Center console - grab handle delete

I really, really don't like the grab handle on the center console: it serves no legitimate purpose and makes the cabin feel smaller and confined. I get itchy just looking at it. I think it might be possible to remove it without causing too much ugliness re: gaps / exposed bolt holes. Or maybe someone will come up with a 3D-printed "blank" that can be installed in its place.

Has anyone taken apart the center console to see how the handle mounts? I will document my attempts in this thread.

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Update: I took apart the center console loosely following the instructions from the Z-Precision cupholder replacement.

1. Remove the shifter trim w/buttons by pulling up on it, it's held in place only by approx. 4 friction clips that let go pretty easily.
2. Remove one 8mm bolt tying the grab handle to the cupholder laterally.
3. Pry open the access flap below the grab handle and remove two 10mm bolts.
4. Tug the trim plate at bottom left of the glovebox (held by 2 friction clips) to reveal the final two 10mm bolts anchoring the grab handle to the steel supports above the transmission tunnel.
5. Tug the grab handle out, working against approx. 5 friction clips.

Bad news: the handle has an outer skin and an inner structural member (all plastic); however, separating those two would not achieve any meaningful results in terms of an aesthetically-pleasing result upon reinstallation. I spent some time pondering how I might trim the plastic and fill the resulting gaps...I did not like any of the ideas that I came up with. I ended up reinstalling the handle for now. Maybe someone will come up with a 3D-printed filler plate.

 

But how else will the passenger lift a cheek to fart?

 

All my passengers like their “oh shit” handle. No farting in my truck, unless it is me!!!

 

Perhaps a pharmacist could recommend a cream for that.;-)

 

A simple over-the-counter hydrocortisone will take care of that.

 

It really does make cabin feel more cramped.

 

I hate it too, plus that little storage area to the left of if is practically useless. The interior of these trucks has been a disappointment. Too much overthinking by Toyota’s engineers IMHO…

 

I agree, whole truck design feels like it's just trying too hard. Not really the Tacoma way of the past. Tacoma was always known to be most simple and reliable. They definitely got away from this with the 4th Gen.

 

Update: I took apart the center console loosely following the instructions from the Z-Precision cupholder replacement.

1. Remove the shifter trim w/buttons by pulling up on it, it's held in place only by approx. 4 friction clips that let go pretty easily.
2. Remove one 8mm bolt tying the grab handle to the cupholder laterally.
3. Pry open the access flap below the grab handle and remove two 10mm bolts.
4. Tug the trim plate at bottom left of the glovebox to reveal the final two 10mm bolts anchoring the grab handle to the steel supports above the transmission tunnel.
5. Tug the grab handle out, working against approx. 5 friction clips.

Bad news: the handle has an outer skin and an inner structural member (all plastic); however, separating those two would not achieve any meaningful results in terms of an aesthetically-pleasing result upon reinstallation. I spent some time pondering how I might trim the plastic and fill the resulting gaps...I did not like any of the ideas that I came up with. I ended up reinstalling the handle for now. Maybe someone will come up with a 3D-printed filler plate.