Modified Drivers Left Arm Rest....

[grasshopper]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Dec 20 2006, 02:29 AM) [snapback]364482[/snapback]</div>

When I first got my Prius, I often drove with my left elbow resting on the hard black plastic just below the window. It was beginning to hurt my elbow, but I continued resting it there since I've been driving this way for years. A friend showed me a padded arm rest in a catalogue for about $10. I bought it and it's been working great. Unfortunately, I didn't save the catalogue. However the arm rest on the site below is similar (perhaps a little better) for $20.

http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3429

Good luck!
[/b]

If this arm rest fit on the original arm rest instead of the window and had a hole in the middle, it would be perfect.

[jamesbalch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Dec 20 2006, 02:29 AM) [snapback]364482[/snapback]</div>

When I first got my Prius, I often drove with my left elbow resting on the hard black plastic just below the window. It was beginning to hurt my elbow, but I continued resting it there since I've been driving this way for years. A friend showed me a padded arm rest in a catalogue for about $10. I bought it and it's been working great. Unfortunately, I didn't save the catalogue. However the arm rest on the site below is similar (perhaps a little better) for $20.

http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3429

Good luck!
[/b]

WOW! That is EXACTLY what I am looking for. I have ordered the gray armrest. Even if it doesn't work out it's only $25, even with shipping! If it's not something I can use, I will just continue to plan out my own design!

Thanks very much for the input!

[jamesbalch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Dec 20 2006, 02:29 AM) [snapback]364482[/snapback]</div>

When I first got my Prius, I often drove with my left elbow resting on the hard black plastic just below the window. It was beginning to hurt my elbow, but I continued resting it there since I've been driving this way for years. A friend showed me a padded arm rest in a catalogue for about $10. I bought it and it's been working great. Unfortunately, I didn't save the catalogue. However the arm rest on the site below is similar (perhaps a little better) for $20.

http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3429

Good luck!
[/b]

Well, I got that arm rest from DrivingComfort.com. It will NOT work on the Prius without some modification. The lip that slips down into the edge between the door panel and the window is too thick. It won't slip in there. So this week at work, I will peel back the upholstery and cut that edge off. The underside is a hard material. I will take a peice of 2024T3 aluminum (probably .050" thick) and form a brackett, then attach it with the existing screws.

It should fit. I will let you know!

[jamesbalch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jim B. @ Dec 29 2006, 05:12 PM) [snapback]368377[/snapback]</div>

Well, I got that arm rest from DrivingComfort.com. It will NOT work on the Prius without some modification. The lip that slips down into the edge between the door panel and the window is too thick. It won't slip in there. So this week at work, I will peel back the upholstery and cut that edge off. The underside is a hard material. I will take a peice of 2024T3 aluminum (probably .050" thick) and form a brackett, then attach it with the existing screws.

It should fit. I will let you know!
[/b]

I removed the fabric from the lip. Underneath that was some sort of felt underlayment. I removed that. There was a thin black plastic lip left. It looked looked like it might fit...and it did! !

Anyone who wants to spend a measly $25 and get this armrest will be pleased with the feel of it.

I hope the attached picture comes out.

My quest for an armrest has ended!

Thanks to all the responders

[Zoltani]

Originally Posted by jamesbalch

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jim B. @ Dec 29 2006, 05:12 PM) [snapback]368377[/snapback]</div>

I removed the fabric from the lip. Underneath that was some sort of felt underlayment. I removed that. There was a thin black plastic lip left. It looked looked like it might fit...and it did! !

Anyone who wants to spend a measly $25 and get this armrest will be pleased with the feel of it.

I hope the attached picture comes out.

My quest for an armrest has ended!

Thanks to all the responders

What are the steps to modify the Road Rest brand of Door Panel Arm Rest to work with a Prius? Do you have any photos of the steps that are needed to modify the stock Road Rest product? Help ... my '05 Prius burgundy door panel is beginning to have the paint peel exactly where I rest my left arm/elbow. Going to have the front door panel "caps" upholstered with graphic grey perforated leather by CA custom leather shop. That will address the inherent problem with peeling paint ... but the Road Rest, adapted to work with Prius, may be the long-term solution. Just wanting to be sure that it is not necessary to be an "engineer" to make the modifications.