Hey Guys, since getting my car one thing that has really annoyed me was the leather on the armrest. It is in extremely bad shape, one of the few things messed up on the car. Now I bought the replacement cover on eBay but don't really feel like it matches well. Its not even leather and I'm afraid it might look cheap if I take it apart. Has anyone used any good alternate methods for replacing this cover?

 

You probably need to buy a new console top from Lexus. they're around $200 last I checked.

 

Replacement leather arm rest cover is an option: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-01-06-Lexus-LS-430-Console-Lid-Armrest-Real-Leather-Skin-Cover-Beige-Tan-/171190463793?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ALS430&hash=item27dbbf2d31&vxp=mtr

 

if thats the only issue with your interior i would order a cover from lexus and be happy.
try mLparts.com,they are a sponsor and you can get free shipping and a 10% discount use cl5 before you check out.i bought a drivers seat cushion and was very happy with the whole ordering process.

 

Thats exactly what I have and I don't think it matches that well, it looks fake. Looks like it is part #5895150010A1, I didn't realize you could buy it direct from Lexus. I'm debating trying the cover I have out or dropping the cash on the cover, since its almost $300.

 

Parts.com $243

https://www.parts.com/index.cfm?fuse...ter-ivory-DOOR

 

MyLparts has been super good to me....

mmolini@lexusofroseville.net

 

We can get that cover for you for $253.18 with free shipping.
Hope to do business with you!
Thanks!

 

Another option, depending on how far gone the cover is and if you're trying to keep a low budget -
Do a diluted IPA wipedown on center console at least twice to remove dirt and oils. Match interior color code with SEM leather/vinyl paint. Apply 3 coats. I have the Ecru interior and the paint matched perfectly

Since it is considered an high traffic area, the process may need to be performed again every 1-2 years depending on wear. I did this to mine and it has lasted 2 years now before showing enough wear to motivate me to want to correct again.. Note, any type of body lotion or oils causes the LS interior to wear and peel quicker.... like the peeling you see on lots of LS steering wheels

More than likely, some of you that bought older used LS430's from the dealership had this procedure or similar process done on the seats prior to purchase. It works great but it is a band aid will need to be reapplied again depending on amount of wear.... but hey, a bottle of IPA and a can of SEM paint every 1-2 years = less than $20

I just recently did the front passenger seat (ivory white) of a 2013 BMW 7 Series that was stained from a newspaper coupon ad, owner blown away by end results.

 

I don't get out much. What is IPA and SEM?

 

IPA -Isopropyl Alcohol
SEM - brand of paint

Hopefully towards the end of summer the drama in my life will slow down, if so I plan on dying my front seats. I'll add photos of the procedure of using SEM paint on the center console first, then strip console and dye along with seats for visual comparison of the two methods.
As mentioned earlier, the SEM method is cheap and temporary...

Cheers

 

Nice, love to see how that turns up.

 

e60bmw

Hopefully you have worked out the armerst situation. If not here is a couple solutions for you: Find a local upholstery and they can refurbish your armrest or the second they can match your armrest leather and replace the cover itself. I had my armrest cover replaced it was perfect; however, I am located in D.C.