[MiniMamaMia]

Does anyone have any experience with the MINI armrests at:

http://woodcompanyusa.com/comersus/s...dCategory= 25

I had decided on the TT Design at MiniMania when I heard about these. Now I'm back where I started!

The WoodCompanyUSA armrests look like possibilities because I am interested in only those armrests that require very little or no alterations to the MINI. If I ever want to uninstall it, I don't want to be left with holes in the console. I really don't mind just drilling a hole in the bottom of the rear cupholder - that always can be covered up with a liner of rubber or whatever.

I very much would like to know if anyone is familiar with the WoodCompanyUSA armrests.

Whatever I decide it is an expensive proposition. I am trying to make an informed decision, but at some point I have to end this quest and live with my decision... MMM

[whovous]

Have you ruled out the Elbow Landing Device? Both the Wood and the TT Design are very attractive, but they both cost a lot and use the rear cupholder. The ELD has neither of these shortcomings, and is not bad looking, either.

[MiniMamaMia]

Quote: Originally Posted by whovous

Have you ruled out the Elbow Landing Device? Both the Wood and the TT Design are very attractive, but they both cost a lot and use the rear cupholder. The ELD has neither of these shortcomings, and is not bad looking, either.

Yesterday I had ruled out the Elbow Landing Device - today I don't know. I just saw the Outmotoring prototype of their new one here:

http://outmotoring.com/out_motoring_mini_armrest.html

This one and the woodcompanyusa one give you back the rear cupholder.

I talked to the ELD people and also heard from some MINI owners who have it. I am concerned about sturdiness. Do you have one installed?

MMM

[whovous]

I do not have one installed. I have been following these threads closely as I will need to make this decision for myself soon enough. The ELD appeals strongly to the cheapskate in me, and those few people I have seen post on their own experience with it all seem satisfied.

I wonder how much longer it will take for the Outmotoring version to get beyond the prototype stage. In any case, I am currently leaning toward cheap, and going with the ELD.

[MiniMamaMia]

Quote: Originally Posted by whovous

I do not have one installed. I have been following these threads closely as I will need to make this decision for myself soon enough. The ELD appeals strongly to the cheapskate in me, and those few people I have seen post on their own experience with it all seem satisfied.

I wonder how much longer it will take for the Outmotoring version to get beyond the prototype stage. In any case, I am currently leaning toward cheap, and going with the ELD.

My only question about the Elbow Landing Device is how far forward it installs. I'm 5'4"- and the ELD has a small pad - thus I naturally am concerned about it being too far back for me. I've been looking for someone approx. my height who has it installed. Everyone so far has been 5'11" or over. Do you have any info on where the ELD installs relative to seat position?

Also - I've not seen any marketing time frame for the Outmotoring version.

With respect to the WoodCompany armrest I just received an email from the rep attaching the catalog illustrating the models. I scanned the attachment just to be certain - better safe... I'll be happy to send it along if you would like to see it. MMM

[whovous]

I'd love to see the catalog scans, thank you. phillipanderson@comcast.net.

It looks like waiting for OutMotoring might have you waiting a very long time. I like their design as much as the others, but dunno that it is so much better that I would wait an unknown amount of time to get one.

The ELD looks to offer a little flexibility on where it installs, but I fear that putting it too far forward might interfere with the handbrake. I am 6'2", so it is not a concern for me.

[KensCooper]

I have the elbow landing device and love it! You can position the device anywhere you like by merely sliding it fore or aft along the console. Once you find the location you like tighten the thumbscrew. Also, There is no drilling of any kind required. It blends with the interior and I find it to be sturdy enough for an armrest. It's deceivingly simple but give it a try. You could always send it back.
Ken

[MiniMamaMia]

Quote: Originally Posted by KensCooper

I have the elbow landing device and love it! You can position the device anywhere you like by merely sliding it fore or aft along the console. Once you find the location you like tighten the thumbscrew. Also, There is no drilling of any kind required. It blends with the interior and I find it to be sturdy enough for an armrest. It's deceivingly simple but give it a try. You could always send it back.
Ken

I did not know that the ELD is adjustable fore and aft - and I also did not know that there is a thumbscrew to tighten. When I spoke to the rep he was not customer friendly. I asked him how it attached - he said 'it just clips on' - and that was it. Does it clip under the plastic console between the plastic and the carpet? And where is the thumbscrew? And what does it tighten against? Thanks so much. MMM

[MiniMamaMia]

Quote: Originally Posted by whovous

I'd love to see the catalog scans, thank you. phillipanderson@comcast.net.

