How To: Cover your CRX/EF armrest with EK fabric
#1
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How To: Cover your CRX/EF armrest with EK fabric
I finally got around to getting CRX armrest, but unfortunately it was the hideous brown color. So since I had a 96-00 Civic (from now on referred to as EK for simplicity) armrest laying around (which was going into the CRX till someone fell on it and ripped it) I decided to use the fabric from it.
Tools Needed:
Philips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Spray Glue (optional)
Scissors
Marker
So here are my armrest I have to work with. You can see the split in the EK armrest.
Next you need to remove each armrest from it's base by removing the screws in red. Next remove the screws in blue.
Next we will need to separate the inner armrest from the outer. The one on the CRX armrest lifts right off after you take the screws out. The EK one needs to be "popped" off like below. Don't worry it's not in there too tight.
Now simply use your flat head screwdriver (wouldn't recommend knife as it can cut through fabric) to get a small patch loose. Then just peel pack the fabric like you are peeling an orange. The fabric is glued on so some of the fuzzy "padding" type layer will remain on.
As you can see the EK fabric is much bigger than the CRX fabric.
Get the CRX armrest centered in the EK fabric. Then wrap the EK fabric around the CRX armrest pressing it into the same area the OEM CRX fabric is in. Mark this with the marker so you know where to cut.
You will have a nice bit of fabric trimmed once you're finished. Be careful and don't too much, you can always take some off later, but can't put it back.
Now here is where you need to decide to glue it on or not. If you do you can remove the old CRX fabric, or maybe even leave it on as it's really thing, and glue the new fabric on.
I chose not to glue mine on as the OEM fabric was in good condition (just brown) and if I decide to sell it would like to have the option of selling it with EK fabric or OEM.
Either way once you get it wrapped and in the position needed apply the base to hold it down. If you are having trouble holding it down use a little hot glue to keep it in place until you get the base on. Now just assemble in the reverse order you took it apart.
Now only thing left for me is to get some dye/paint to get the base black.
Tools Needed:
Philips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Spray Glue (optional)
Scissors
Marker
So here are my armrest I have to work with. You can see the split in the EK armrest.
Next you need to remove each armrest from it's base by removing the screws in red. Next remove the screws in blue.
Next we will need to separate the inner armrest from the outer. The one on the CRX armrest lifts right off after you take the screws out. The EK one needs to be "popped" off like below. Don't worry it's not in there too tight.
Now simply use your flat head screwdriver (wouldn't recommend knife as it can cut through fabric) to get a small patch loose. Then just peel pack the fabric like you are peeling an orange. The fabric is glued on so some of the fuzzy "padding" type layer will remain on.
As you can see the EK fabric is much bigger than the CRX fabric.
Get the CRX armrest centered in the EK fabric. Then wrap the EK fabric around the CRX armrest pressing it into the same area the OEM CRX fabric is in. Mark this with the marker so you know where to cut.
You will have a nice bit of fabric trimmed once you're finished. Be careful and don't too much, you can always take some off later, but can't put it back.
Now here is where you need to decide to glue it on or not. If you do you can remove the old CRX fabric, or maybe even leave it on as it's really thing, and glue the new fabric on.
I chose not to glue mine on as the OEM fabric was in good condition (just brown) and if I decide to sell it would like to have the option of selling it with EK fabric or OEM.
Either way once you get it wrapped and in the position needed apply the base to hold it down. If you are having trouble holding it down use a little hot glue to keep it in place until you get the base on. Now just assemble in the reverse order you took it apart.
Now only thing left for me is to get some dye/paint to get the base black.
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Quantico, VA
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Re: How To: Cover your CRX/EF armrest with EK fabric
Looks good. I got the ek armrest in my hatch. love it. Also to paint the frame of the armrest i used trim paint. worked great, even in the summer. just a suggestion
#4
Honda-Tech Member
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Re: How To: Cover your CRX/EF armrest with EK fabric
I like the EF/CRX one as it looks more period correct to me, but that brown fabric HAD to go. I'll probably wait till spring to paint it as it's too cold as of now. What kind of finish is on the trip paint?
#5
Honda-Tech Member
Re: How To: Cover your CRX/EF armrest with EK fabric
bleh i just use a ek armrest in my crx lol, they are so much less fragile. and not to mention tons cheaper.
i recovered my ek armrest with 90-91 red pin stripe seat material so it matches my seats
i recovered my ek armrest with 90-91 red pin stripe seat material so it matches my seats
#7
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Re: How To: Cover your CRX/EF armrest with EK fabric
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dorkzracing
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
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06-28-2013 08:01 AM