cannonguy

OK,

First time I have used search on this forum and not promptly found the answer I was looking for.

I have a replacement armrest cover I'm trying to install on my 02 Coupe. Old one is cracked. I pulled the entire plastic console and removed the four interior lid screws per the instructions - and the armrest pad won't budge. I presume it's glued on?

OK, forum - how best should I remove the original armrest pad off the console so I can install the replacement? If there's a related thread here that I missed, please send me the link.

Thanks

robsc501

Hi There,
Remove the 4 screws on the hinge bracket. Pay attention to which way the open end of the latch is facing.Remove those 2 screws. Remove the latch.Flip the lid over. Remove all the screws 6 or 7. Stick the d/sided tape about 3/16" from the edge all the way around except the latch area.Slip the cover on & pull the cover over the screw mounts & push it down.Continue pulling tightly around the edges & attach to the tape. Once you are at the hinge holes(4) pull the cover over & down on the mounting holes. ( the cover will stay attached at the screw holes)Once you have the cover attached, then secure the latch with 2 screws. Install the 6 or 7 screws. Turn over the lid & install the 4 screws to the hinge. Your finished provided you don.t have a bunch of wrinkles & the latch works properly.
robsc501

RedSoxFan

Are you trying to remove the OEM skin and replace with another OEM skin? The aftermarket covers go right over the OEM one, I don't think the OEM skin is going to come off easily. If that's you're intent it might be easier to buy a replacement console cover, you could try the parts section on this forum or a vendor like corvette recycling.

cannonguy

Nope - just trying to separate the original pad and plastic stiffener from the console lid.

Rob - thanks for the advice. I discovered that in it's previous life, this corvette had the armrest pad off and was put back on with a few dabs of gel super glue. Nothing is ever as it seems.....

So. I have the old one apart (glue buffed off) and the new cover on hand. Double stick tape? The original looks like it was installed with staples.

Thanks for your help. I love this forum!

srs244

if you don't like the idea of double stick tape, you can always use a good contact cement. basically all you do is stretch the new cover over the original and apply a bit of contact cement to the interior edges of the console lid and to the back of the cover "fabric". let the cement set until it is a bit shiny and press the pieces together and hold for a short time. i used double stick tape originally, but the console heat caused it to break down eventually. the contact cement has held up well for a long time.

robsc501

Hi There,
Using staples is overkill & so is some of the contact cement The original owner wasn't thinking ahead about when it needs to be replaced.Thus you got stuck with his bright idea.
robsc501

mtdoragary

My original is installed with staples. Quarter inch wide in the corners, and half inch wide on the sides and ends.

srs244

plus i added an under layer of foam for additional cushioning when i put my custom console cover on. looks and feels great.

GeneT

double sided tape, the thin 1/4" wide stuff from Joanne Fabrics, all around the underside edge,
then once it's stretched the way you like it, reassemble

Chicago1

When you stretch it would it just seprate from the glue or tape? Not sure if I follow. I have one also and unsure how I'm going to do this.

GeneT

After unscrewing the pad from the base, turn it upside down and put the doublesided tape all around the edge in strips. The stuff is super sticky, I couldn't believe it, even on leather. It's used instead of stitching fabrics. It has a covering on one side so you can press it into place and then peel it off. It only costs about $2 a roll. Make sure you get the thin (like scotch tape thin) and only 3/8" wide clear stuff, and not the foam stuff. Center the pad in the new cover and then start on one long side and stick one edge all along. Then, stretch across to the other side and stick it. Then, do the ends while gathering the corners and stretching out the wrinkles. Then, place the base back on and screw it back tight against the pad with the edges of the new cover underneath. It will hold the new pad in place along with the tape.

Chicago1

^Awesome thank you!!!

GeneT

OK, I found the roll of tape I used.
It's Dritz Res-Q Tape Double-sided Clear Adhesive tape # 418

It's 3/8" NOT 1/4" as I thought. Comes on a 3/8" x 5 yard roll so you'll have plenty

I got mine at Joanne Fabrics