Console Cover (Armrest) Redone

MadDad · 07-26-2007, 10:57 AM

I've been hungering for that 22Elite armrest since I saw lilrobo's post on the armrest a little while ago. While I was out this morning I found a piece of remnant in black (yes I was in the fabric store -- just looking around I swear!) for $3.50 so I snagged it. Here's the breakdown and results (this is my first time working with upholstery as you can see)
First I removed the console cover (armrest) from the console -- 2 phillips head screws at the back latch.

Next I disassembled the armrest -- two phillips head screws attaching the hinge to the rear, two phillips head screws holding the front of the bottom plate at the latch and one phillips head screw holding the latch assembly. After the screws are removed simply remove the stock armrest cover. The cover is very pliable, I started at a front corner and worked around from there.

After I had the armrest disassembled I cut a piece of foam to the general size I needed (always better to start bigger -- you can take more off but you can't put it back if it's too small) and trimmed to fit the contour of the armrest.

After I had the foam core trimmed to the size and shape I wanted I used some spray adhesive to attach it to the lid plate. I then laid the lid plate with foam attached onto my piece of vinyl and precut to the general size needed (remember bigger is better!). After I had the piece cut I trimmed it down to the size I needed and began stretching the vinyl over the lid plate. Satisfied with the fit I applied the adhesive along one edge and made my final cuts. A little trimming to accommadate the latch and then reattach the latch mechanism, bottom plate and hinge. (Sorry no pictures of this part of the process -- not enough hands-- hopefully you get the idea from the description)

Worked out a few wrinkles in the sun and then reattach to the console

Not too bad I suppose -- still a few wrinkles but I can live with that until I get the interior redone. And I can always strip it off and put the stock cover back on.

**chance6384** · 07-26-2007, 11:22 AM

Well MadDad ... you go man..... I dont have the nack for doin interior... I still got the roof down on my z28... but koodoes man...

Looks good... now the question is... is it comfortable? (smile)

Ps... fabric store huh?

MadDad · 07-26-2007, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chance6384

Looks good... now the question is... is it comfortable? (smile)

Ps... fabric store huh?

Very comfortable -- the foam core is for a seat cushion ($5.50 at Wal-Mart). I swear I just went in the fabric store for uhhhhhhhhh ..... change, yeah change to buy a paper that's it, that's the ticket! -LOL

JRob007 · 07-26-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadDad

Very comfortable -- the foam core is for a seat cushion ($5.50 at Wal-Mart). I swear I just went in the fabric store for uhhhhhhhhh ..... change, yeah change to buy a paper that's it, that's the ticket! -LOL

LOL....

Can't wait to see the pics when I get home.....

**HemiLover** · 07-26-2007, 11:33 AM

Cool! A padded console would be nice....

The wrinkles will probably tighten up after a few hot days

Prospector · 07-26-2007, 01:30 PM

I applaud and extol your nerve to try... and what a great job you did! That is why you are one of my Heros... along with Snoopy and the guy on the Red & Green show. No really, you really are.

MadDad · 07-26-2007, 01:35 PM

Thanks Prospector, all it cost me was $10 and about an hour of my time. If I don't like it -- easy switch back to stock! Of course now it makes me want the Katzskins SRT interior (black with white inserts) even more dang it!

**Magmania** · 07-26-2007, 02:01 PM

Very nice on the inexpensive mods MadDad

JRob007 · 07-26-2007, 04:05 PM

lookin good maddad!

MadDad · 07-26-2007, 04:20 PM

Thanks everybody, always good to hear from those you admire!