Armrest/Center Console cover mod for MR2 Spyder

This is a neat modification you can do for your MR2 Spyder interior. There was a lot trial-and-error here as I believe I'm one of the first to get this to open and close correctly, so unfortunately I don't have any instructional pictures to show. Here are the rough instructions to get this done:

1. Purchase an "Audi A3 8P 2003-2012 black leather armrest center console lid" from Ebay. These are about $15 US, and the texture and size matches the Spyder interior very well.

2. Unscrew your shift knob and remove the 4 screws holding the center console in place, then unplug the 2 window switches so that you can remove the console from the car. Make 2 rectangular cuts into the back portion of the console similar to that in the video; this will be covered up later.

3. This is the difficult part, you want to position the armrest through the 2 cutouts such that you can open and close the cover while hinging the 2 plastic mounting rods without any part of the arms sticking out the back (which would interfere with the cubby area).

You will likely need to remove some material from the bottom ends of the mounting arms where the metal pin is located (remove the pins too).
So locate that hinge position relative to the console where it can open and close properly (the hinge axis will be almost touching the top side of the console); mark this hinge axis on the inside of the console.

4. This part doesn't have to be exact, but you have to find a way to fix the rotation pins in place. You can either find 2 bearings that will directly fit over the remaining 2 plastic mounting points (the cylinders that stick out) or find some hollow cylinder that can fit neatly over the plastic pins. I used plastic spacers from a tv mount kit but it doesn't matter what you use exactly, as long as the total width can fit within the inside of the console and the console can't flop around.

5. Affix the bearings/sheaths to the inside of the console using 2-part epoxy (make sure to prepare the surface as it is smooth). Of course, make sure you have the armrest installed within the sheaths first as you won't be able to after you attach them to the console.

6. This part is for looks; make a quick paper template of the rear portion of the console where the tray meets the moving arms, then cut out a piece of black foam pvc or something similar using the template. Affix this using black gasket maker or something similar that won't melt in the sun.

7. Now looking from the side, mark the area where the latch of the armrest contacts the console and mount a screw or something similar that has a lip so that the armrest latches on but can be opened when the latch is pulled up (like it was intended).

8. Lastly, reinstall your center console and enjoy an armrest you can use on long drives and an extra storage area hidden from sight.