I've been "disappointed" in my OEM arm rest.

When I got it, absolutely loved it. Slides forward, extra storage space...

But in about 2 years of use, the vinyl (it's NOT leather and I wish it was)--has stretched and is wrinkled. It looks terrible.

It may of been the use of some "interior" protectants that reacted badly with the vinyl? I'm not sure. But it seems very thin, and IMO I just wish Honda would of used leather or at the very least a much thicker vinyl.

I've been trying to decide what to do. Not easy to remove (or impossible) so I don't think re-covering is an option. Otherwise I'd just take it off and cover it in leather.

It's still a really, really good track record. About the only things I've been disappointed in have been the overall quality of the OEM front all weather floor mats...and now the arm rest vinyl stretching out and looking all wrinkled.

Does anyone know if the top piece can be removed? If I could remove it, I think I could simply fashion a better looking piece or cover. Otherwise, outside of total replacement I don't feel I have too many options.

 

Just found this on Ebay and it looks pretty good, and only $50 with shipping (click here)... Looks interesting with a bit of chrome accent on the rear cup holder and it slides forward and the leather look is pretty good as well. Here's a photo of it:



Be sure to check what the shipping is when you find these on Ebay or Amazon, some charge as much as $20! One mentioned earlier in another thread for $30 was actually $50 with shipping.

This one on Ebay looks exactly like the Zeta one and is only $64.35 with free shipping to the USA. (click here)

And this on looks like an earlier one discussed and is also $50 with free shipping but doesn't have the sliding top. (click here)

I ordered the first one above and will let you all know what I think when I get it in a week or so.

 

Still going strong, even with my wife who puts too much weight on it!

 

I installed an OEM unit several months after buying new in March 2011. Bernardi was moving them at a discount. It's still a bit unfinished because I didn't have the proper hole saw size for the anchor bolt access holes, so the rubber plugs aren't snapped in to finish it off. No one notices since the holes are down between the seats.


Can't imagine not having that arm rest.

 

Hey fitchet. Try these guys, I have used them in the past and really liked their work. Also, not sure if they actually make a cover for the OEM armrest may only be for aftermarket. But if they don't they will make you one for free. Hope this helps.

Honda Fit 2008-13 shift boot - RedlineGoods leather shift boot store

 

I've had my OEM armrest for more than two years and I don't see any cracking / discoloration. At 40 deg northern latitude (Pennsylvania), I don't experience as high of summer heat than someone in Arizona, etc. 50% of the year, I have a jacket / long sleeves, so no sweaty staining occurs. I haven't ever used any cleaner / treatments on its vinyl material. Maybe those things have helped mine to keep its good looks.

 

The one pictured above is still holding up well and hasn't broken from putting weight on it. I ended up screwing it in place into the bottom of that center cubbyhole it mounts into and I also had to redo it and put some wood door shims in because it would move around so much.
It's main function is as an arm rest and the height is good and it's comfortable. There is very little storage area inside of it.
My biggest complaint is that it tends to slide too easily forward or backward with no locking ability in either position.

The chrome, removable cup holder/ashtray in the rear looks really cheap and I am thinking of spray painting it with black plastidip.