FRST4DR

Thats where I got my foam, the Luxury-Firm High Density in 1/2 inch. Really good stuff!

kmo

Great DIY! I just did this to mine. I went with 1 inch high density foam from Joanne fabric. Came out awesome, it's super plush now

vhtan00

Thanks for the info. I went to Joanne and could not find the 1/2 high density either. They only had the 1". Good to know the 1" works!

VT

akapsak1

Thanks for the diy. I was able to get this done. Now I'm riding in comfort again. My elbow thanks you!

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

Subscribing. I need to do this bad lol.

Tosh

I found that it is not necessary to fully detach the leather from the plastic base, leaving it attached on one of the long sides. I used a high density foam about 1/4 inch thick, trimmed it to size, and glued it down in some spots along the perimeter to keep it in place. Then I used 'Loctite Vinyl, Fabric, & Plastic Flexible Adhesive' in a tube to glue the leather cover back on. This adhesive gives a fairly long working time for you to stretch and massage the leather cover tight back into its original position. Keeping the leather warm and pliable helps...

talmadgeryan

iTrader: (1)

Great DIY, I will have to do this.

gungrave

I have done the fix but now the armrest once pulled, it doesn't go back all the way any ideas what could cause it to be problematic.

GKinColo08TL

Guys...check out Redlinegoods.com...great new leather covers for your armrest, with extra padding, color choice. Also for e brake boot and shift boots.

Tosh

While the Redlinegoods.com looks like fairly high quality stuff, judging by these photos of the CL and TL from their website, it also doesn't appear that it matches the original low-quality Acura leather...

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

..and the color doesn't match.

GKinColo08TL

The quality is better than the original armrest for sure.

Many colors, the picture above shows a contrasting color, check the stripe, it matches the seats.

Here's mine, black with white because I have a WDP.

ClinicMan

Just replaced my arm rest cushion today using 1/2 inch foam and it came out great.

Will Y.

The rectangle of 1" foam comes in a package (see images above); the 1/2" is in a roll that is cut and sold by the yard.
I bought 1/2 yard for $6.

x 2-- it's exactly like stock now, but hopefully will hold up longer.

The 1/2" foam is the perfect thickness for the sides, but I was thinking I could have tried fitting a second layer at the top of the armrest to make it plusher.

4drviper

so did you get 1" and compressed it down to .5 ? or is it actually 1" plush on the top??

Wacker

Several of us have used the 1" with great success. The leather will stretch over the extra padding. It does compress some...its only natural that it would...but if you want to know exactly how much, you can go ahead and measure after you do yours and report back. It's not rocket science or blue printing. It's just padding. Not even worth measuring.

akaczr

Lol... Flaccid; great title . I was just shopping for a foam replacement but this is a great idea. Thanks!

Kabayo

I'm gonna do my 03 CL soon. I already bought 3/8" carpet padding, which is probably thicker then the original. I'm not sure how it compares in density/firmness, as the padding was already shot when I bought the car.

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't go less than 1/2"

I am really liking the 1" padding. I am extremely glad I took the time to do this mod. I use it every time I drive my car.

Kabayo

I don't know how you guys ever got the leather cover all the way back on with that thick foam you're using. With the 3/8" carpet padding I used, I was unable to get the cover back to its original position. I think the OEM padding must have been 3/16" or maybe 1/4". The sides are just barely on enough for the glue to hold. And what a pain it was to try to get the cover pulled on tight with sticky glue on everything, all the while trying to avoid getting any glue on the finished surface of the leather.

I still may wind up biting the bullet and buying a new one, if the cover starts coming loose.

I salute your guys for your efforts and abilities!

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

LOL mine didn't go all the way to the original position but pretty damn close.

I trimmed some of the padding down at the corners and stretched the leather.

Nobody will ever see the bottom except you. The 1" is well worth it. My elbow feels as if in heaven everytime I drive my car.

Plus I have a 6mt so I am constantly in that area. With my arm rest slid forward I am at a perfect position to change gears.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

This can be done on the doors as well.

Also, just an idea, stuff two gel foot insert or a 1/4" yoga mat on the bottom layer, then as much high density as possible above it.

This will let it feel soft to flat surfaces (your forearm) and soft to pointy surfaces (your elbow). Because the gel or mat (MLV) won't let your elbow go through to the bottom.

Second skin MLV would probably be ideal...

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

I have been looking at the doors actually. I don't really rest my arm on them but they are definitely hurting in the padded luxury department.

Kabayo

Sounds like you guys wish you'd never left the womb...

Jamesyn

Awesome write up, I know what I'm doing for my first DIY

Pitinzki

This is what I have been looking for. Thanks for the write up!

WI_TL

I used the 1" foam and the super 77 spray adhesive. The foam worked out great. The adhesive on the other hand did not. The leather keeps peeling off of the plastic. I even took it apart again and completely cleaned all the old glue off and scuffed up the plastic and then used binder clips to hold it to the plastic and let it sit overnight. Still a no go. Now I need to find something different to glue it with. I might try gorilla glue as it is a little more permanent.

Kirk3272

iTrader: (1)

Use Super 90. You have to spray both surfaces, let the glue dry. Then the glue sticks to itself.

WI_TL

I did wait until the glue was super tacky and then pulled the leather and clamped it. I think there is too pressure from all the foam that is inside the leather. I really have to pull hard to get it over the plastic. I could trim more foam off, but I like the way it is and don't want to do that.

Acuraman101

WOW I guess I just got used to putting my elbow on a concrete Brick, I'm doing this tonight,
Great DIY!

geekybiker

I need to do this. Considering using maybe 3mm neoprene as a base and wrapping 1/2" high density foam over it. Should solve the problem of your elbow bottoming out in foam. Or maybe the 1" foam is enough for that?

BlackBeard51

Nice fix! I'll have to try this. My armrest's flaccidity has become a real problem.

Aceeagle21X

1st time on Acurazine as a registered user and I find a quick fix to my biggest pet pieve on my TL! pretty cool, Nice Post!!

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

Why? Because Acura cheaped out on consumer comfort??

I don't use the door armrests because I have to have my left hand on steering wheel and right hand at the ready to shift gears.

That's why I love this armrest mod and the fact that it slides right up to the shifter.

powdbyrice

thanks for the write up.

my 90 mile commute (roundtrip) will be much more comfortable!

WhatFurrer

I have a very sharp elbow and with the 6MT, I could use a bit of cushion. My wife thinks to do this would be a waste of time but she will be out of town in a week or so and so I will probably do it while she is gone and then see what she thinks after the mod...Kinda of a drag to be such a nice car and have the center arm rest look so crappy.

Thanks for the DIY.

WhatFurrer

intel_908

just done it


Turns out great! Very happy with the result

NBP04TL4ME

I need to do this as well. Probably wait until the weather gets a little warmer so the leather is more pliable.

Thanks for the write - up!

Vitek413

Thanks guy Im doing my flaccid armrest right now
so far this is what I've done.
I went to foam fabrics and bought my self the 1/2 inch foam for like 5$

Vitek413

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