DIY Armrest for Base Fit

mr5by5 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 10:29 AM

I traded a '99 Mercury Grand Marquis for my Fit. It was a "Cash for Clunkers" deal so I kept the Armrests from the Merc. to make one for the Fit!
I looked at some of the aftermarket armrests and found that one was "drop-in" install using a post that fits rear cup-holder in Fit console - I thought "easy to do that!".

For photos see:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/marks_photo_gallery/main/2009_honda_fit_armrest?

Measured cupholder dimensions

Glued-up a few pieces of scrap lumber to make "post" (I added a couple thin strips of masonite to get closer to req'd dim. - photos on Kodak Gallery show ruler for approximate dimensions.)

Attached Mercury armrest to top of "post" with three woodscrews.

I did not fuss to get exact dimensions and "taper" of cupholder opening for "perfect" fit (you can if you want!). Just made a few little wedges of hardwood to push-in next to "post" and make it centered and snug.

I cut "post" to final length after measuring space req'd for E-brake handle, I think I took-off about 2 inches from initial length to get it right.

Finished height is very comfortable with about 1 1/2 inch clearance from bottom of armrest to E-brake handle.
I photographed the finished part with original beige covering so it would show-up nice in pictures then made a cover to "match" Fit Charcoal upholstery using the leg of an old pair of black Levis! It needs to be about 18-inches long and mine was a tight fit over the original upholstery but looks great!
Sometime I will get some black vinyl paint to re-finish the plastic covers on metal bracket to match the car.
Made it for myself but have already noticed my wife likes to use it too when she is "riding shot-gun"!

Ultrawolf · #2 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 10:56 AM

Nice! This is the same sort of thing I had planned to do for my wife's Fit except I would have had to make the armrest part myself too. Ended up getting the ebay armrest that just slides in the cupholder because it has a storage compartment too.

If you search for posts by me, you'll find several of my cheap alternatives to fancy purchased accessories. I have the money, but often prefer to spend it elsewhere.

mr5by5 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 11:03 AM

Thanks for the feedback and I will have a look at some of your posts on DIY alternatives - a man after my own heart!

GE8749EW · #4 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 04:14 PM

Try some "SEM" paint, its not just for vinyl, you can spray the fabric to match.

BTW nice job!

Artep · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 10:00 AM

Does anyone have a source for the driver's side OEM armrest? Can it be installed on a 2009 base Fit?

GE8749EW · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artep

Does anyone have a source for the driver's side OEM armrest? Can it be installed on a 2009 base Fit?

I bought one off E-bay that I was going to flip and use for the passenger side but I don't think its going to work out. I paid $7.00 for it!

Artep · #7 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 10:10 AM

I'll check my seat and see if it has a bracket??? If so, I'd be interested in buying if its for sale.

Artep · #8 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artep

I'll check my seat and see if it has a bracket??? If so, I'd be interested in buying if its for sale.

Not feeling a thing. I guess the base seat isn't prepared for an armrest. Bummer!

12vltfrk · #9 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 10:32 AM

great!, yea you need to paint it. is the part that goes into the cup holder hidden?