Anyone remove armrests and cover 2nd row armrest studs? - HOW?

[othercarasaab]

So here's my situation... 3 kids, 2 of which are still small enough they require a 5-point harness, and thus don't use the factory seatbelts.
These 2 kids are in the second row so we can buckle them in easily. The latch system holding in carseats allows seat to slide forward and back freely to adjust for cargo, BUT our oldest usually climbs through the middle like in larger minivans.

This space is somewhat tight with the armrests on the seats. For my configuration, they serve no productive purpose, and I would like to remove IF I can safetly cover the rotation stud that limits the armrest travel...

Does anyone have a solution for this? Does Mazda have a part that can be purchased to place over the metal plate and mounting stud?

I figure if I can't thoroughly confuse people as to why I would want to do something, then it probably wasn't a weird enough idea!

 

[Silentnoise713]

I will be doing the same to allow better access to 3rd row. I am contemplating removing ALL armrest if I can source a nicely matched center console cover, preferably one with a sliding cover. Anyone know a good car to get it out of?

 

[flcruising]

Are you sure it's a stud and not a bolt? If a stud, I'd either put a rubber cover over it or a cap nut, or maybe a knob.

 

[thaxman]

I thought they were bolts too. Can't confirm because I only unzippled the armrest some for a peek. Want to get rid of them too. What is this thing, a conversion van!?! Anyway, let me know what you find out as I'm not ready to go that route yet. But, if it matters at all, I was going to throw light grey seat covers over all 4 front seats to reduce the amount of black fabric and plastic absorbing not reflecting the sun's rays. That would take care of the big hole from the (assumed) bolt.

 

[othercarasaab]

Sorry for the confusion in using the word stud. I wasn't meaning stud like wheel stud, that is threaded.
The arm-rest does indeed come off with a bolt. I was meaning the plate coming out of the seat when bolt and arm-rest is removed.

Wish I had taken a picture the other night, at work now.
Behind the armrest is a metal plate that is part of the major seat assembly. It sticks out slightly beyond the normal plane of the seat (bumping into aisle between seats). In that bracket or machined part, there is a metal peg of sorts that is probably 3/8" bar stock that is 1/2" into this aisle. It fits into a track in the molded plastic of the armrest, that the armrest rotates on. This provides the mechanical stop in the up and down position for the armrest (where the machined track ends, this 'stud' then is holding against the plastic of the armrest, providing support).

Given the armrest height, and size of this protrusion, I see it catching cargo pockets or belt loops of kids clothing, very quickly ending any perceived benefit of ingress if it rips up clothing (or worse) getting back there.

 

[flcruising]

I'd definitely need a picture of that. It still sounds like you'd need to be creative here.

 

[thaxman]

Polyfoam, like PCs and monitors come shipped in, cut to be dome shaped and fit over the peg, then a seat cover. Remember to get a seat cover that will allow for the side airbags.

 

[Mazda5Sport2010]

Just joined and realize this thread is old, but was wondering if any of you still have the armrests. I bought a 2010 Mazda 5 and they are missing. Black leather and would be very interested in procurring a set of RH ones for the second row.

Thanks!
Tom