Armrest Instructions

These instructions appeared in http://www.abraxasdesign.tv/armrest/armrest.htm

Tips and Suggestions

Be careful when pulling the leather thread tight, it will snap.

If you don’t mind permanent change, you can ad glue(Leatherweld) on the inside to help hold the leather. Short Flathead screws would probably work on the inside also to hold the leather permanently.

Try and trim as much leather on the inside as possible, this helps keep it from being to bulky. Just make sure you measure before you cut.

Materials

Garment grade black leather.

I got a half a hide from Tandys leather. Runs about $4 a sq foot. Just check it for scars

½ “ open cell foam

You can get this at any craft store like Michaels or Joanns. I used the foam they sell by the yard that is used for cushions, pillows, etc.. If you want a softer armrest use double layers or get 1” foam. There is more of a chance of the leather having wrinkles in it when it is softer.

Heavy Duty Thread or cord & leather needle

I used waxed leather twine. This needs to be strong because you will be pulling tight on it. You can use cord or plastic cord of some sort from a craft store. It just needs to be strong.

A pretty strong leather needle is needed too. Like an upulstry needle.

Step 1

Remove the armrest by removing the bottom 4 screws

Step 2

Remove the bottom cover of the armrest by removing the screws.

Step 3

Cut a piece of foam to cover the armrest.

Lay the armrest on the foam and trace it with a marker.

(It would be better to use a soft tape measure and measure the surface area)

Don’t have the foam go past the edges of the armrest. This makes the edges soft and not be sharp. Which Looks better.

Cut the foam

Step 4

Cut a piece of leather it the same general shape as the armrest. You want about 3-4” of leather on the edges to wrap around into the center. We will trim some leather when we sew. It’s better to have extra to cut off than be short.

Step 5

Sew cris cross about 4 times across to just snugly tighten the leather around the armrest

(this is temporary to hold the leather)

Start sewing around the edges of the armrest. This should come out like a drawstring is on a bag.

Make sure to keep the thread on the inside of the screw holes. This will hold the thread tight after screws are in.

Put the thread holes about 2 “ apart and tighten as you go but just snug not too tight.

Once you go all around , tighten it up pretty good and adjust the gathers on the corners. The corners take a little work

You will have to trim some leather off so it doesnt get to clumpy. Also trim it from the square area that is seen through the inside cover(think it’s a book holder??) If you can, try and keep the threads from crossing that square area too.

I put some extra threads across to make it nice and tight until you screw the cover on. Some of the ones that are seen can be cut and pulled out. I’m sure the screws hold the leather after they are put in.

Step 6

Smooth out any wrinkles and extreme folds.

There will be 2 little posts at the top of the armrest on the inside. Snip little holes in the leather and pull it snug then slip the holes over the posts to hold the leather.

Step 6

Place the inside cover back on and screw in the screws. You should be able to put the screws through the leather into the holes.

Check and make sure the latch release slides ok.

Screw it back on the hinge in the car.

You can cut those extra threads that show inside if needed now.

That should be it. You should have a nice comfy armrest now . Enjoy