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Old 03-05-2021, 11:54 PM   #1
Kittykate
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Join Date: Mar 2021
Drives: 2015 FR-S
Location: USA
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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.



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).



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.



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.



Step 5: assemble as shown. Let it set for 30+ minutes before installing in the car.


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.






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!
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