I just purchased a 2011 Honda Fit Sport last week and I want to add the OEM center armrest console.

The problem is that I'm not very handy when it comes to things like this so I called a couple dealers and the best price I was able to get was $92 for installation.

So my question is, how difficult would this really be to do myself?

 

Also, any recommendations in terms of where to buy a good used one? I checked the marketplace here and didn't notice any on sale.

 

Install instructions are online.
If you find a used, oem armrest, it most likely will not have the bracket, taht is installed under the console. It anchors the armrest/console.
Does anyone know if that bracket is available by itself? I haven't been able to locate one.
I bought an aftermarket armrest/console, and it just plugs into the orig console. it is ok as is, but I would like to have it a bit more secure.
The aftermarket one was 1/3 the cost of a oem one.

 

Unfortunately I just got rid of my 2009 fit that I had already installed the arm rest in, or I would have one for sale. It's not that hard to do, only tools you really need are a drill with the right size bit, wrench, and a screwdriver.

 

 

Appreciate the insight.

 

Install is really easy, with the right tools it only took me like 45 mins tops taking my time & trying not to scratch up the interior.

 

It's pretty simple, only mildly scary having to drill the console plastic... but really you'd have to be really inept to screw it up. I actually did buy mine from here 2nd hand, but they don't come up very often.

 

Drilling isn't so bad at all. It's all marked out on templates under the console plastic.

The part that you need to be careful about is trying not to drop the side bolts under the carpet when installing the metal bracket.

 

As was said. The center console has marks where to drill. I used a step drill bit and it made the job much cleaner. That would be the only step that I would take your time on.

 

As they say in the TV jokes, "A child of six can do this". "Okay, bring me a child of six". Anybody can do it. Among your tools, have a telescopic magnet pick-up tool, because you will probably drop one or both bolts under the carpet. Otherwise, e a s y! Don't pay anyone else to do it for you.

 

Thanks all

 

Yep, pretty easy. Everyone above already mentioned all the parts that could be a little hairy.

Here's a copy of some pics I took of my installation process that I posted another forum.

Part number/box for armrest.



Pop out the factory Sport armrest with a screwdriver.



Remove the large 14mm bolt holding the armrest.







Remove the 12mm "studs" with a deep socket.





Install the supplied "cap". Initially it didn't fit snug, but I eventually got it to fit.



Next, remove the entire center console. A pain as usual.











Unbolt the handbrake bracket thing.



Install the supplied bracket underneath. The instructions supplied by Honda are actually incorrect here. It's supposed to be flipped so the angled portion faces the other way. Of course I had to disassemble everything afterwards to fix it.



Now you have to drill a few holes. Luckily, Honda put in marks where you're supposed to drill.



Now you're supposed to drill a larger hole here. Since the rubber caps are the only thing I didn't have (the seller kept them since he needed to cap his holes) I drilled the smallest holes possible.



As I was working, a kid down the street (who also has a Fit) came by to say hi. He has a 2009+ base model, but he modded his to look like a Sport.



All done!

 

Real nice job on the installation write up.

 

Just installed my armrest last week. It was easy. It took about 30 minutes to complete all the steps.

 

Well, I beg to differ. I'm pretty handy, and I had a a good amount of difficulty in getting the armrest installed in my Fit. The biggest issue was getting the bulky armrest to line up properly with the bracket on the console. Maybe it was slightly bent or out of spec, but it was a real chore to get it right.

 

Nice writeup shamoo, very concise

 

It's very very simple. The hardest part is probably the drilling. Luckily the previous owner had already drilled the necessary holes into my center piece so all I had to to bolt it in but the drilling doesn't even look that hard.

I got mine done in about a half hour. It's just a couple screws you need to take out, then drill then put back.

 

Yep. If only one guy out of dozens had a hard time with the installation, it does not mean that the installation is actually, and really, difficult. If you go into this thinking that you can do it in your sleep, you are wrong- you just have to pay attention.

 

What goes in the 2 holes you drilled on the bottom of the armrest? What do they screw into?
I am thinking of making a "U" shaped bracket like in the oem kit, to stiffen up my aftermarket armrest/console. I can't find a part nuimber for just the bracket.