03 6MT - My center armrest is flat. no padding left. I removed the whole top with the mechanism attached. and have been removing lots of screws. but the leather top is not loose. How is it attached to the plastic shell?
My leather is ok but the padding needs to be replaced. How to remove the leather part?
I did a search but only found how to remove the entire console.
thanks.

 

There is a link somewhere with step by step instructions. Let me see if I can find it.

 

Here it is. It is on the TL forum:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/re-cushioning-flaccid-armrest-639974/

 

thanks, I figured it out. I probably need new leather now too, it is glued to the plastic shell and removing the leather causes it to crease and mark, I guess since it is old. The padding is just a thin layer of gray foam.

 

I replaced the entire thing. Any armrest lid from 01-03 CL or TL will bolt up. I got it off Ebay.

 

I replaced my foam with about 1/4" of a heavy density neoprene pad. I stretched the leather as best as I could and then screwed it all back together. If you really look at it you can tell the edges aren't as tight as stock, but it looks good and my right elbow is thanking me! I tried a single layer of the pad and it looked strange and had a stretched leather look. When I added in the second layer it looked fine.

 

I had a small upholstery shop re-cover the armrest and add some filler foam underneath. its held up very well for 3 years so far. Best $25 I've spent. And it actually matches the interior better than OEM did.