what equipment I need to buy/borrow before the weekend for a smooth install. Here's what I've come up with:

1. drill and drill bits
2. torx wrench (and black sharpie for the silver screws) OR replacement black screws with allen key
3. hammer and nails to create holes to guide drill (optional)
4. some scraper tool used to smoothen the hole after you drill?
5. vacuum
6. the cut outs included in the manual and tape to secure it in place

The template is very helpful. I used a small nail to punch holes where I needed to drill. Drill using smaller drill bit first, then work up to the required size. I didn't bother with a scraper tool. For the screws, I punched them into a cardboard and gave it a couple of coats of black spray. The most important thing you need is patience and not rush the job.

[omegared19]

Love this thing. Had mine for about a year now. Super clean and took about an hour to install taking my sweet ass time (with a beer)

[86SPEED]

More coming in stock next week -

[bumperhumper]

Very pleased with how it turned out. Like others have stated, I recommend drilling the pegs first, then use the armrest as a template to drill the rest of the holes, using the armrest as a guide. If you use the paper cutout, it will likely not be as precise IMO.

I took the top off and recommend doing so to facilitate the installation process, but it is not necessary to do so. Removing the plastic plugs was tricky - I used a small screw driver. I had no problems putting the top back on once the skeleton was installed.

I painted my screws black with nail polish. I think this was a fine solution, however using a sharpie would probably have been easier in hindsight.

Like others have stated already, it looks like it came from the factory like this. Color/texture matching is spot on, and driving is significantly more comfortable. 10/10 would purchase again

[husker741]

Originally Posted by tg_1981

I pushed in a few as well. I went to home depot and bought this Attachment 34780 worked out well and feels even stronger with these in. I only used the anchors and was able to use the screws that came with the armrest.

Installed mine this weekend. Thank God you posted this because I was so pissed when 3 of those little stopper things went through the hole. So I just replaced all the rubber things with these Pop Toggles and then it was easy to finish.

Other than that, the install was pretty straight forward with the template and everyone's tips/instructions. I tried to take my time because I felt so bad drilling into my car haha. I just wanted to make sure not to screw it up. I don't like doing any mods that require drilling.

The armrest makes the entire interior look so much cleaner and just nicer. Now you don't have stuff showing that is in the console. It matches perfectly and it sits perfectly for my arm to rest. After over a year and a half of having this part, I'm now very happy I installed it. Thanks for getting this @jpit!