240/245 Arm rest
 

As above. Looking for an OEM Volvo arm rest. Don't necessarily need cup holders, any type or colour will do. I understand the rarity and the silly money they now make!

daveol111
If you struggle finding an original arm rest then this may interest you: ~
You could make your own and the one shown is exactly that- the metal work is almost identical to the originals: if interested I can post further details etc.
Regards Bob.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for coming back to me. I'd absolutely be interested in hearing more. The OEM ones are old fashioned and clunky at best, that look like a great solution. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks

Ok:~ I can sort a couple of extra photos together with some written details asap.
Regards Bob.

How to make a 240 front arm rest:~
 

Further to the above:~
How to make the central arm rest.

1988 Volvo 240 GL:~
This armrest is for the above car but may suit other models.
All measurements are approximate and no welding of the fittings is required although you could do this if you wish- I would template the framework initially out of card as this should aid towards cutting out the metal parts avoiding wastage & mistakes.
Metal parts have been keyed-etched primed then painted satin black.
The two side arms are made from flat bar approximately 3.5-4mm thick the width is about 1 1/2” . Total length of each bar is 11¾" (this is inclusive of the ¾” 90 degree bend that holds the top plate.
This plate is approx. 4” x 2 ¾” (4mm)

The two side arms are drilled at the base and secured to the seat belt bolts- a few inches higher than the above is a couple of smaller bolts one each side of central console (these hold the same to the existing metal frame) utilise these two points as additional securing points stopping the arms moving forward or back, You should now have two side arms that should be approximately ¾- 1inch above the plastic console top (no weight should be on the original plastic parts)

The top plate gets bolted to the arms (at the 90degree bend points) I used 3/16” size bolts with plain & spring washers (stainless)
When drilling the holes make sure you have side clearance for the hinge- again this is in stainless steel and bolted to the metal plate- the top opening flap is fastened to the arm rest with stainless self-tapping screws.
The hinge had been via eBay being a descent quality type (3” is fine)

The actual rest has a 1” deep hardwood timber base about 10” long x 5” wide and 3” deep.
The fabric is from a spare matching seat but you can choose whatever suits your car. The side fabric has a front & rear seam as pictured- the top piece is cut to shaped and sewn in etc. Adding a piping trim also helps with a neat finish.
Appropriately sized foam is used for the padding - once tacked or stapled into place a piece of carpet is glued to the underside of the rest covering the above.

When fitting the above to the plate/hinge you may find that the front of the rest is slightly low- made up a short “L” angle to raise into the level position- a small piece of panel edge trim can be fitted as shown to the top of this angle and this also cushions the rest, the angle is again held in place by two small fasteners.

The rest can be raised to access the trinket box- use of the seat belts remain as normal but the rest can be lifted up slightly if required, make sure that the rest isn’t too long or you may find it awkward to reach the hand brake etc.
This makes a descent replacement for the now quite rare original.
Hope you find it useful.
Regards Bob.

Not as good looking as that but I found a universal one online which fits well, just screws to the side of the handbrake console. It lifts out of the way if necessary, has a small storage compartment, and doesn't get too much in the way of the hand brake. It was a couple of years ago but I'd be surprised if they're not still available.

I'd love to have one of those home made ones, looks superb, but I doubt I have the skill to make it!