It looks like waiting for OutMotoring might have you waiting a very long time. I like their design as much as the others, but dunno that it is so much better that I would wait an unknown amount of time to get one.

The ELD looks to offer a little flexibility on where it installs, but I fear that putting it too far forward might interfere with the handbrake. I am 6'2", so it is not a concern for me.

I will email the catalog to you. It will be a Word document - that's the way he sent it.

I've about decided to give the ELD a try first. If I need to return it, then I could go with the TT Design - or Outmotoring if they get it done in time. Also, I think I mentioned in one of these threads that when MINI called for the survey of new owners I mentioned the ridiculously complicated installation of the Minifini armrest available from the MINI dealers. My dealer installed one on an inventory MINI and described the process to me. There's no way I'm taking apart the entire console area and modifying parts just to install an armrest! Anyway - the MINI rep told me that MINI is very aware of the problem and will be introducing a new armrest design 'soon.' He did not know what 'soon' means, but suggested that I hold off until 'soon' arrives. My thinking now is to go with the ELD - cheap and easy - and wait for 'soon.' MMM

[KensCooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniMamaMia

I did not know that the ELD is adjustable fore and aft - and I also did not know that there is a thumbscrew to tighten. When I spoke to the rep he was not customer friendly. I asked him how it attached - he said 'it just clips on' - and that was it. Does it clip under the plastic console between the plastic and the carpet? And where is the thumbscrew? And what does it tighten against? Thanks so much. MMM

The ELD consists of two metal brackets that are powder coated. They do indeed clip or slip under the plastic console. The armrest pad fits on top and is attached to the brackets with a thumbscrew. You tighten the thumbscrew underneath the pad. This creates tension to hold the ELD firmly in place. By loosening the thumbscrew and thus decreasing the tension you can gently slide the brackets fore or aft to your desired position. Then of course tighten the thumbscrew. I bought mine from TVA Auto (gotmini.com) and found them easy to work with. I like the fact that I have access to the seat controls as well as the rear cupholder (which I use quite often!). I also like not having to drill are permanently install the ELD. I to am not impressed with MINIFini products. That cupholder thing-a-ma-gig is crazy. No way would I attach anything to the downtubes. They scratch easily enough. Best of luck!
Ken

[MiniMamaMia]

Quote: Originally Posted by KensCooper

The ELD consists of two metal brackets that are powder coated. They do indeed clip or slip under the plastic console. The armrest pad fits on top and is attached to the brackets with a thumbscrew. You tighten the thumbscrew underneath the pad. This creates tension to hold the ELD firmly in place. By loosening the thumbscrew and thus decreasing the tension you can gently slide the brackets fore or aft to your desired position. Then of course tighten the thumbscrew. I bought mine from TVA Auto (gotmini.com) and found them easy to work with. I like the fact that I have access to the seat controls as well as the rear cupholder (which I use quite often!). I also like not having to drill are permanently install the ELD. I to am not impressed with MINIFini products. That cupholder thing-a-ma-gig is crazy. No way would I attach anything to the downtubes. They scratch easily enough. Best of luck!
Ken

Thanks so much for the description. I'm going with the ELD - hopefully it will be the one and only. MMM

[MiniMamaMia]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniMamaMia

I will email the catalog to you. It will be a Word document - that's the way he sent it.

I've about decided to give the ELD a try first. If I need to return it, then I could go with the TT Design - or Outmotoring if they get it done in time. Also, I think I mentioned in one of these threads that when MINI called for the survey of new owners I mentioned the ridiculously complicated installation of the Minifini armrest available from the MINI dealers. My dealer installed one on an inventory MINI and described the process to me. There's no way I'm taking apart the entire console area and modifying parts just to install an armrest! Anyway - the MINI rep told me that MINI is very aware of the problem and will be introducing a new armrest design 'soon.' He did not know what 'soon' means, but suggested that I hold off until 'soon' arrives. My thinking now is to go with the ELD - cheap and easy - and wait for 'soon.' MMM

Just emailed to you the WoodCompany MINI armrest catalog pages. MMM