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4 minute read
Installation of armrest cover for VES equipped cars only
1. Lift up cover showing the VES screen.
2. Locate and remove two Phillips head screws at the base of the cover.
3. Once removed, this will allow you to remove the cover assembly. At this point you will see two more of the same screws head the release latch. Remove these as well.
4. Now, firmly, but carefully, pry off the bottom black cover plate of the arm rest. Start in the corners and work your way from end to end and repeat as necessary as it’s a tight hold. It will release itself and will feel as if it broke. So long as you don’t gorilla handle it, and work all the corners and sides evenly it will come out intact. *** Do not pull or remove any of the rubber feet on the bottom. They will not expose any screws or help the removal at all. They will not be able to be reattached if removed. ***
5. With the cover removed, you will see four more screws holding the other half of the hinge on the cover. Remove and set aside these screws. This leaves you with only the lid.
6. Now, with a pair of needle nose pliers, staple remover, or thin pry bar, remove each of the staples on the underside.
7. Now with only a cover with foam padding on it, wipe it down to remove any oils or chemicals on it.
8. Align the stitching of your new cover on the indents made on the sides of the foam. This is a good indicator of the edges. It will not line up perfectly as the new piece is a little larger, but use it as a guide leaving an equal amount of material on either side of it. Ensure the piece is centered so the sides have enough material to wrap around. Also, if you choose an embroided design, make sure the design is positioned in the correct orientation.
9. After a test fit, spray an adhesive that can bond the plastic foam to leather. 3m has a large selection of these. Just read the can first for suitable applications.
10. After a couple of light coats, allow it to tack up and replace the new cover on the lid. You can reposition right after application so don’t worry about misplacing it…but do it quickly!
11. Allow the glue to bond and dry for an hour or so.
*** You will need a very heavy duty, narrow crown staple for this task. Do not attempt with your average hobby staple gun. An air powered or electric gun works best. You can also use leather glue but will require more time to dry and will take more time to hold the leather in place while it tacks and bonds to the plastic. ***
12. Come back and stretch the sides underneath. If you have embroidery, do the long sides first to smooth out any wrinkles on the leather from the stitching.
13. Ensure while stretching that you are not moving the leather off center. If you are, pull it up and apply more adhesive spray and wait more time.
14. When you start to stretch the sides, put a new staple on the middle of each side and evenly staple more on alternating sides to ensure the fit is tight. Once its tight, staple as many times as you can on each side to make double sure it wont be coming off.
15. The corners will possibly require you to trim off some of the material to get a staple in and the plastic cover back on.
16. Once dry, stapled/glue tight and trimmed to your liking and requirements, reassemble in the reverse order described above and show off to your friends and fellow car enthusiasts!
