The armrests slot into the gap between your window and the door card, then lock on with three nuts underneath. It takes about 10 minutes a side and all you need is a 10mm spanner or socket.
Before you start
The bracket does the holding, not the magnets. On leather or plastic door cards, like most 3rd Gens, the magnets have nothing to grab. That's fine. A bracket set up properly is what keeps the armrest in place.
Fitting it, step by step
Step 1: Loosen the nuts
Turn the armrest over and, with a 10mm spanner or socket, loosen the nuts on the underside of the mounting bracket, just enough that the bracket slides in its three slots.
Step 2: Slide the bracket all the way out
Pull the mounting bracket outwards until it stops. It needs to be at full extension before it goes on the door.
Step 3: Test fit it on the door
Sit the armrest on top of the door card so the bracket drops into the gap between the window and the door card. Slide it along until it's where you want it.
Step 4: Tighten the nuts
Once you're happy with the position, tighten the nuts back up with your 10mm spanner or socket so the bracket locks in place.
Step 5 (optional): Fit the SURF badges
The badges are tucked inside the cup holder, under the silicone sleeve, so they're easy to miss. Lift the sleeve, peel the backing tape and press a badge into the recessed slot on each side. Leave them off if you prefer a cleaner look.
Getting a snug fit
Door cards vary from truck to truck, so a few need a little extra help. Work through these in order.
- It moves around or won't sit down. Check the bracket is at full extension (step 2) and the nuts are properly tight.
- It rattles or lifts over bumps. Stick a strip of velcro under the bracket. It takes up the small gap against the door card and stops it moving on rough roads and speed bumps.
- The magnets aren't grabbing. Normal on leather and plastic door cards. The magnets only help on metal. The bracket is what holds it, so focus on the two fixes above.
Will it fit my vehicle?
The armrest was originally made for the 70 Series Land Cruiser and adapted with adjustable brackets to suit the Hilux Surf and 4Runner. Plenty of owners of other trucks ask too, so here's what we know so far.
| Vehicle | Fits? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hilux Surf / 4Runner, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen | Yes | With adjustable brackets |
| 70 Series Land Cruiser | Yes | What it was originally made for |
| 1st Gen Tacoma | Yes | Fitted by owners |
| 1st Gen Tundra | Yes | The adjustable bracket takes up the difference |
| 1987 4x4 pickup, non-SR5 | Yes | Metal door card version, fitted by an owner |
| 2nd Gen Tacoma | Close | Needs changes to fit |
| Lexus GX470 | No | Door card shape doesn't suit |
| Prado 120 | No | Door card shape doesn't suit |
| 200 Series Land Cruiser | No | Door card shape doesn't suit |
Not on the list? Email us a photo of your door card from the top and we'll tell you before you buy.
Matches the door armrests and replaces a worn or cracked factory lid.
Common questions
I can't find the badges
They're inside the cup holder, under the silicone sleeve. Lift the sleeve and you'll see them.
I fitted a badge upside down
Gently prise it out of the recess with a plastic tool and press it back in the right way up.
Still stuck? Sing out.
Send a photo of where you're at and we'll help you sort it. We usually reply within a couple of hours.
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