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      04-21-2017, 02:26 PM   #1
zed4Jim
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E-brake/armrest leather replacement

The leather is cracking on the armrest in my 2006 3.0si. The quote from the dealership was $400 to fix it. I found new leather skin on ebay for $25. Has anyone done this before? If so, what am I getting myself into? TIA
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      04-21-2017, 03:37 PM   #2
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The arm rest is easily removed by removing the e-brake handle, prying up on the arm rest and sliding the assembly forward to remove it from the e-brake arm.
If I remember correctly the leather is stapled onto the plastic base of the arm rest.
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      04-21-2017, 05:09 PM   #3
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Should be an easy fix at an upholstery shop.
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      04-21-2017, 05:41 PM   #4
zed4Jim
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dbarton62 View Post
The arm rest is easily removed by removing the e-brake handle, prying up on the arm rest and sliding the assembly forward to remove it from the e-brake arm.
If I remember correctly the leather is stapled onto the plastic base of the arm rest.
Awesome! Thanks for the reply. I'll be tackling it myself, for sure. The $ saved definitely makes it worth it. Thanks again!
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      04-22-2017, 11:16 AM   #5
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Z make sure you take before during and after shots please
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      04-22-2017, 11:30 AM   #6
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Just did this myself...PAIN IN THE A$$.

The leather is cheap, it's the attaching to the foam base that is the issue. The ability to get a good clue that will hold the material around the edges is key. In the end some wedging trimming and finagling got it to work.

An upholstery shop should do it no problem, but it is a more intricate piece than you think because of how it loops down into the center counsel. But for the pain and effort I'd pay the $400.

Some other options (out of the box thinking as a solution)

https://www.leatherz.com/products/z4-armrest-bundle

https://www.leatherz.com/collections.../mark4-armrest

https://www.leatherz.com/collections...-cupholder-top

Review:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=841879

....and another alternative:
http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page106.html


.

Last edited by 3GFX; 04-22-2017 at 11:52 AM..
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      04-23-2017, 02:05 AM   #7
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I just put the Leatherz armrest in a few weeks ago and I love it.
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      04-24-2017, 10:27 AM   #8
zed4Jim
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3GFX View Post
Just did this myself...PAIN IN THE A$$.

The leather is cheap, it's the attaching to the foam base that is the issue. The ability to get a good clue that will hold the material around the edges is key. In the end some wedging trimming and finagling got it to work.

An upholstery shop should do it no problem, but it is a more intricate piece than you think because of how it loops down into the center counsel. But for the pain and effort I'd pay the $400.

Some other options (out of the box thinking as a solution)

https://www.leatherz.com/products/z4-armrest-bundle

https://www.leatherz.com/collections.../mark4-armrest

https://www.leatherz.com/collections...-cupholder-top

Review:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=841879

....and another alternative:
http://www.roadstersolutions.com/page106.html


.
Does the leatherZ armrest get in the way of the back storage compartment being able to open all the way?
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      04-24-2017, 12:33 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zed4Jim View Post
Does the leatherZ armrest get in the way of the back storage compartment being able to open all the way?
No idea, as I was providing an alternative to what I have done.

See my previous post...

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3GFX View Post
Also

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boosted 1 View Post
I just put the Leatherz armrest in a few weeks ago and I love it.
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      04-24-2017, 07:30 PM   #10
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No it doesn't get in the way, both open properly. I also have a zhp knob and rogue ssk. Some say its too high and makes it hard to shift with the short knob. But It doesn't feel awkward to me and I love having the armrest.
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