No-compromise armrest for $45 (100% reversible - no screws or glue)
 

I recently picked up a '15 FR-S since my Mini needs $4k of work and is worth $6k (damn German cars). Great car, but the lack of a center-console arm rest is a huge problem for me because I have a messed up neck and need my elbows supported if I don't want to be in pain. The three car-specific options out there that I found didn't really appeal and are also expensive. I bought a cheap "universal" arm rest on Amazon and it really didn't work, it ended up too high to be useful. Instead of returning it, though, I put my brain to work and ended up slapping together a perfect (for me) solution with like 10 minutes of work and thought I'd share:



Step 1: Get this armrest. I just searched "armrest car" on Amazon and there's like 30 different shell companies selling the same product. Get whichever one is cheapest since it's all the same thing. I specifically bought this one.
https://i.imgur.com/nJVZ0X0.jpg


Step 2: separate the two pieces and stick the supplied rubber pad in the position shown (I trimmed it a bit but you don't really have to).
https://i.imgur.com/tQwiEhq.jpg


Step 3: Snap the armrest part off of the storage compartment and remove the bits of plastic that make up the hinge. You are welcome to do a better job than I did but it really doesn't make a difference on the final product.
https://i.imgur.com/DYSqu7Q.jpg


Step 4: mix up your JB weld plastic bonder and apply it as shown. I got the tan stuff because it's what Home Depot had, the color is irrelevant as it will not be visible.
https://i.imgur.com/ZhFO7Zt.jpg


Step 5: assemble as shown. Let it set for 30+ minutes before installing in the car.https://i.imgur.com/ll5Fwcw.jpg


Step 6: install assembled armrest between the seat and center console as shown. No glue or bolts are needed; it doesn't move unless you make it move.
https://i.imgur.com/tkqCSQx.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/vOeDOkU.jpg


Works a treat and can be uninstalled simply by un-wedging it from its position. I think it's pretty nifty for the cost and effort level. Sure, the cheap Chinese armrest might not last terribly long but for $40 just replace it when the "leather" starts to crack and delaminate in a few years.



Hope this is a worthy first post!

Most certainly. This is a great find. I don't need an armrest for the daily commute but it would be a welcome addition for road tripping. Thanks and welcome to the forum! :thumbsup:

Pretty slick and the price is right. I paid ~4x that amount for my sliding armrest.
So it's just wedged in between the console and the seat. Is it stable or does it tilt towards the seat when you use it?
Just throwing out a suggestion. Would adding some velcro strips to the right bottom edge of it and the edge of the console help? https://www.homedepot.com/p/VELCRO-B...0199/202261921

It's actually wedged between the hard plastic covering on the hinge of the seat and the hard plastic of the center console, compressing the foam pad making for a tight fit. I don't find it moves much at all as is; I did consider some velcro or 3M adhesive but the fit is so tight that I couldn't figure out how I'd get it applied. I think the actual upgrade here would be some silicone grip tape or something like that, to increase the friction keeping the armrest from moving.

I paid $30,000 for an armrest I don't even use.

I'm not sure which version is more curious? :confused0068:

Good think it came with a free car.

It did some of the sting out of the deal.

HakOWNED

Nice - so the cupholders are completely usable with this?

Yep. As long as you have the insert rotated correctly (the long slot on driver side).






To update a year on: armrest still works, still holds tight, and hasn't degraded. Pretty pleased.

This is a great solution. Here it is with the white thread.