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Armrest/Center Console Retrofit on 2007 v8 Vantage (Pic intensive)
Ever since I bought my 2007 v8v, I hated that 1) I had really no storage room to put my sunglasses, hand sanitizer and FM modulator and 2) my arm had no real place to rest while driving. After searching for a while, I was able to procure a center arm rest from a Vantage S coupe from a fellow enthusiast and took some pics of the retrofit/install.
The part number on the console is 9G33-C045C76-ABW and it is in obsidian black. Before anyone points out the obvious, I know it doesn’t match my phantom grey interior but I’m fine with a two-tone look. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...d5f563e7cf.jpg Also, it’s very important to note that in my research, I read that the center armrest on a coupe vs. a convertible has some difference (I believe it was with the rear mounting arm). This DIY is only for the console with the part listed above. Here’s my DIY: First is to take off my stock armpad/cup holder. Redpants has a great video on how to do that here [All credit goes to Redpants.LOL for this video] Here’s a comparison pic… man, what an upgrade! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...f5852114a5.jpg Here are pics of both the underside of the stock armrest and the newer one. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...07df843476.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...5d92d19ad3.jpg Next step is take off the base on which the armrest sits. Take out of the screws (in blue) and the three 10mm bolts (in red) https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...795765112e.jpg From there, slowly start pulling up where the red bolts are (at the back) and keep pulling up. At some point, you will need to fenagle the front out. The front is basically held in by this (not sure what to call it) but it should come out pretty easily. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...2ababb60d1.jpg Once you’ve taken out the armrest base, now you can see how the new armrest sits (and what’s obstructing it). Here’s a first look… something is not right https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...4b84081c9d.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...5fcbef4e2c.jpg Flip it over for a better look. You can see that there are two obstruction areas 1. There is no cut out for the cig lighter and 2. The USB connector plug is hitting the trim https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...21746f661c.jpg I tackled problem 1 first. I knew I didn’t want to cut out more than I needed so using a dremel and a cut-off wheel, I trimmed off a little plastic holder on the side of the cig lighter. Disclaimer: this houses the light to light the trim of the cig lighter. In hindsight, I could’ve left it but oh well. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...444d18f785.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...21609a8b58.jpg Then I took off this piece marked out in red https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...53c51b2345.jpg Here it is cut out https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...fd8fb4339b.jpg Next is the USB connector plug… so used some painters tape and marked out where I needed to trim. Using the Dremel again, trimmed out a little https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...f189226724.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...8f16b7eb81.jpg After trimming both sections, test fit the armrest on the base and viola! FYI, there is a gap between the mounting point on the armrest and the mounting point on the base (see yellow line) – Will come back to that later https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...6e43fbbd48.jpg Next is figuring out how to secure the armrest to the base. The armrest has 5 mounting points highlighted below Topside view https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...e81e071de1.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...7ac24858ae.jpg Underside view https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...b6a3ae2caa.jpg The mounting point with the star mounts fine (same as the old armrest) and require no modification. Also, this mounting point is from one of the screws that hold the metal bar down. You will need to make mounting holes for the other four So I put painters tape on the base and mocked up the armrest, marked where the holes lined up and drilled a small hole. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...0a57fc0cdb.jpg Before I put it all back, I needed to figure out how to power up the cigarette lighter (I have no idea how to get the USB connector and the aux plug connected so I didn’t even bother with those). I decided it was easiest to disconnect the cig lighter in the coin holder and jump the wires to the plug in the arm rest. To me, I could never have something plugged into the cig lighter in the coin holder and drive comfortably. So I created two jumper wires https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...bc1352cd61.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...157621ec38.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...ebf7f659a3.jpg Also, before I put everything back, I took a minute to sand down my cuts so clean it up a little https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...30f8f3d7ad.jpg Now it’s time to re-install! First thing is put the base back in (go reverse order) The main thing is on the 4 holes you drilled, see if there are any wires in the way that can be crimped or damaged. Once you have base installed and screwed/bolted down, it’s time to install the new armrest. Don’t forget to connect the cig lighter wires! Put the new armrest in and if you did it correctly, you’ll be able to see the holes you drilled through the mounting holes. I went to Loews and bought some screws: · The two mounting points in the front and middle, I used 1” long screws · And the one in the rear I used 1.25” (this is the one with the metal bar) After you install the screws for the two front and the middle screws mounting points, you can start putting the metal bar back in and put everything back. I’m sure there are other more complex ways to do this with custom brackets and what not but I kept it simple and for my average skillset, I’m happy with it. Here are some after pics https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...664f58d4e0.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...15b59b949e.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...4f7ed37699.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...ce3eb361aa.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.6sp...2abd4f03bf.jpg |
Nice job, looks and functions much better.
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I have been thinking about doing this arm rest retrofit but an concerned that any drink in the cup holder would be in the way when driving since like you I have a manual transmission. Is that not the case?
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Originally Posted by dyc1077
(Post 4897660)
I have been thinking about doing this arm rest retrofit but an concerned that any drink in the cup holder would be in the way when driving since like you I have a manual transmission. Is that not the case?
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Thanks por posting with such detail. Came in very handy as I just did mine.
One thing I would add is to be very careful with the length of the screws on the front side under the cup holder. The right one barely clears the airbag module and the left one is right on top of it. So make sure you use the correct length screws. Also, I ran the wire for the cig lighter to the fuse box as I wanted a switched plug so the phone charger does not need to be unplugged every time. |
Originally Posted by Tashakes
(Post 4897703)
Thanks por posting with such detail. Came in very handy as I just did mine.
One thing I would add is to be very careful with the length of the screws on the front side under the cup holder. The right one barely clears the airbag module and the left one is right on top of it. So make sure you use the correct length screws. Also, I ran the wire for the cig lighter to the fuse box as I wanted a switched plug so the phone charger does not need to be unplugged every time. Edwin |
Originally Posted by dyc1077
(Post 4897660)
I have been thinking about doing this arm rest retrofit but an concerned that any drink in the cup holder would be in the way when driving since like you I have a manual transmission. Is that not the case?
When I go thru fast food I always ask for 1/4" of napkins I put around the bottom of the soda and then wedge it into the holder. Otherwise it's going to end up falling over unless you hold it with any turn or brake. Nice upgrade though, never liked the 06-08 consoles. |
Originally Posted by M32
(Post 4897705)
which fuse box did you run it to? The one underneath the passenger footwell? Also, which fuse did you tap? Thanks
Edwin |
Originally Posted by Tashakes
(Post 4897813)
The one under the passenger footwell. Dont remember which one exactly, just made sure it was switched. Used these to tap on to the fuse.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
It looks great. I guess I have another project this year.
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I wonder if the same thing would work on a DB9. It always bothered me that there was no storage in the center.
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Originally Posted by sliderule01
(Post 4898080)
I wonder if the same thing would work on a DB9. It always bothered me that there was no storage in the center.
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Where are you guys getting the updated arm rest and what is a good price to pay for the parts?
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Originally Posted by dyc1077
(Post 4898108)
Where are you guys getting the updated arm rest and what is a good price to pay for the parts?
I’ve seen some on eBay, Aston Martin bits and eBay UK. Just have to scour the web for them but keep in mind, there are differences between the coupe vs convertible arm rests. Best on your search Edwin |
Interesting - I have a 2007 DB9 Volante - what should I look for?
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