DIY Cheap Armrest Simple and Easy. Updated as of Aug. 5 2019
 

Hey guys,

I made this armrest for around $30 with material you can get at a craft store.

Materials:
-Simple Cushion foam 2" thick
-1/2" Thick Styrofoam Board( Can be replaced with MDF board if you have the proper cutting tools.)
-Your choice of cloth, suede, vinyl, or leather (pictures are of cloth but I updated with suede)
-*3M Super 77 Adhesive

Tools:
-Hot Knife for cutting the foam board.
-scissors
-marker/pencil
-your cupholder tray
-the rubber mat in your center console

Directions:
Trace out the rubber mat onto the foam board and use hot knife to cut.

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Take the foam board you just cut and trace onto the cushion. I used scissors to cut the cushion.

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Glue the cushion to the board. You wanna start wrapping the fabric over to your preferred tightness. Once you have figured that out, make marks on the cloth and cut to where it overlaps the edge of the board about 1".

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Now glue around the Styrofoam board and and edge of fabric. Wait briefly for it to tack. Then you can start wrapping

You should end up with something like this.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...df5ba289_b.jpg

Let the glue dry before attempting the next step.

Trace two soda cans onto fresh foam board and cut.

Flip the arm rest upside down. Place the round cut foam board on-top and now use the cup holder tray upside down to line up the circle foam board pieces. Mark, and glue into place. This is going to sit in the cup holders so the arm rest doesn't move around.

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Your piece is now done. Just let it dry for 24 hours before installing it. If the glue leaks out and gets onto your car trim, it can be a paint in the ass to clean.

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Here's the finished product with the two different orientations you can use it in.

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Sits nice and flush
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8832f867_b.jpg

Forward
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8126b379_b.jpg

Does not get in the way of the ebrake or heated seats
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3820c498_b.jpg

Here is an updated version with suede. It's much more stretchier so you can avoid wrinkles.(As of Aug.5 2019)

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I'm obviously not a professional but I have been using it for a few days now and I enjoy the comfort it offers.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Also don't forget to post pictures of your own version.

Enjoy!

Looks terrible.
You might as well have just gotten a small pillow at the dollar store
Looks just as terrible

Dad, is that you? Thank goodness Mom always encouraged our creativity.

Nice ima make one of these, looks legit

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I agree, not to rag on your idea. I just think it could have been done a little cleaner for sure...its sad that there are actual write ups that teach people how to make a subpar piece. No wonder this car has basically turned into this generation's ricer flagship car...sorry man. I just cant get behind this one

Honestly, I would have done just that but they're all too soft.

It could have been done nicer and I plan on redoing the whole thing with MDF board. The functionality of this piece is what I was after. Like I said, I am no professional obviously, and this was my first time ever cutting fabric.

My entire car is rice btw.

Thank you all for your input. I don't take offense to any criticism.

To those building one for their car please post some pictures. I would like to see how it turns out for you.

Lmao theres criticism and then theres condescension. I think the top material could be stiffer and you could cut the fabric more carefully to get rid of the small wrinkling along the corners, but these guys arent valid opinions. Ive met guys like this at the park and chills

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Hey guys, I redid it in suede and 3M super 77. The suede material is much stretchier and easier to work with. Looks nicer as well.

Please see the original post for the updated version.

Where did you get that dash cover? Is that a dealer add on?

im interested aswell.

Really just needs denser foam to lose the pillow look.

Do craft stores (or other) have anything firmer than regular cushion foam?

This level of self-realization and ability to take criticism is so refreshing in a world of overly sensitive internet posters :cheers: At least the checkered floor mats and camo interior bits make the armrest seem tolerable to look at in comparison. The suede version is a big improvement over the blazing red one.