[honeybee]

I searched for any threads on a custom rear armrest, but didn't find any. Mods, please merge this post if a thread already exists.

I am looking for a custom-made centre armrest in the rear seat of my Santro Xing. It won't be fixed, and when not in use it could be pushed back into the seat back to accomodate a person in the centre. When in use it would fold down and two people sitting in the rear should be able to use it as an armrest. Is it possible to make changes to the existing rear seat or will I have to go for a custom seat?

If I have to go for a custom seat, can I use a rear seat from any existing vehicles?

What would be a ballpark estimate for this mod?

[Tejas@perioimpl]

I'll suggest you a cheaper and easier alternative.

Take big round bolster pillow which will be the length of your seat and as wide as you want.

Now take a velcro and stitch one end to the base of the pillow and the other non hard end of the velcro to the seat. Simply attach the pillow when you need it or dump it back when you don't.

You can make a few covers matching your existing upholstery and can be changed for washing as well.

[honeybee]

Thanks Tejas, but it wouldn't be as good as a proper armrest in the seat. I could always carry a pillow, but that's not what I am looking at. It's either the armrest integrated in the rear seat, or nothing at all.

[Tejas@perioimpl]

Go to your local seatwala and ask him if can incorporate it.

In bombay, go to the spare parts lane in opera house. There is a sindhi chap there who specializes in seats and covers. If any one in bombay can do it cheap and good, it will be him.

[GTO]

If you are really keen on getting this done, I know a good seat expert : Link to Directory Entry.

However, do keep in mind that the Santro's rear seat is pretty narrow. I wouldn't recommend an integrated folding armrest for that car.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by honeybee

It's either the armrest integrated in the rear seat, or nothing at all.

Does any variant of the santro come with this feature ? If yes, try to source that seat which would be a clean fit, else as suggested, go to a good seat guy.

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

Does any variant of the santro come with this feature ? If yes, try to source that seat which would be a clean fit, else as suggested, go to a good seat guy.

Nope, to the best of my knowledge no variant of the Santro (or any other hatch) has an integrated rear armrest.

@GTO, the seat may not be wide enough, but having the integrated armrest will definitely help one or two occupants on the rear seat. It might remain folded away most of the time, but when I do take a passenger or two at the rear, if I can provide them with some more comfort, it would be great.

Most likely I shall be visiting Dadar/Matunga this Sunday, so if time permits, I may check with this fellow Chandrakant that GTO has recommended. Hope their shop is open on Sundays.

[esteem_lover]

It is a bit of hard work not any normal upholstery guy would do, because the company designed ones come moulded with the space by default for the backrest, getting someone to replicate won't be easy and it won't be clean either.

[Sinner666]

It would be a messy job and would never have the fit and finish of a professional work. Plus another thing you need to keep in mind is the width of the seat back. I do not think the seat back of the Santro is thick enough to accommodate an arm rest which when pulled down would keep your hand at a comfortable height.

[honeybee]

Thanks guys for the input. I didn't get a chance to visit anyone for this job last week, but I shall find out what they have to say about this job and will post back here.