New Armrest
I'm EXTREMELY happy with my new armrest from Armrest Kingdom. At $109.99, it is one of the better-priced options, and it matches the Smart's upholstery well. (Not perfect... the smart has contrasting stitching.
I first saw these at the dealership in Knoxville when I stopped to buy the CD holder while on vacation there. I think they wanted $149 or even $179, so I didn't go for it then. Problem was, I found myself wanting an armrest every time I'd get stuck in traffic, so I began to do some research on the internet and discovered what appears to be a direct source (info below).
Installation took maybe 10 minutes, and most of that was getting up the courage to tap screw holes into my pristine smart Cabriolet. I gritted my teeth and went for it, and I couldn't be happier. It's a little awkward to navigate it over the parking brake handle and between the seats and seatbelt apparatus, but once it's in the spot you want it, there are four self-tapping screws with nice little cosmetic covers to keep everything looking very professional. A phillips screwdriver is the only tool needed.
I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars on my own rating scale... stitching to match the Smart's, and a bit heavier plastic for the base would be necessary for it to max out in my (admittedly picky) judgement.
Product Source:
Witold Swirski
Armrest Kingdom
www.armrest-autoaccessories.com
I first saw these at the dealership in Knoxville when I stopped to buy the CD holder while on vacation there. I think they wanted $149 or even $179, so I didn't go for it then. Problem was, I found myself wanting an armrest every time I'd get stuck in traffic, so I began to do some research on the internet and discovered what appears to be a direct source (info below).
Installation took maybe 10 minutes, and most of that was getting up the courage to tap screw holes into my pristine smart Cabriolet. I gritted my teeth and went for it, and I couldn't be happier. It's a little awkward to navigate it over the parking brake handle and between the seats and seatbelt apparatus, but once it's in the spot you want it, there are four self-tapping screws with nice little cosmetic covers to keep everything looking very professional. A phillips screwdriver is the only tool needed.
I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars on my own rating scale... stitching to match the Smart's, and a bit heavier plastic for the base would be necessary for it to max out in my (admittedly picky) judgement.
Product Source:
Witold Swirski
Armrest Kingdom
www.armrest-autoaccessories.com
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Comment
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Comment by Bill Gordon on August 21, 2009 at 11:44am -
Hey Alan-- yup, every single road seems to be under repair. I had one of your moments last night coming out of the city. Glad the roads are getting done, but geez....
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Comment by Wally Gullang on August 10, 2009 at 10:01pm -
Alan, count to 10, call me and let's go out and have a beer.
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Comment by Alan Brask on August 10, 2009 at 9:57pm -
SATO... I get the issue about the magnetic catch. If anything very heavy is put in there, it won't necessarily stay closed. I hadn't identified it as a problem since I only keep a microfiber cleaning cloth in mine. As far as the position is concerned, one does have a choice of where to position it. I initially tried it (before screwing it in place) further forward, but determined that pulling the parking brake was awkward, and I was no longer comfortable using it as a stick shift when I'm in the mood. I ended up securing it in a position where my arm can comfortably rest on it when I want it to, but it's not in the way when I don't. I guess the point is, anyone considering a purchase should know that the location is optional within limits.
What's important to me is I had a horrible 2-hour commute today due to accidents and construction, but I had an armrest to lean on for support. Now if it would only apply a gentle massage to the back of my neck to sooth my frazzled nerves when I WANT TO CUSS OUT THE COMPLETE MORONS WHO HAVE TORN UP EVERY NORTH/SOUTH ROUTE IN LAKE COUNTY, IL IN THE SAME FRIGGIN MONTH!!!!!!!! It's apparently impossible to COORDINATE ANY PLANS or to have possibly thought about doing EVEN ONE STINKING REPAIR AT SOME OTHER POINT IN THE LAST TEN YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excuse me....... ahem...... (heavy sigh). Sorry about the rant.
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Comment by SATO on August 9, 2009 at 8:03am -
I've seen a couple of these installed and while inexpensive they have a couple of flaws to point out. they dont move with the seat.. so if you dont drive with the seat all the way back, its too far back for your arm. and the second fault is the magnetic catch on the compartment is not strong, making it pop open in the upright position... spilling out every thing you have in there out towards the back.
fix these two issues and you have a good economical arm rest to compete with the others in the market.
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Comment by Wally Gullang on August 8, 2009 at 10:22pm
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Alan I picked mine up from I think smart madness and it was a little bit more but I think a lot longer. Both the wife and I can use it at the same time. Installation time about the same, Two bolts, two lock washers and two nuts. Thats it.
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