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"Premium Armrest Mod"

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Finksies, Nov 29, 2009.

  1. Nov 29, 2009 at 7:01 AM
    #1
    Finksies

    Finksies [OP] Active Member

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    Thought I would share some picks on the armrest I just finished up doing on my 09 Tacoma. I saw the leather armrest Mod and figured I could improve on the design with the addition of some High Density foam.

    Started out with 1 inch High Density Foam. Took my 4.5" grinder with a sanding pad and shaved it down to about 1/2" thickness.

    IMG_1063_34798578bade8461dc8a92665767a89c16ed8c53.jpg

    Tools to the complete the job.
    -Angle Grinder
    -Dremel with sanding wheel
    -Sharp Razor
    -High Density foam (I got my from and upholstery shop)
    -3m Super 77
    IMG_1065_43bb1cbf0b3ebb7c2013a3f5c12bafba9267b267.jpg

    Next I glued the foam to the armrest.

    IMG_1062_9adbfa93751c640eaaa7c2f4e85050eeb270e250.jpg

    IMG_1064_70c3d57331e0249fb9c88d9c218634bb23fb96f4.jpg


    Next I took a razor and trimmed it to size, then followed it up with the dremel to ease the edges.

    IMG_1067_87165379a61a9e23e40378d793eae794c64e9ab5.jpg

    IMG_1066_3261519a9dc9cc58f2f42459bfb9eedcaccc53ff.jpg

    IMG_1061_90e9682622e472321ee256858df572697fea4d39.jpg


    Finished product. I used vinyl fake leather. It was hard to get it to stretch the way I wanted to. Got a few small wrinkles. But should be fine for the winter. I Wanna get Neoprene seat covers so I might experiment with that material next. The best part is its super comfortable, no more soar elbows!

    IMG_1068_5a6f203fd35507e4d0715b1bc8937f2680cd5cac.jpg
     
  2. Nov 29, 2009 at 7:08 AM
    #2
    AK27

    AK27 Well-Known Member

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  3. Nov 29, 2009 at 7:10 AM
    #3
    tcBob

    tcBob Gringo Bandito Moderator

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  4. Nov 29, 2009 at 7:40 AM
    #4
    w8n4mud

    w8n4mud I'm back.

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    Stock. Purchased 2/17/19. Cement!
    I never considered replacing the foam. Did you experience any difficulty installing the armrest with the added thickness? It looks like the leather didn't stick in the middle before it heads up from the flat portion. I started the same thing, but only have finished one door. I'm using Wet suite material instead of leather.
    It looks good. Kinda wish I was there to check it out in person and feel the softness. :D
    Good work man.
     
  5. Nov 29, 2009 at 7:45 AM
    #5
    Finksies

    Finksies [OP] Active Member

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    Yea, the glue worked ok. I got Elmers spray adhesive first and the fabric wanted to pull away. I then got the 3m 77 cause I figured it worked better, and it did. Still didnt stick as good as I wanted though. I think It might just be the fabric I used, because the back is like cotten. Either way, it feels 100 times better than stock.
     
  6. Nov 29, 2009 at 2:10 PM
    #6
    ItalynStylion

    ItalynStylion Sounds Gooooood

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    I've been looking to do something like this as well. I'm considering some high density nitrite foam that I have leftover from sound deadening. It doesn't squash as easily and it it's very easy to work with. I'd really like to find some Gore-tex type material to cover it with or something similar to the seats too. Too hopeful or no?
     
  7. Nov 29, 2009 at 2:13 PM
    #7
    ClemsonTacoma

    ClemsonTacoma Well-Known Member

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    I just may have to do this!
     
  8. Nov 29, 2009 at 2:39 PM
    #8
    jeremiekc

    jeremiekc Well-Known Member

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    I did the same thing on mine and absolutely love it. I had the same problem with the glue and ended up just using some industrial grade rubber cement that I picked up at Lowe's. It is the same stuff that they use to apply counter tops with. It worked great. I love the added cusion that the foam adds to it.
     
  9. Nov 29, 2009 at 2:42 PM
    #9
    AlexForbesR6

    AlexForbesR6 My R6 Eats Me

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    i ahve thought about doing this with some of that thin memory foam but i am not sure how thin i can get it...

    where do you get high density foam? the fabric store?
     
  10. Nov 29, 2009 at 3:06 PM
    #10
    scoobydoo

    scoobydoo New Member

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    Hey try a carpet store, urethane memory foam pad is all the rage in highend carpet installs. It comes in a 30 square yard roll which is enough to make about a million armrests, so ask about some scrap pieces or see if they will let you look in the dumpy. If that is a fail find a carpet installer, try the phone book, installers always have scraps in the van or truck and I am sure they would be more than happy to give to you. I have seen it as thin as 1/8" for under laminate flooring and up to 3/4" for under carpet so you should be able to find the thickness you want or laminate a couple pieces together for custom thickness. Use a good quality contact adhesive, 3M makes some good stuff just look for high grab and all that or try Durabond D815 if you can find it. Good Luck!
     
  11. Nov 29, 2009 at 3:12 PM
    #11
    Finksies

    Finksies [OP] Active Member

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    Depends on the fabric store. Im sure ebay has it. The stuff I got was the same density of like a motorcycle seat. It was really easy contour with a sanding pad.

    Im going to shop around. Im sure 3m make somthing stronger than super77.
     
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    #11
  12. Nov 29, 2009 at 3:48 PM
    #12
    scoobydoo

    scoobydoo New Member

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    tinted windows, bug shield, matching leer canopy
    Like I said, see if you can find Durabond D815. You can get it in pints, quarts, or gallons and it is some of the most tenacious glue I have used. It will adhere to just about anything, I havent found anything it wont stick to, and it remains active for awhile so if you have a little raised area or bubble just keep going back and rubbing it down and it will stick. Once again I saw this at a flooring store like the urethane foam stuff you guys are working on. Good Luck!
     
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    #12

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