DIY Center Console/arm rest removal? Install Alcantra GTS armrest

[Justins311]

I got the Alcantra/GTS armrest, my wife purchased it from k8 stinger store. No install info which is disappointing since they're just marking up dealer items and reselling them. I've messaged several of them and haven't received a response.

Does anybody know if install videos exist? I found a lot for the cupholder trim (people are calling/tagging this "center console" but its most certainly not) but none for the actual console or armrest. I've searched quite a bit but since people aren't using the correct terminology I may be missing it

Please help!

 

[nhcowboy28]

Look in the diy section. There was a great write up on it with pics.

 

[Justins311]

Hmm...I must be blind bc I just reviewed all 90 DIY topics for the 3rd time and none seem to cover this. Would you mind pointing me to the thread?

This guy calls the trim garnish the "center console" and his video is a lot of talking and 30 seconds of prying off the trim garnish. That's not the center console (nor armrest that covers the center console):

(and this wonderful forum doesn't let me post links to it's own threads - great security)

 

[CeramicGT001]

It’s a giant pain in the ass but it’s an upgrade in my opinion because my leather armrest creaked constantly...I had to hack apart the bottom of the factory armrest (the plastic part) to remove the armrest because the bottom middle screw is blocked by the rest of the center console. Once you do that, you can remove the other screws and remove the armrest from the hinge bracket.
Here’s a write up someone did way back that explains it better. Armrest.... So fancy!

Or if you can figure out how to fully remove the entire center console I’m all eyes/ears because I got about halfway through taking it apart and couldn’t figure out the next steps and wasn’t trying to take apart the section where the AC controls are.

 

[Justins311]

Ugh. OK, thanks for the link sir!

Do you happen to have a copy of the factory service manual? The only link I've seen came from a file share site with a free ransomware download (haha).

I definitely don't want to cut up my brand new car - I have no issues with my currnet armrest creaking. But if I can find FSM/instructions on disassembling the center console I'm all in.

 

[CeramicGT001]

Ugh. OK, thanks for the link sir!

Do you happen to have a copy of the factory service manual? The only link I've seen came from a file share site with a free ransomware download (haha).

I definitely don't want to cut up my brand new car - I have no issues with my currnet armrest creaking. But if I can find FSM/instructions on disassembling the center console I'm all in.

No I don’t have any service manuals saved..
Also read through that thread and look at the attached pictures. The part you have to cut up (the lower side plastic) also comes on the new armrest so its not a big deal as you now have two of the same part.

 

[leecm]

So the alcantara armrest doesn't creak? The one that comes on the stinger feels super cheap. Kia needs to make it more solid and while they're at it, give it a slide back function.

 

[CeramicGT001]

My alcantara armrest is mostly quiet in comparison to the stock leather one but I added additional felt tape to the inside before installing it so there would be less of a chance for the plastic on plastic creaking. The armrests are very flimsy and cheap feeling, even my 03 mustang’s armrest is built better.

 

[BertBert2019GT]

I got the Alcantra/GTS armrest, my wife purchased it from k8 stinger store. No install info which is disappointing since they're just marking up dealer items and reselling them. I've messaged several of them and haven't received a response.

Does anybody know if install videos exist? I found a lot for the cupholder trim (people are calling/tagging this "center console" but its most certainly not) but none for the actual console or armrest. I've searched quite a bit but since people aren't using the correct terminology I may be missing it

Please help!

You need to remove the entire center console to replace bolt-for-bolt if you are interested in replacing the arm rest without cutting anything.

I requested a video from these guys and they were kind enough to make a video on it:

 

[Justins311]

THANK YOU!!

 

[Mangimadang]

Video is unavailable. Anyone have another video or step by step to remove the entire center console? The videos on YouTube only took me so far

 

[amehring1982]

I really want to do the armrest but don’t want to take the entire console out.

 

[Mangimadang]

I really want to do the armrest but don’t want to take the entire console out.

I attempted to remove the console tonight, just the temp control portion and what screws and clips need to be removed confused me. I’ll try to hack at it again here in a little.

 

[amehring1982]

I attempted to remove the console tonight, just the temp control portion and what screws and clips need to be removed confused me. I’ll try to hack at it again here in a little.

I looked at a few YouTube videos and step by step threads, it just hurts my brain that it is so involved.

 

[Mangimadang]

I looked at a few YouTube videos and step by step threads, it just hurts my brain that it is so involved.

So I actually was able to get it all done last night. I followed this person’s instructions to the tee except I have a GT2 so I had to remove the shifter assembly. Instructions. The difficult part for me was removing the a/c portion and removing the tray table and the black trim piece around the tray. Putting it back together was even more fun trying to fenangle it back together.

 

[amehring1982]

So I actually was able to get it all done last night. I followed this person’s instructions to the tee except I have a GT2 so I had to remove the shifter assembly. Instructions. The difficult part for me was removing the a/c portion and removing the tray table and the black trim piece around the tray. Putting it back together was even more fun trying to fenangle it back together.

I have bad dreams about plastic clips breaking and adding unnecessary rattles to my lovely Stinger.

 

[Mangimadang]

I have bad dreams about plastic clips breaking and adding unnecessary rattles to my lovely Stinger.

Haha understood. Luckily I didn’t break any and I was pretty rough trynna rip stuff out.