You could stop into a craft store, a Michael's or AC Moore, and buy that hard foam to carve.

I like the idea of the curtain rod because you can pop it out of sight when you're not driving so and I keep stuff in my center console so your idea wouldn't necessarily work for me but if you don't keep too much in there then it sounds like a good solution for you for now.

 

Thanks for the craft store lead. I'll check it out this weekend.
You're right, I don't expect to use the cavity for much. I think the "block" will feel more solid than the stick method. It won't cost much to try this approach.

I'll report back here when I've tried it.

 

Speaking of craft stores, I went to Jo-Ann and bought some black micro suede fabric and made my own. The fabric was $8 for a yard.

I used left over foam board from my cargo cover project and also picked up some additional 6mm foam to provide a non-slip service for mating against the existing armrest.

Here is the final result, very snug and comfortable.






For attachment to the armrest, I used 5 cable wraps sandwiched in between two 13x5 inch foam boards and hot glued along with that 6mm foam for non-slip and extra cushioning.




I also made a matching soft elbow rest that stays in place with a piece of plastic hot glued to the removable rest and wedged into the existing cloth/plastic seam:


If you are not inclined to do the crafting of the center armrest yourself, I was very tempted to spend $14 and get this item:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WalterDrake-Car-Armrest-Cushion-Black-SM-/221648552149?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339b4880d5
which looks to be the same size and shape. However, I would have augmented their version with some foam board on the bottom to stiffen it up for the overhang as I did in my hand crafted version. I don't think it would have stayed in place as well, but for $14, it might have been good enough and done the trick.

I still need to make a passenger side elbow rest, but for now, I'm a happy driver with the mod!

 

Looks good and comfortable. I'm not sure, but I think the absence of an easily reached arm rest may be keeping my hands on the wheel, but I will re-assess after a long (2-day) drive later this year.

 

Thanks for sharing tbFit. Nice of you to post the pics. You did a good job and I do like your clever way of securing it. Including wrapping the narrower front part of the armrest. Looks secure.

 

Looks great! Thanks for posting pics and I'm really diggin the cable strap idea. I think I'll be stopping into my local craft store to make one.

 

tbfit,
what did you use as the core of your "good lookin' "armrest?

 

I used some existing 1.5" foam that I had in the garage, cut to shape and 2 layers of foam board and 1 layer of 6mm hi density foam. I also trimmed (beveled) all the corners after taking the photo.

Jo-Ann fabrics has foam chunks as well if you need them, but I think my own foam seemed denser.

I used this long Olfa 25mm wide knife to make all the large foam cuts and it sliced it like butter, highly recommended:


Here is the fabric I used, $8.00/yard:
Signature Series Home Decor Solid Fabric Suede-Black - Item # 7951106

And the 6mm foam, which is actually $1.49 for a sheet:
Darice Foamies Foam Sheets - Item # xprd1023089

 

Thanks tbfit. That's great!
Until I can get the materials and work this out, I've come up with my super cheap not-so-elegant-but-it-will-do solution. It's based on the curtain rod solution... the "prop".

I used a 12" rigid cardboard tube we had lying around from a stretch and Seal box.
I had to squish one end in order to fit it snugly into the the narrow armrest top cavity.

Here's a link to the album of the pics (If there is an easy method of embedding a FitFreak album here, please share )

Temporary Fit 2015 DIY armrest prop - Picture

 

I just bought a 17 inch by 17 inch black pillow case from Ebay for under $3.00 and filled it with pillow stuffing. You can get the pillow case in any color. It is pressed between the seats when needed.

James

 

Yet another clever idea! - Thanks for sharing.

 

For those interested, I built one in the end.
See this post:
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-...ml#post1298391

It was inspired by TbFit's solution. Thanks TbFit!

 

I purchased a black generic arm rest on-line. (Installed a similar one on my 2007 Fit.)This one had metal plates to attach to the plastic base. Apparently the plates were supposed to hit the floor bottom of the car it did on the 2007 one. These plates would not do that. I tried xxx ways to use it. Attached ONLY the short piece which fit perfectly over the Fit armrest. Used Duct tape to keep it in place.... pretty tacky! Finally drilled holes in the side of the Fit-rest (Plastic) and bolted the generic one to it. When I open the original armrest, the new generic one is piggy-backing it. Seems like it will work OK now. I make road-trips (have been in all 50 states) and REALLY needed an arm rest that was useful!

 

Rose313, which one did you purchase and would you mind posting some photos of your setup?

 

Gorilla
I purchased (from Amazon) a "Black Leather Center Console Armrest" with a totally worthless 2-cup holder. ($50.99 - by 99 parts).
Have tried to send this xxx times....does not seem to go thru. Will send pics if this works.
Rose313

 

Ok...worked this time. Pics not very good due to plastic and mirrored butterfly that I added. This one is not as nice as the last one (on 2007 Fit) but beats the rolled-up towel I was using. Also only 2 bolts on each side....to be painted.

 

This Yoga balance tool works really well. I like the smoother side up as it has more "tooth" to hold your arm in place, but it makes the console usable for both you and the passenger, and extends well enough over the hand-brake cut-out to provide a really useful arm support. It has to be tucked in a bit, but that's a good thing as it stays where you put it then. Measures 17”L x 9.5”W x 2.4”H. Easy to clean, just take it into the kitchen sink and wash it off. Great for removing doggie drool. Our puppy loves to ride with her head between us when we travel.

It also makes a nice bleacher seat, or butt pad you can put under your bum if changing clothes sitting on the bottom of the door openings. Also a nice knee pad in a pinch if you flat and have to mount the spare tire on the side of the road.

https://www.optp.com/OPTP-Stability-Trainer

... or massively marked up at Amazon....