Doug: Care to make a few more of your wing-nutty thingamabobs in the shape of Mini wings? Just a thought... perhaps a trademark-infringing one, but a thought... when I saw your fix I thought you'd done that! It does look really good. Consider also maybe an allen key bolt, slightly recessed? (OK, now I'm getting carried away, but as long as you're CNC'ing anyway....).

 

But wouldn't the wing look kind of funny, being on its side when the lid is closed?
I guess nobody's gonna see it, though.

I don't know about an allen head. I think it takes a sheet metal screw to hold the latch on, rather than a machine screw.
I haven't seen those available in hex drive; only slotted, phillips, and square drive.

 

(smacks self in head)

I was thinking allen mainly for aesthetics, also thinking a machine screw with a nylock nut on the back and a stainless washer underneath the "wings" would make for a sturdy long-term install, but a PITA to take the armrest apart, as opposed to self-tapping once-and-done. I reread your post and see you're looking for a black slotted or philips, which is great.

Interesting to see how much engineering knowledge and ideas are going into fixing a design flaw - and a fix that involves what, maybe 2-4 pieces total (nut, washer, bolt, latch)? If we were paid a decent wage, the parts would cost $19.95 each! Although the wings could be re-purposed any number of ways, I suppose.

 

I couldn't see a way to put a nut on the inside of the armrest, unless it's way down toward the bottom. Too much going on inside there, up near the top.

Plus, I'm thinking it's probably better for most folks to do a simple, easy fix.
As designed, it's one drilled 1/8" hole, and voila.

 

I'm with you - I really like your way! Now to save up for a shift ****... what matches Space Blue & Silver (checkmate)? I really like the pool ball idea too. Have... to... decide...

 

I can tell you this; it sure feels good, not to have that lid sliding all over the place!!

And maybe it's just my imagination, but I think my car has gained 2-3 HP, as well.

 

Sorry, simply Not Possible. The only thing that adds that kind of horsepower is garish vinyl and Violently Large Wings.

 

Heck we got a 4.76 HP gain just reading this stuff!!!

 

 

If anyone is interested in this little "fixit" item, I'll be offering the latch piece and screw (and even a 1/8" drill bit, if needed) at my cost, plus shipping.

I'll have a final price after I receive my invoices; it won't be much.

 

IN, don't need the drillbit. At least I'll have one Whalen in the car!

 

Okay. The UPS man will be bringing me the parts tomorrow. I'll have a price soon after.

 

The black plastic latch piece doesn't look too out of place, eh?

 

Veddy nice!

 

And it works really well.

Before I installed the "prototype" (does something this basic even deserve such a big word??) , I was concerned that it might be a bit of a pain to reach behind and turn the latch; but it's not bad at all.
Small inconvenience, considering it eliminates such a huge annoyance.

My invoices should show up in today's mail, and I'll know what my shipping charges came to.
The only labor in my case will be drilling a screw clearance hole in the plastic piece, so this "kit" will be dirt cheap; the biggest part of the expense will be the postage cost.

 

Just use duct tape or bubble gum.

 

Or a dwarf in the back seat with his foot on it.

 

If either of my dwarves puts a foot anywhere other than on the rubber floormat they'll end up hobbling!

From Dwarf to Hobble-it in one "don't make me stop this car" manosecond!

 

Okay; price for one Armrest Latch Kit (dwarf not included) is a whopping $2.00 each.

I'm going to guesstimate First Class Mail cost for a padded envelope at $3.00, for a grand total of $5.00.

I'll throw in a nice sharp 1/8" drill bit for 50 cents.

Install time, once you dig out your electric drill and phillips screwdriver, should be around ninety seconds.

 

HAH - your fingerprints are on the web now!

(do you take Paypal?)

 

Tomorrow I'll grind them off!

Yep, Paypal is fine.
Address on the account is my usual: whamac@msn.com

 

My armrest keeps on sliding open too. Like everyone else, I'm sick of it too. I'm thinking of getting silicone sealer and permanently sealing it shut. I never put anything in it anyway. Has anyone tried this approach?

 

Well, umm, for five dollars Doug has your solution ...


Doug: Paypal sent - thanks for working this out!

 

Thanks! It'll be on its way this afternoon.

 

Bringing this back from the dead, if Doug is still around, do you still sell these, and does anybody have any pics of Doug's piece, or a DIY with the part number from here? http://www.shear-loc.com/onequarter.htm

TIA