DIY leather arm rests

Before:



During:





Installed:








Center Console:







Bottom:



Latch:



Rear Seam:





I used Joann's Vinyl, it's basically a matte black. I would have preferred leather, but the vinyl was really inexpensive at around $20.00 with tax for a yard. It was more than enough to do all 4 doors and the center console.

The vinyl is very thin, and I, against the advice in this thread, used the adhesive directly onto the original cloth. If I hadn't done this, the armrests would have no padding at all. They've been on since November and I haven't had any separation on any of the arm rests. I did have extra long flaps going around the back and adhered to the plastic. I strongly suggest using the 3M 90 high strength adhesive. Note: Make sure you use a light coat on both the new wrap and the panel. It's very easy to think you need a lot of adhesive... you don't, and it's actually detrimental to use too much.


As far as the console cover is concerned, my main goal was to use little to no adhesive on the original rubbery console covering. I have a friend who has worked for Rolls-Royce and Tesla in their interior design and upholstery departments. He was the one who "designed" the console cover. As you can see, it is not perfect - by any means. In his words, a console cover like this would normally take a few hundred re-designs to get it perfect (by RR standards at least). We did this on a Saturday night in a few hours, using masking tape, sharpies, $20 worth of vinyl, and a sewing machine from the early 90's.

The one you see on the truck is the second attempt. It has some peaking at the seams, but the pictures make it seem much more pronounced than it actually is. This console cover could be made by any one who's got a sewing machine (and knows how to use it), for far cheaper than any covers I've seen online.


Good luck!

 

Got it from a local upholstery place. One yard was $15 and enough to do all four arm rests at least 2x over.

I recommend not to do all 4 at once Do one and see how it turns out. I had trouble getting mine to stick good in the concave part kept pulling up after a few days. Ended up paying the upholstery place to do it for me and had them do the center console cover also which required stitching.

 

Great sticky...here are pics of the OEM version (2007 Canadian Taco with factory leather heated seats):

 

Sub'd for future use. Good write up.

 

Used 3M Super 77 before finding complaints in this thread.... definitely not a good choice! My second attempt, as the first time, the glue didn't work either. Gonna try 3M90 next.

Also, DON'T plastidip the front handles.... wouldn't dry, even after I added a clear coat to it.

Looking into Ed's Polyester covers for the handles and maybe the center console....

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...e/272833-fs-armrest-center-console-cover.html

 

If you like leather, check out http://www.redlinegoods.com I have their leather center console cover as well as door handle covers. All holding up very nicely after 1 year.

 

I really like that! Wow! Might just be ordering a set!

 

So I've tried this a couple times and haven't gotten close to your all's results. Would any care to chime in on some tips when applying the new fabric? I've sanded the armrest, then 3M 90 to the arm rest and backside of the fabric, wait a bit, then put it on.

Maybe it's my method of laying the fabric on? If anyone who was successful wants to give me a few pointers as to exactly how you went about laying on the fabric, that'd be great! I can't seem to get the fabric all the way in the corner of the armrest ..

 

I actually didnt take the stock fabric off. I laid a base coat of the 3M adhesive and let if dry. Then sprayed a second light coat and stuck my new fabric on. Just dont spray too much or it might soak through the fabric. Just take your time. and you'll get it.

 

Oh interesting...bet that's a little softer, but too late for me now haha

So you only sprayed the stock fabric with 2 coats, but no spray on the new fabric?

 

correct

 

I had issues as well.... did my 4th attempt yesterday. Used Lepage HD Contact Cement.... I'll let you all know how it holds up!

 

Yep I'm running another try tomorrow with some different vinyl type material that is more stretchy than my last stuff. Hopefully will fit the contours of the armrest better. Gonna try a combo of 3M 90 and contact cement

 

Well, my 4th Attempt is a bust too.... I guess I'll be paying someone locally to do mine.... :/

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qIT0yCQ89Ko#t=697

 

good find. thanks

 

Looks great! I'm going to be doing this to mine real soon!

 

What did you use to make it stick? I am ordering neoprene today.

 

Just the other day, I purchased one of those interior cleaning product to clean down this area. As I was scrubbing and cleaning, I thought to myself that it was a pretty dumb idea to make this section cloth. It picks up all oil from your forearm and over time the cloth just looks dirty. This is a great post that I'm adding onto my to do list.

 

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