RLM - armrest (pics included)

RLM= really lame mod. just changed the armrest and it only takes 5-10 minutes. looks good up or down. [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest1.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest2.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest3.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest4.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest5.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest6.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest7.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/423426/rest8.jpg[/img]

Looks great! Great job with the walkthrough... On a side note, can someone explain to me why in the world Subaru would not include this armrest as standard!!! At least include it on te Limited models! Jeesh!

I'm probably opening myself up for some wise crack responses, but here goes... Any uses for the old armrest?

So does the new armrest have more storage then?

Thanks very much for the walkthrough, Mr. Beast (or may we call you Red?).

I agree, this armrest should be standard. One of my bigger gripes about the car is that it's not as comfortable as other cars because of the low armrest. I need somewhere to rest my shifting arm.

[quote name='Th3Franz']So does the new armrest have more storage then?[/quote] From what I recall from another thread, the answer unfortunately is no :(. Kind of dumb in my opinion. Why make a solid piece of plastic. They could've just designed a nice big box!

$144 bucks. no extra storage. it does pop up to the right height and seems sturdy but i wouldn't crawl to the other side while its up. the top latch releases the top. it pops up, foward and latches in the up position. to put it back down you press the latch, puss it, and it snaps into the closed position. i also put the plastic hood protector (RLM) on today. made in australia. i wish subaru would either take the "subaru" lettering off or at least use flat black paint so it's not so obvious. p.s. on the other hand you could hide a couple of doobies where the mechanism is. :D :o

Does the extended arm rest still allow you access to the small storage cubby underneath it? How do you access that area? Ken

[quote name='Ken S']Does the extended arm rest still allow you access to the small storage cubby underneath it? How do you access that area? Ken[/quote] yes, you can still access the storage below. the latch is in the same place as the one you have now. the top surface of the armrest is the same as the original. the top opens for storage in either up or down position.

At the ride and drive today there was an Outback with the armrest extension, so I played around with that for a little while. It seems sturdy enough, but without extra storage I don't think I'll get one.

[quote name='red beast']$144 bucks. no extra storage. it does pop up to the right height and seems sturdy but i wouldn't crawl to the other side while its up. the top latch releases the top. it pops up, foward and latches in the up position. to put it back down you press the latch, puss it, and it snaps into the closed position. i also put the plastic hood protector (RLM) on today. made in australia. i wish subaru would either take the "subaru" lettering off or at least use flat black paint so it's not so obvious. p.s. on the other hand you could hide a couple of doobies where the mechanism is. :D :o[/quote] Looks great. Just curious as to where you got the armrest for $144? Was that delivered? thanks a lot Rob

I didn't think they were available yet. I heard end of September.

[size=6]i'm special. [/size] got my armrest from liberty subaru. the parts department had one of each color on order for a long time. i went in on tuesday to order one, justin explained the story and said he would hold it for me. had feeling on saturday it was there, low and behold it was :D . i also picked up the plastic hood protector. :D both are installed. wanted both for my upcoing vacation in virgina beach. now to get the air filter for the interior. guess what? another subaru story. the filter is being redesigned. right now you have to take apart the dashboard to replace it. the filter should be changed every 12,000 miles and it cost an extra $100 in labor to change, hence the redesign. if you have one already you should have a sticker on a door jamb. door, or in the glove box.

Does anyone know what dealer cost is on the new armrest when you get it from the parts dept.? Is it available now? Installation looks simple. Thanks for the instructions.

I paid for the armrest extension when I got the car 9/3. The dealer got it in and installed it yesterday, 9/14.

and......... :?: Do you like it? Was it worth the $$?

[quote name='mccorry']and......... :?: Do you like it? Was it worth the $$?[/quote] Well, from my point of view, I don't know how I lived without it -- when I put it down now, it just doesn't feel right. It does block the rear-most cuphold when it's exended. You can put a can of pop in it, but you have to put it in at an angle. I got my armrest for $118 and I think it was worth it Rob

I agree. Got mine for $114 also. Put it in yourself. Way easy.

[quote name='jim1969']I agree. Got mine for $114 also. Put it in yourself. Way easy.[/quote] Yep, no since paying the dealer to do it. If a person can operate a phillips screwdriver :)

Anyone know the part numbers for each color?

Black is J2010AG000JD.

I definitely feel more comfortable with it extended. I never put it back down. It does take some getting used to opening the center storage as you have to reach under further to find the release. And I paid $128 for it, installed.

Anyone can advise where it can be bought? Am from singapore so likely need to order online... Also Singapore gets the Aussie model which comes with complete Momo intertior leather upholstery so wonder if the Black will "match" EA

Do any of you guys have your elbow trigger the latch mechanism when shifting into 2nd or 4th gear causing the armrest to slide back on you? Just an observation not a big deal as it goes right back forward and relocks.