DIY: PT478-18130 Center Armrest Installation
 

I decided on this armrest over the GT86 one because I think it’s more functional, slightly cheaper, and it's the right height. http://www.fteightysix.com/new-produ.../#.VNdY1_nF_ql
I purchased mine for $156.80 + shipping here: http://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/ If you have questions call them, they do not respond to emails. Shipping was quick, got it 4 days after ordering.

Tools you will need: a scratch awl, a small nail set, or even a small nail should work; a screwdriver with a T-20 bit, a 5mm or 13/64” and an 8mm or 5/16” drill bits, a cordless drill, and a pop rivet gun (cheap Harbor Freight gun borrowed from my neighbor). If you have a torque wrench with a T-20 socket bit, which I do not have, use it. The torque for the extrusion's screws is 18 lbs. in. DO NOT over tighten the screws.
Bit sizes in inches: 5mm = 0.1969”, 3/64” = 0.2031”, 8mm = 0.3150”, 5/16” = 0.3125”

Attachment 102082

The kit comes with 10 pop rivets, 2 plastic retainer clips for the armrest base, and templates, but no installation instructions. Watch the video for installation tips.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9fcrJEz9YE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9fcrJEz9YE[/ame]


The kit

Attachment 102083

The longest part of the install is cutting out the templates.

Attachment 102084

Remove the cup holder and the rubber console liner.

Attachment 102085

Use the template to mark one of the rivet holes for each rail; then use the holes in the rails to mark where to drill the other holes. I used the scratch awl to mark the first holes, drilled the 2 holes with a 5mm bit; keeping the rails lined up with the drilled holes, and while holding the rails against the console’s sides, I drilled the rest of the rail holes. The installation is fairly simple but very unforgiving if you do not drill the holes for the rail's rivets correctly. Once you collapse the rivets you cannot move the rails. At this point the installation is permanent.

Attachment 102086

Attachment 102087

After you install the rails use the other template to mark the holes for the armrest base’s plastic retainer clips. I installed the extrusion assembly on to the rails before using the template. My template did not quite line up perfectly with the rails so to double check the hole placements before drilling them, after installing the clips in the base, I put a small drop of white paint on the clips ends. Removed the template, slid the front bottom edges of the armrest base under the front bottom edges of the brackets and lowered the base down. The paint marks lined up with my scribe marks. I used a 5/16” drill bit to drill the clip holes.

Attachment 102089

Plastic retainer clips installed in base

Attachment 102088

If you have not already done it, install the extrusion assembly. DO NOT over tighten the screws. Check the movement of the armrest assembly. It should move freely. Also check that it engages in the 3 stop locations. If not, loosen the screws and adjust the extrusion assembly.

Slide the front bottom edges of the armrest base under the front bottom edges of the brackets and lower the base down. Press down on the rear of the base until the 2 plastic tips engage.

Attachment 102090

Install the armrest top. Follow the instructions in the video. It snaps on to the extrusion.

Attachment 102091

Attachment 102092

Vacuum the interior and install the rubber console liner and cup holder.

Pros: IMO, more functional than the GT86 armrest. Very easy access to cup holders. Armrest’s height is perfect for me.
Cons: Installation, IMO, is slightly harder than the GT86 armrest. Aesthetically the GT86 armrest looks better. The cushion (foam) part of the armrest top is thin. They should have used screws instead of pop rivets to attach the rails.

If you have any other installation tips or alternate installation methods please post them.

Great DIY. Thanks very much. I want to do this asap in my BRZ. couldn't find part on Toyota website. Do u have a part number?


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The part # is PT478-18130

Cheapest I found it is from here: $156.80 + ~$16. shipping.
http://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.c...tr=PT478-18130
Print this out and take it to your local Toyota/Scion dealer and ask if they will price match. My dealer is 35 miles from me in Knoxville and sales tax is 9.25% so it's cheaper to have it shipped.

This looks so tacky :barf:

Like the functionality. Might buy after I get my Turbo :)

Great DIY. Thanks for the write up!

This is very close to what I wanted but I think they stopped short.


What I wanted was for it to cover the entire console, then slide into and between the two back seats when opened. From looking at the pictures anyway, there is no reason this one could not have been made that way.


Thanks for the DIY!

Great instructions RickyBobby! With your help, the hardest part of the installation was getting into the back seat to drill the holes in the console.

i did this install sometime last winter. the only thing i did differently was remove the center console from the car which isn't difficult to remove. makes the job a little bit easier since we all know how cramped the back seats are.

these may not be aesthetically pleasing on the eye compared to others out there, but they're very functional as i like to keep my coffee mug in the rear cup holder while still able to rest my arm somewhere on my way to work.

Great instructions, used them this past weekend to install mine. Went in perfectly. I like this model better since it gives me an arm rest and the ability to have a cup holder or I can slide it out of the way completely if desired. I like the other model too but this one fits me better. That is what is so great, we have options to fit our needs or our tastes; it is all good. Thanks again for the great write-up.

Max

I ordered this armrest from Amazon, and it arrived today. Hope to install it this weekend. Mine did come with what appears to be official Toyota step-by-step installation instructions. The instructions reference another Toyota document describing some common procedures. It also references cleanup after the installation.

@Agent 86
Could you scan or take pictures of the instructions and upload them as .jpg picture attachments.

No problem. I'll try to remember to scan the pages when I go to work on Monday.

BTW, I did the install today. Not sure how long it took me, but the installation was very straight forward. I'm very methodical about these kind of things (some might call it slow). I did appreciate your tip to use white paint to help locate the retaining clips. I didn't have white paint, but I did find some liquid white out in our junk drawer. :D Worked like a charm.

When I first saw the photos of this armrest, I thought is looked rather cheap/tacky. However after installation, I'm thoroughly impressed by how nice the whole assembly really is. I would go as far as saying you'd be hard pressed to tell that this wasn't installed at the factory or in port.

When I first pulled the parts out of the box, I thought it seemed a bit flimsy. However, after attaching the rivets, the unit becomes virtually one with the center console. The textures of the plastic, vinyl and red sticking are perfect. Very secure, and blends in well with everything. The height is perfect for me, and I love the utility of my area below the floating armrest. This is a very nice piece and one of my favorite upgrades.

I used a set of calipers to get the exact spacing (135mm) between each of the rails. This was also my first time using a riveting gun.

Oh, and I completed the install sitting in the passenger's seat. ;)

Thanks again for documenting your installation.

Toyota/Scion FR-S Center Armrest Installation doc.