texan_176

iTrader: (5)

I will not link it as I do not want to advertise or endorse it but there is someone there that sells both a real leather and fake leather cover for the SC center armrest. in the photos the color looks way too dark to match the Ivory interior. Also, the real leather looks too grainy while the fake leather option looks flimsy.

At about $30 it's not risking your retirement to buy it but I wanted to know if someone here has those covers and what your opinion is on the quality, fit, and match to stock.

I have been disappointed by every used armrest I have ever seen. Even if the leather looks good and the top stitching is not broken the leather is all dried out and rough. The associated 20+ years worth of funk on the part also puts me off a used part. I would have gladly paid $250 for a new one but Toyota pulled the plug on them some time ago.

Local interior shop quoted me $120 to do it but the majority of upholstery work does not look stock which is what I am going for.

FSUsucks1

iTrader: (5)

I don't know much about the eBay quality ones but for $30 it sounds like good deal.

In all honesty, I would just go to a good upholstery shop and have them recover it. Just make sure you use a good shop if you do choose that route.

I had my interior redone last year and which included the armrest and the work done was top notch!

Here is the center console after I picked it up last year:

Kris9884

iTrader: (7)

I have an eBay faux leather e-brake boot and it looks great, the color was spot on. Was like $12 shipped.

As for the center console, if you only want to do the lid cover you should absolutely just do it yourself. I helped my roommate leather wrap his ENTIRE Miata interior. The arm rest lid was the easiest, just a square of leather, 1" of foam, glue and clamps and its brand new. Maybe YouTube an example of a lid replacement, super cheap and easy.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

I've read that the fitment isn't particularly good, even with the better kits. I took one of my center arm rest covers apart to see if I could reupholster it myself, but the way it's assembled gives little to work with unless you're a pro with adhesives. After looking it over, I'm not surprised that most people are unhappy with DIY or kit recoverings. Definitely get it done professionally.

Luxurious

I feel like the fit wouldn't be flush like the OEM one. I agree with the others, go to a shop, you won't regret it and you'll know it'll be perfect once you get it back.

marty99

Just got a new leather skin custom cut for the wife's SC430. Installed quickly and looks like the interior of her car just left the Lexus showroom. I replaced her driver seat with a new one last year. The new armrest even has stitching that's a perfect match. The lower leather is over a decade old, and the new skin is an exact color match. I am a happy camper.

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

That's some really good work.

I know of only one shop that a guy on my street used to redo his motorcycle seat. He was very happy with the work but this was years ago. I guess I'll go buy a junkyard armrest and have it redone.

The one in my car is a 7/10. It is worn but acceptable; I am just picky about it. If they butcher the job I will still have my old one.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I need to get a new leather cover. I might try wrapping it in black cloth or suede.

Diegolazo5

Did you ever purchase it, if so would like to know how was it.

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

I did purchase it and returned because the color is way off and the leather has a lot of grain on the surface. It was a high quality item but no where close to a match. The seller did refund my money so he's a stand up guy.

The 96+ Ivory leather was a different color from the 92-95 Ivory. 96+ has a hint of brown tint to it and is visually darker.