How to Remove Your Car's Door Arm Rest.
by Honda Enoch in Workshop > Cars
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How to Remove Your Car's Door Arm Rest.
This is my first ever Instructable.
This how to was written for someone on here requesting how to do this so they can paint their arm rest without having to tape it off.
This was done on a 1996 Honda Accord Ex. The process is basically the same for other vehicles though some screw, wire and clip locations will vary.
This how to was written for someone on here requesting how to do this so they can paint their arm rest without having to tape it off.
This was done on a 1996 Honda Accord Ex. The process is basically the same for other vehicles though some screw, wire and clip locations will vary.
These are the only tools you will need for this.
A flat head screw driver, A Philips head screwdriver, and a tiny flat head screwdriver.
A flat head screw driver, A Philips head screwdriver, and a tiny flat head screwdriver.
Now for the fun part.
Remove the handle. There is a screw holding the handle to the door. Remove teh screw and gently slide the handle to the right (or left depending on the car)
Remove the handle. There is a screw holding the handle to the door. Remove teh screw and gently slide the handle to the right (or left depending on the car)
Behind the handle is a plug (if you have power locks), and a connecting rod that links to the door latch.
Gently unplug the plug and use the flat head to GENTLY pry the clip off the connecting rod.
Gently unplug the plug and use the flat head to GENTLY pry the clip off the connecting rod.
Use the small screwdriver to pray up the cap covering the screw in the pull handle in the arm rest and remove the screw.
Now gently use your fingers to pry up the corner and pop the plug out.
********NOTE: Some cars will have a screw or small bolt here so check first.********
********NOTE: Some cars will have a screw or small bolt here so check first.********
Now using your fingers, gently pop the panel around the edges.
********NOTE: There is a panel puller tool made for this. I recommend this tool for certain model cars. I have been doing this for 15 years and know how to use my fingers and not damage the panel.********
IF YOU USE YOU FINGERS OR THE TOOL AND HAPPEN TO PULL THE PANEL LOOS FROM THE SNAP CLIPS THEY ARE SIMPLE TO SNAP BACK ONTO THE PANEL.
********NOTE: There is a panel puller tool made for this. I recommend this tool for certain model cars. I have been doing this for 15 years and know how to use my fingers and not damage the panel.********
IF YOU USE YOU FINGERS OR THE TOOL AND HAPPEN TO PULL THE PANEL LOOS FROM THE SNAP CLIPS THEY ARE SIMPLE TO SNAP BACK ONTO THE PANEL.
Roll down the window and lift the panel off the door.
Reach behind it and gently unplug the wires.
Reach behind it and gently unplug the wires.
Now that the panel is remove lets flip it over.
This model is simply snapped in place. Some models will have screws, So check.
Use the flat head to gently lift the panel over the snaps and push the arm rest up.
This model is simply snapped in place. Some models will have screws, So check.
Use the flat head to gently lift the panel over the snaps and push the arm rest up.
Now that it is out. Flip it over and you will see 3 screws holding the window switch unit and a clip holding the mirror unit.
Remove and they will pop out with ease.
Now you have a clean slate to prime and paint.
Revers to put it all back together and enjoy.
Remove and they will pop out with ease.
Now you have a clean slate to prime and paint.
Revers to put it all back together and enjoy.