Armrest removal?

[Tombi]

This could be a really stupid question, but I'm gunna ask any way.
Is it possible to remove (remove and refit) the factory armrests from the front seats of a T5 ?
I want to fit some seat covers to protect the original fabric, but I want a neat fit around the arm rest spindle.

Any advice on this one good pple?

[gregozedobe]

It's pretty easy to remove the armrests from the backrest - they are only held on by one spline drive bolt. I've taken 3 of the four off mine.

Helpful hint - don't specify side (seat mounted) air bags AND arm rests, they really aren't compatible. To be safe you have to put the outer arm rests down when you drive, otherwise if the air bags go off they are going to propel the arm rests into yoour arm and break it, as well they will interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. But you have to fold the armrests up out of the way to get into the seat. So you end up putting them up and down every time you get in - a proper PITA.

[Tornado T5]

It's pretty easy to remove the armrests from the backrest - they are only held on by one spline drive bolt. I've taken 3 of the four off mine.

Helpful hint - don't specify side (seat mounted) air bags AND arm rests, they really aren't compatible. To be safe you have to put the outer arm rests down when you drive, otherwise if the air bags go off they are going to propel the arm rests into yoour arm and break it, as well they will interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. But you have to fold the armrests up out of the way to get into the seat. So you end up putting them up and down every time you get in - a proper PITA.

...you get used to it....

[Tombi]

O.k Gregozedobe you've convinced me that I should have a go at removing them,but how do I remove the plastic trim around the pivot of the arm rest without breaking it?

Thanks Tombi.

[Tombi]

Had a bit of a fiddle with the trim and removed that no problems, next thing is the bolt thingamy looks like I will need a special star/torx wrench to unscrew!

I did try an 8mm hex wrench, although it fits, I cannot get purchase to undo.

What is the tool I should use for this?

Thanks Tombi

[Tornado T5]

Had a bit of a fiddle with the trim and removed that no problems, next thing is the bolt thingamy looks like I will need a special star/torx wrench to unscrew!

I did try an 8mm hex wrench, although it fits, I cannot get purchase to undo.

What is the tool I should use for this?

Thanks Tombi

gregozedobe said you need to use a "spline drive" which is sometimes mistaken for a Torx fitting (by ill-informed auto shops usually) however the spline drive has more points. I bought two from Alltools (I think an 8 & 10) as anything else will damage the bolts in a T5 and they'll attach to a regular socket set handle.

[Tombi]

Thanks Fellas', what a great site this is.

I will take some pic's of the finished product and upload.

Cheers Tombi