double wide armrests modification from jjproducts
10-14-11, 11:06 AM
#1
double wide armrests modification from jjproducts
Turns out the guys @ JJ Products aren't too far from me in NJ. They agreed to customize and install a set of their double wide armrest presently available for the RX for GX. Here is a picture of how they look on the RX
We are first going to try and mount the existing RX armrests to see how well they fit. The RX armrests mount in 10" of space where-as the GX has about 11.25" space. so there will be a 1.25" gap with this configuration.
If the gap looks bad, he is willing to fabricate larger armrests to cover the extra space, this will obviously take longer and ultimately be less profitable for him. He may have to sell them in the larger size for $300+ where-as the smaller ones will be the same as the RX pricing ($250).
What do you guys think? has anybody else attempted such an upgrade? Do you think a 1" +/- gap will look bad?
We are first going to try and mount the existing RX armrests to see how well they fit. The RX armrests mount in 10" of space where-as the GX has about 11.25" space. so there will be a 1.25" gap with this configuration.
If the gap looks bad, he is willing to fabricate larger armrests to cover the extra space, this will obviously take longer and ultimately be less profitable for him. He may have to sell them in the larger size for $300+ where-as the smaller ones will be the same as the RX pricing ($250).
What do you guys think? has anybody else attempted such an upgrade? Do you think a 1" +/- gap will look bad?
Last edited by z0lt3c; 11-17-11 at 09:04 PM.
11-10-11, 07:03 AM
#5
It took a little while to clear my schedule so I could spend a day at JJ products, but I got the armrests installed about 3 days ago and I have really enjoyed the added support they provide.
>> The interior color match to NEW ivory is VERY GOOD. However, JJ told me that the Ivory actually darkens as it ages which did seem to be the case on my 2004. To my aged interior the color match is just GOOD but I believe it will get better over time as the armrests age.
>> The quality of the armrest is high, they source the material from all over the US (5 or 6 different hands make parts for these armrests). Most importantly, they use a thick, dense foam which is a far improvement over the foam used on the OEM armrests. The seams on the armrest are well stitched and it uses a zipper ,versus velcro on OEM, to close. The leather could have been stretched a bit tighter, but this is pretty typical with hand made covers. Finally, the mounting bracket is solid metal and welded together.
A few minor issues we encountered.
1) The old armrest are a little deeper into the rear then the new armrests which are positioned more forward. We found the whole in the seat cover cut by Lexus of the armrest to be very large, much larger then needed. The old armrest covered this whole but the new armrests did not. To remedy the situation we glued in some ivory leather to 'fill' the exposed parts.
2) The metal bracket stick out a little far forward and outwards. JJ was going to try and reshape the bracket if he did another GX to hid it better. It's not that bad, but if u go looking for it you will see it.
3) I lost the armrest height 'lock' mechanism that existed with the OEM armrests. This actual mechanism turned out to be in the armrest and not in the seat. JJ was going to look into replicating the mechanism but in my case I simply will have to do without height locking.
>> The install is otherwise very simple. Pop off the cover, remove the factor bolt, remove the factory armrest, bolt on the new bracket, bolt on the new armrest. His kit provided all the proper hardware. The factory bolt is secured by locktite and takes quite a bit of force to break free. The last picture is actually my preferred driving position, driver side up, passenger side down. It's also much more comfortable to rest your elbow on the edge of the driver armrest and reach the steering wheel.
>> The interior color match to NEW ivory is VERY GOOD. However, JJ told me that the Ivory actually darkens as it ages which did seem to be the case on my 2004. To my aged interior the color match is just GOOD but I believe it will get better over time as the armrests age.
>> The quality of the armrest is high, they source the material from all over the US (5 or 6 different hands make parts for these armrests). Most importantly, they use a thick, dense foam which is a far improvement over the foam used on the OEM armrests. The seams on the armrest are well stitched and it uses a zipper ,versus velcro on OEM, to close. The leather could have been stretched a bit tighter, but this is pretty typical with hand made covers. Finally, the mounting bracket is solid metal and welded together.
A few minor issues we encountered.
1) The old armrest are a little deeper into the rear then the new armrests which are positioned more forward. We found the whole in the seat cover cut by Lexus of the armrest to be very large, much larger then needed. The old armrest covered this whole but the new armrests did not. To remedy the situation we glued in some ivory leather to 'fill' the exposed parts.
2) The metal bracket stick out a little far forward and outwards. JJ was going to try and reshape the bracket if he did another GX to hid it better. It's not that bad, but if u go looking for it you will see it.
3) I lost the armrest height 'lock' mechanism that existed with the OEM armrests. This actual mechanism turned out to be in the armrest and not in the seat. JJ was going to look into replicating the mechanism but in my case I simply will have to do without height locking.
>> The install is otherwise very simple. Pop off the cover, remove the factor bolt, remove the factory armrest, bolt on the new bracket, bolt on the new armrest. His kit provided all the proper hardware. The factory bolt is secured by locktite and takes quite a bit of force to break free. The last picture is actually my preferred driving position, driver side up, passenger side down. It's also much more comfortable to rest your elbow on the edge of the driver armrest and reach the steering wheel.
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11-17-11, 08:58 PM
#12
After driving around for a week or two with them, I'm a big fan. They are so much more comfortable then the old armrests, both being longer and wider ... really my only complaint is taking long trips with the GX has been resolved. I haven't missed the position lock feature at all and they are holding up well to the wear and tear.
On the downside, they definitely obstruct access to the center console and cup holder. A "big gulp" size drink won't fit under them but a more normal size drink will. I find myself leaving one up most of the time to ease access to these compartments as well as to buckle/unbuckle the seat belt. Small trade-off IMO for the extra comfort.
On the downside, they definitely obstruct access to the center console and cup holder. A "big gulp" size drink won't fit under them but a more normal size drink will. I find myself leaving one up most of the time to ease access to these compartments as well as to buckle/unbuckle the seat belt. Small trade-off IMO for the extra comfort.
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2005, 2006, 4300, 470, arm, armrest, armrests, gx, international, jj, jjproducts, lexus, modification, products, rests
