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.

 

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

 

i have it in my rex

 

Yeah this one was in my 99 Hatch, but when I sold it I put the OEM piece back in so it would be completely original. It's my third favorite armrest with my 97 Ludes being the second, and 2G Eclipse being first. When I found out it got broken lets just say I was a little less than happy.

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?

 

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

 

nice write up will help make things cleaner since i also have a ek armrest connected to a crx center in a ef dash

 

damnit i want those seats!!

 

you want his and i want yours

 

the only reason i like my DA seats is cuz i havent seen them before. mine are purple mesh with gray borders and headrest. i'de love to know where they came from.

 

Good write up!

 

good idea i might have to do that myself mine is falling apart...

 

good work!