Upholstering a Porsche 928 console armrest, especially the leather cover, is a project that you can tackle, but it involves careful steps like removal, stripping the old material, and applying the new cover with adhesive.
Based on similar projects for the 928 and other Porsche models, here is a general outline of the process, though the exact fasteners may vary by model year:
1. Removal and Disassembly
- Remove the Armrest:
- Open the armrest lid.
- Locate the fasteners (often Torx screws, possibly T10 or T15) holding the armrest assembly to the center console base.
- Remove the screws and detach the armrest lid from the console.
- Disassemble the Armrest Lid:
- The armrest lid is usually a plastic or metal base with the upholstered cover attached.
- You’ll need to separate the upholstered top part from the rest of the lid assembly. Look for screws (potentially T25) and clips on the underside.
- For a sliding armrest, be mindful of the plastic tracks or guide pins.
2. Stripping the Old Upholstery
- Remove the Old Cover: The old leather or vinyl is often held on with glue (contact cement) and sometimes staples (especially on older models).
- Carefully peel or cut away the old material.
- Use a solvent or sandpaper to thoroughly remove all traces of old glue from the plastic or foam base. This is crucial for the new adhesive to bond properly.
- Inspect the Base:
- Check the underlying foam or plastic base for cracks or damage. Repair any broken plastic or reinforce weak areas if necessary. Some owners add a thin layer of foam for extra padding if the original foam has deteriorated.
3. Applying the New Leather Cover
- Prep the New Cover: If you purchased a pre-sewn cover (recommended for a professional look), lay it out and check the fit. If you are cutting your own material, use the old cover as a template.
- Apply Adhesive: Use a high-quality, high-strength contact cement or spray adhesive (like 3M 90 HI-Strength).
- Apply an even coat of adhesive to both the armrest base and the inside of the new leather cover. Allow the adhesive to tack up according to the product’s instructions (usually a few minutes).
- Installation (The Tricky Part):
- This step requires patience. Line up the center seams or edges of the new cover with reference points on the armrest base.
- Start by pressing the cover onto the top surface, working from the center outward to avoid wrinkles and bubbles.
- Carefully stretch the material around the edges and corners, applying firm pressure. The contact cement will bond instantly, so take your time with alignment.
- Fold the excess material over the edges and secure it to the underside of the armrest base. You may need to trim excess material in the corners to prevent bulkiness.
- If you are using staples (less common for a factory-look leather cover but sometimes used to secure the edges underneath), ensure they are placed where they won’t interfere with reassembly.
4. Reassembly
- Reassemble the Lid:
- Screw the newly upholstered cover back onto the metal or plastic base of the armrest lid.
- Reattach any plastic trim pieces or slide mechanisms you removed earlier.
- Install in the Car:
- Mount the finished armrest lid back onto the center console using the Torx screws.
