I'm currently thinking in terms of probably building two to four at first and getting some feedback, but the price has to settle before I can launch that. I also have homework relative to hardware sources and labor content. Construction efficiency needs to be much greater than when I built my original.

Yes, best solution from my viewpoint would be to have the original lid mailed to me, but I doubt many would wish to actually do that. Consequently, I'll have to have some quantity of lids on hand -- don't yet know how many.

Not sure what you mean by "Since you'd do a custom jobbie on all of these guys, ..." In order to achieve any kind of efficiency in making these at a reasonable price, I need to absolutely minimize customization. The fabric alternative I mentioned above is just a different color of the same fabric as the black (same characteristics). It would provide a reasonable approximation to the original storage lid as an alternative color choice, but it would have zero impact on construction. As far as specialized fabrics are concerned, I'm not sure I'm in any hurry to tackle that, plus my sewing machine is a standard one, not heavy duty, so I'm inherently very limited there. I have to proceed carefully with this.

 

Once again, I'd really appreciate it if people who respond to the poll also post a little info regarding your choice. No information at all means no possibility of re-evaluating anything in light of your preferences.

Thanks -- Trevor

 

I would, of course, compensate you for specialized customizations you would incur if you design my armrest.

But being that you are contemplating constructing these, it might be best if you stick to a standard template. As production increases (if demand is appropriate, for I am willing to provide a testimonial if your product performs exceptionally well), your efficiency should increase, too.

See if you can get us a ballpark price of what you're looking to charge.

 

I would consider buying one of the center console armrests as I use my armrest all the time and it is very uncomfortable. I'm not sure if I like the fabric you are using. Specifically it looks too fury and maybe itchy. I would like faux suede, like this http://www.distinctivefabric.com/fab...lor=slate-gray.
Also I personally would like a taller center armrest, I'm 6'6" and the door armrests are maybe 2" too short for me. But I could achieve that by adding a spacer and padding onto yours.

You might be able to get some lids from a pick-and-pull.

For a mass market product I would expect 100-150 and for prototype units I would expect more.

 

I'm working on it (along with associated issues )!

Thanks very much for the input . I expect different people are fans of different fabrics, but this fabric isn't at all itchy, it's felt -- my bare skin is on mine regularly and it's comfortable. Two inches taller would be a custom order since a design goal was to have an approximate height match between the door and center rests. The difference would probably end up being a deeper upper storage compartment. Perhaps I should put the faux-suede on the list of fabrics to consider !

Thanks for the Pick-and-Pull thought, but I'm afraid there aren't any in this area. Very rare thing to see an xB2 as well !

 

I like the idea of options being available. Perhaps you could research different fabrics and an optional spacer to accommodate for taller people?

I'm not a big fan of the felt fabric myself, but if the damn thing supports my arm and the arm of my passenger, then I'm happy as hell. lol

 

The mentioned dark grey fabric has arrived and here's a photo comparing it and the black with the stock storage lid. Personally, I'm thinking the grey is pretty darned close.

 

Are you using both the gray and the black fabrics with the construction? The gray is really close to the color of the lid, so I appreciate that a lot. At this point, I'm interested in function over appearance.

 

I can use either color fabric. It would be a no-charge option.

 

Cool deal.

*Subscribed.*

 

Just wanted to let you folks know I'm still working on this. Effort is being applied to both materials and construction tools. I suppose I could just wing it, but for sale, I'd prefer to have a more repeatable process in place. I'm very happy with what I installed in my car, and I wouldn't want you to feel less so.

Thanks for your patience -- Trevor

 

I think I speak for every ambitious xB2 armrest lover when I say please, please, please, please, please don't abandon this project like every other prospector did!

 

@TrevorS


BUMP! Just sending out a reminder, my friend.

 

Oh, geez -- I'm sorry, man! This is taking far more time than I expected.

There are two aspects to the problem, one is materials (still not a slam-dunk, but probably survivable), the other is tools. I'm currently engaged in installing wiring for a few tools that'll make the job more repeatable, and a little less labor intensive. I'm sure you've heard the adage you have to spend money to save money, well, I can vouch for its truth ! Progress is steady and I have a couple bases on hand to start with. I apologize for the delay, but please believe me, I'm working on it. The last thing I'd want to do is accept payment without being ready to go.

 

By the way,

If anyone would be interested in shortening their manual shift lever for more immediate shift action in both axes (feels much better than stock), I'm already setup for that .

 

I'm all for the larger, extended arm rest. I love rentals with the arm rest that can be slid out, love it. Also like the idea of a elbow pad on the door.

 

I would definitely be interested. Just brought a 2010 xb and although I don't mind so much the stock armrest, I rode in the 2011 and the armrest is so much better. I will be very interested in your progress. Whatever you charge, it sounds as if it will be no where near as expensive as the dealer! It also sounds as if it will be easy to install.

 

Thanks very much for your interest ! My preparations are closing in, I just didn't realize how much time would be required to bring everything together. I've had to select, locate, and am still preparing appropriate tools to help build the armrests together with the installation of appropriate power support. Materials readiness is actually lagging somewhat, but is probably good enough for a start. A little more tool preparation and I expect to be ready to go. Again, thanks for your interest and I surely hope to justify it in not too much longer. It's one thing to build something gradually over time for oneself, it's another to fairly meet the needs of a purchaser !

 

Excellent news! Just know that you are definitely going to have a huge profit margin as well as plenty of xB2 owners who want an armrest.

If your tools are efficient and will assist in expediting production, then I suspect I should have my armrest by... say, the end of the year?

 

Dude, you've been there from my original armrest photos and I haven't forgotten that. I view you as client number one and will be hoping for early feedback from you when I'm finally able to kick this thing off. I'm trying to do this right and although it involves a fair initial investment in terms of materials, equipment, and infrastructure, I'm hoping to produce something that justifies both your and others patience.