Equipt seat covers center console install

[lx200inAR]

On my LX, all you have to do is pop off the back panel of the console, that houses the middle row climate controls/RES controls, and that exposes two screws/bolts per side that hold the hinge supports (the parts above that you want to get the band inside of). I only used this knowledge to tighten down my hinges as they had worked loose, but I can't imagine it wouldn't come off if you removed those bolts. The back panel has no screws, only clips, so it just removes with a firm pull towards the 2nd row seat.

 

[isthatalexus]

On my LX, all you have to do is pop off the back panel of the console, that houses the middle row climate controls/RES controls, and that exposes two screws/bolts per side that hold the hinge supports (the parts above that you want to get the band inside of). I only used this knowledge to tighten down my hinges as they had worked loose, but I can't imagine it wouldn't come off if you removed those bolts. The back panel has no screws, only clips, so it just removes with a firm pull towards the 2nd row seat.

Beautiful. Thank you!

 

[isthatalexus]

I took the center console arm rest install to its most OCD conclusion this weekend.

TL;DR: no way to get straps into the inside of the hinges without metal surgery.

Silver lining: there is a way to 'bake' the elastic straps into the arm rest in such a way that you do not get neither the hinge pinch effect nor flappy straps exposed on the underside of the lid. Note: the following method will probably not last forever since the elastic may not survive the full-time stretching used in this method. Cc @Equipt as FYI. Cc my neighbor with the sewing machine.

(in pictures below)

1. remove rear climate control panel (pull towards rear of vehicle)
2. remove six hinge screws (do this with arm rest up to avoid spring snap)
3. pry off top, inside plastic of arm rest (gentle prying all around; use trim tool and love)
4. unscrew hinge piece from top, inside of arm rest (arm rest lid is now free of any attachments)
5. install Equipt arm rest cover on arm rest
6. steps 4-1 in reverse

 

[Julian73]

I took the center console arm rest install to its most OCD conclusion this weekend.

TL;DR: no way to get straps into the inside of the hinges without metal surgery.

Silver lining: there is a way to 'bake' the elastic straps into the arm rest in such a way that you do not get neither the hinge pinch effect nor flappy straps exposed on the underside of the lid. Note: the following method will probably not last forever since the elastic may not survive the full-time stretching used in this method. Cc @Equipt as FYI. Cc my neighbor with the sewing machine.

(in pictures below)

1. remove rear climate control panel (pull towards rear of vehicle)
2. remove six hinge screws (do this with arm rest up to avoid spring snap)
3. pry off top, inside plastic of arm rest (gentle prying all around; use trim tool and love)
4. unscrew hinge piece from top, inside of arm rest (arm rest lid is now free of any attachments)
5. install Equipt arm rest cover on arm rest
6. steps 4-1 in reverse



View attachment 2820825

I thank you for your timely post as just this weekend I had plans to pull the rear trim piece on the console. Cover adjustment took only 30 minutes, a 150% improvement.

 

[Artie]

I took the center console arm rest install to its most OCD conclusion this weekend.

TL;DR: no way to get straps into the inside of the hinges without metal surgery.

Silver lining: there is a way to 'bake' the elastic straps into the arm rest in such a way that you do not get neither the hinge pinch effect nor flappy straps exposed on the underside of the lid. Note: the following method will probably not last forever since the elastic may not survive the full-time stretching used in this method. Cc @Equipt as FYI. Cc my neighbor with the sewing machine.

(in pictures below)

1. remove rear climate control panel (pull towards rear of vehicle)
2. remove six hinge screws (do this with arm rest up to avoid spring snap)
3. pry off top, inside plastic of arm rest (gentle prying all around; use trim tool and love)
4. unscrew hinge piece from top, inside of arm rest (arm rest lid is now free of any attachments)
5. install Equipt arm rest cover on arm rest
6. steps 4-1 in reverse

View attachment 2820826

View attachment 2820820View attachment 2820823View attachment 2820824View attachment 2820825

Massive thanks from my ocd for this fix. 30 minutes and a #2 Vessel, very easy once you see the process.

 

[Artie]

After a full day with this cover I had to remove it because it’s catching on the rear portion above the ac vents where the pivot point is and causing some friction while opening accompanied with super annoying noise.

Am I missing something here or is this just how it functions?