Armrest Repair
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Armrest Repair
I have a 2003, 7.3L, Crew cab, Lariat, F-350 and the leather (or vinyl) is coming loose from the side of the front armrest/console. I believe that I have the 40/20/40 front seat. I would like to repair this. It appears that there is a spiked "ring" that sits in a groove around the top outside edge of the armrest/console, to hold the material in place. Is it possible to remove this "ring", put the material back in place, and lock it down again? If so, how? Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
Got the same problem but mines from my son's putting their feet up and pulling the vinyl apart and cloth, the back part between the front seats
. Haven't had a chance to really investigate a fix but I'm open for suggestions too, subscribing..
. Haven't had a chance to really investigate a fix but I'm open for suggestions too, subscribing..
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Millbrook Alabama
Been there done that. first remove the capet covering form the inside of the deck lid. it just peels off, but save it, and you can reinstall it later.
remove all the little trim screws holding the top to the bottom, and remove old covering. go to fabric store and get some marine vinyl (1 yard, and you will have leftovers) use old covering as a template for new covering. (WARNING: old covering is sewn together with contours to fit the lid. you will have to be creative and stretch, and cut your vinyl to fit.
youll notice the cut I had to make so i could get a smooth tight finish on top. the cut is hidden by the change holder, and you dont see it when lid is closed.
you will need a good contact adhesive to do this. READ THE DIRECTIONS, AND FOLLOW THEM. This is what I used
remove all the little trim screws holding the top to the bottom, and remove old covering. go to fabric store and get some marine vinyl (1 yard, and you will have leftovers) use old covering as a template for new covering. (WARNING: old covering is sewn together with contours to fit the lid. you will have to be creative and stretch, and cut your vinyl to fit.
youll notice the cut I had to make so i could get a smooth tight finish on top. the cut is hidden by the change holder, and you dont see it when lid is closed.
you will need a good contact adhesive to do this. READ THE DIRECTIONS, AND FOLLOW THEM. This is what I used
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Not quite my problem. Mine is coming down on the side. The top is fine. On Brandon's picture, it would be as if the fabric around the lower portion of the armrest was pulled down. My armrest is a little different, though.My armrest is like this one (not my truck, though). 
I think I could fix it if I could get the cup-holder portion out. Any ideas?
I think I could fix it if I could get the cup-holder portion out. Any ideas?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kamloops, BC
I've got the same problem..... mine just pulled out of the groove at the back ! I think If I took it apart I could fit it back in.... The leather is still in good condition ! My console looks like the one in the picture above !
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Yes, mine is pulled out of the groove, but still in good shape. I think that if the cup-holder section can be removed, then the "ring" with the spikes would pull out, the leather pulled back up and the "spike-ring" could be put back in. The removal of the cup-holder section is where I'm stuck. I don't see any screws. If it snaps in, I'm nervous pulling it too hard.
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Well, I finally tried prying the cup holder section of the armrest off and broke one of the clips. So, I guess that is not the way to go. I tried working the fabric back under the "spike-ring" with a screwdriver and some dental tools. It would not stay. Now I am mystified as to how this spike-ring works. The cross section is in the shape of a upside-down "L" with the spikes hanging down from the shorter section of the "L". I think the fabric must go all the way under the end of the longer section of the "L". I don't know. I'm now trying to come up with some gluing scheme that would not look too bad. I'm still looking for some help.
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I had thought about replacing it, but thought it to be unlikely that I could find the the right color in good shape. Having one to take apart would be great. Yesterday I pulled up copious amounts of material, then clamped it in place. Then I could pry up the spike-ring and work the material under it with a putty knife. I am about 95% satisfied. The portion under the cup holder section is not perfect since I could not pry up the spike-ring very far. The rest of it looks good. Now, I'll see if it stays.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Millbrook Alabama
I had thought about replacing it, but thought it to be unlikely that I could find the the right color in good shape. Having one to take apart would be great. Yesterday I pulled up copious amounts of material, then clamped it in place. Then I could pry up the spike-ring and work the material under it with a putty knife. I am about 95% satisfied. The portion under the cup holder section is not perfect since I could not pry up the spike-ring very far. The rest of it looks good. Now, I'll see if it stays.
Post Fiend
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From: Millbrook Alabama
See all those little dimples in the carpet of the console? Those dimples are hiding screws. take out the screws, and the whole tub, including cup holders will come out. after you get it out (the whole tub) turn it over and see if there are not a couple of screws or pop tabs holding the cupholder in.
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I pulled up the carpet and no screws visible. Check out the pic I added to my gallery. Is that a cap covering a screw or just part of the mold? You can see I was picking at it with a utility knife, with no luck. There are nine of these things in the bottom of the tub. What do you think? Thanks
Post Fiend
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From: Millbrook Alabama
Dude, I am at a loss.... That tub has to come out of the armrest somehow. Sorry that I made you pull up the carpet, but I was sure the bottom was like the lid, and the screws were under there, especially looking at the pics, it looks like little indentations in the carpet over a screw hole.