Center Armrest

[Axlander9289]

I remember a few years ago, there was discussion of either sourcing or fabricating a front seat center armrest that would fit in the opening for the rear ash tray in the Festiva center console. Does anybody know if someone has come up with something along these lines? I thought I'd ask before I try to source an ash tray to experiment on with some hardware store bits and junkyard armrests.

While we're on the subject, has anyone attempted a seat mounted armrest, maybe sourcing one from a third or fourth generation Chrysler minivan?

[lessersivad]

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?50281-INSTALL-Pontiac-Montana-seats&highlight=pontiac+montana+seats

[bravekozak]

I have the mounts fabricated for my black leather Kamei armrest. I intend to weld it in the springtime. I like the fact that it pivots upward out of the way.

[bravekozak]

Because of my previous response, I looked at how to mount it again. I have decided not to weld on some 1/2" sleeves onto the bottom of the '93 floor brackets. The angle would have been too great + I would have needed to bend a much longer rod. I have decided to cut off the existing VW Golf mounting tabs and mount a couple of flat flanges under both seat foot studs. If there isn't enough stiffness, then I will add the two 1/2" I.D. tubular sleeves, beside the seat foot studs. The goal is to straddle the console in between the seats while allowing access to the rear ash tray.

[old yellow]

I would use GM or Ford Minivan center seats if I wanted to replace the front seats

[bravekozak]

I disassembled the VW Kamei armrest tonight. I cut off the secondary rod mounting tabs with a Sawzall. I heated up the primary mounting plate mounts with an acetylene torch and bent them outward ninety degrees. My next step is to determine if I have enough material to drill mounting holes or cut off the existing footplates and weld on new ones. Off to the Festiva... (to be continued).

[bravekozak]

Test fit with the armrest feet shaped to fit the seat studs.

The VW armrest is not level yet. It angles downward.
It will have to be rewelded, since the internal adjustment screws cannot make up for that much slope.

[scitzz]

Test fit with the armrest feet shaped to fit the seat studs.

The VW armrest is not level yet. It angles downward.
It will have to be rewelded, since the internal adjustment screws cannot make up for that much slope.

That is basically brilliant.

[bravekozak]

I was wrong. The adjusting screw easily levels the armrest. I had to turn it in about a quarter inch with an Allen key. When I get a chance, I will reinstall the armrest and post photos with the leather armrest cover in place and level. I had to remove the spring loaded change dispenser from underneath to make room for the future drink holder and repaint the legs where I burnt the paint with the torch

[scitzz]

Did it come out of another car or did you fabricate that yourself?

[bravekozak]

I bought my used VW Kamei armrest on eBay Germany.
You just have to modify or weld a couple of mounting tabs on the bottom like I did.

[scitzz]

I see! Thanks! Any time I'm on a road trip I think I want a center arm rest.

Sent from my C6730 using Tapatalk

[bravekozak]

scitzz, Kamei also has an armrest available with a refrigerated beverage compartment, just in case you get thirsty on a summer road trip.

[scitzz]

scitzz, Kamei also has an armrest available with a refrigerated beverage compartment, just in case you get thirsty on a summer road trip.

HA! I might get too tempted to keep adult beverages in there!

[bravekozak]

Here's Johnny!

I wish there was a drink holder with the contact surface surrounding the bottle vertically. I wonder if they use the same thermoelectric refigeration as the Koolatrons?