Latest Mod: Finally a RH Armrest!
11-09-12, 11:12 PM
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Latest Mod: Finally a RH Armrest!
Well, it took some time to receive the upholstery stapler to match the OEM staples used in all the trim (I guess 22ga staples is common in the automotive industry), but it's done and just needs to be permanently mounted. I believe the OEM LH armrest installation calls for drilling holes and screwing the armrest from underneath the cupholders. I will have to do this as well, since the cushioned armrest needs pressure to keep it flat against the console as the wrap around causes a bit of fatness on the backside. May need to plastic weld a mounting block on the inside so I have someplace for a screw to thread.
Most people should be able to accomplish this mod with the right tools and a bit of time.
The secret...
The armrest is created from a replacement part for your car's center console lid. You'll notice the curvature is almost exactly what is pictured in the LH model piece sold by Lexus. I gave it a shot and ordered a replacement part with the same trim from Sewell and modified it to the correct dimensions (or at least what I could get from the pictures of the part from Lexus Japan). I removed the vinyl and cut it to fit around the modified lid. Stapled it back on exactly the way Lexus did and Voila!
I think it came out looking OEM because the materials used was OEM. Exactly what I wanted.
Check it out:
Thanks for looking,
Peter
Most people should be able to accomplish this mod with the right tools and a bit of time.
The secret...
The armrest is created from a replacement part for your car's center console lid. You'll notice the curvature is almost exactly what is pictured in the LH model piece sold by Lexus. I gave it a shot and ordered a replacement part with the same trim from Sewell and modified it to the correct dimensions (or at least what I could get from the pictures of the part from Lexus Japan). I removed the vinyl and cut it to fit around the modified lid. Stapled it back on exactly the way Lexus did and Voila!
I think it came out looking OEM because the materials used was OEM. Exactly what I wanted.
Check it out:
Thanks for looking,
Peter
Last edited by AlohaCab; 12-21-12 at 08:23 AM.
11-12-12, 06:07 AM
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Guys we absolutely encourage sharing your work, DIYs etc but you've got to be a supporting forum vendor to sell stuff or offer services. Let's keep this thread focused on AlohaCab's great work 
please without getting him into trouble (couple of posts removed which would do that). Thank you 
please without getting him into trouble (couple of posts removed which would do that). Thank you
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11-13-12, 11:09 PM
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I have step-by-step pictures. I'll see about posting those. They will definitely help. Didn't realize you couldn't solicit your work here, sorry about that.
I definitely don't want to be stepping on any toes...just loving my armrest. This car should have come this way.
I definitely don't want to be stepping on any toes...just loving my armrest. This car should have come this way.
11-24-12, 04:22 PM
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Update: mounting armrest the OEM way....screwed down
Update info on mounting armrest.
Ultimately I decided to mount the armrest the same way Lexus intended it to be mounted...screwed down. In fact, if you look at the backside of the console where it's mounted there are two holes already marked for location drilling (see photos below).
I went to my local auto parts store and bought some plastic license plate screws which include washers. I then took some sandpaper and a file and flattened out the screw head till it basically look like a washer with a threaded rod sticking out of it. This provided a good mounting service to glue the two screws to the back of the armrest. The armrest would then utilize the nuts from the backside to hold it down. The glue I used was made by Devcon and was called "Plastic Welder". Appears to be strong and can withstand changing temperatures and won't crack or shrink.
Hint: Don't buy the license plate screws that are described as "Nylon". The nuts are too tight and thread is too brittle. Find the ones that are made of softer plastic, like ABS and the nuts go on easily. The plastic looks shiny instead of matte dull.
Installation:
1. Drill pilot holes through marked locations from back side of console
2. Use step drill bit from top side to make holes slightly larger than license plate screws (eases installation if you give yourself a little wiggle room)
3. Clamp armrest temporarily to desired location and mark drilled hole locations with awl from backside of console
4. Glue screws to armrest at newly marked locations
5. Mount armrest *hand tighten nuts* (you can snap plastic if you overtighten)
I have more pictures of the whole armrest process if you guys want me to post it. Good luck with mod!
Ultimately I decided to mount the armrest the same way Lexus intended it to be mounted...screwed down. In fact, if you look at the backside of the console where it's mounted there are two holes already marked for location drilling (see photos below).
I went to my local auto parts store and bought some plastic license plate screws which include washers. I then took some sandpaper and a file and flattened out the screw head till it basically look like a washer with a threaded rod sticking out of it. This provided a good mounting service to glue the two screws to the back of the armrest. The armrest would then utilize the nuts from the backside to hold it down. The glue I used was made by Devcon and was called "Plastic Welder". Appears to be strong and can withstand changing temperatures and won't crack or shrink.
Hint: Don't buy the license plate screws that are described as "Nylon". The nuts are too tight and thread is too brittle. Find the ones that are made of softer plastic, like ABS and the nuts go on easily. The plastic looks shiny instead of matte dull.
Installation:
1. Drill pilot holes through marked locations from back side of console
2. Use step drill bit from top side to make holes slightly larger than license plate screws (eases installation if you give yourself a little wiggle room)
3. Clamp armrest temporarily to desired location and mark drilled hole locations with awl from backside of console
4. Glue screws to armrest at newly marked locations
5. Mount armrest *hand tighten nuts* (you can snap plastic if you overtighten)
I have more pictures of the whole armrest process if you guys want me to post it. Good luck with mod!
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