You can buy the fabric for Avalon door handle with cut outs and seam already done with very good matching colors for less than $15 for both drivers and passengers doors. My kit came with two sided tape and interior tools, but I’d use spray adhesive too with a few staples.
For anyone who attempts to do this fix, here are a few tips: use a heat gun on low setting to make the fabric more malleable and to remove the wrinkles. Staples can be used, but you'll need a heat gun (low setting again) to warm up the hard plastic. Move the heat gun around, to avoid over heating in one spot. This will make the stapling much easier. The other option (which I used) was use DAP Cement glue to secure the new leather covers. Best of luck.
1. Is this the only way to do it by taking the whole door apart? 2. Couldn't you buy a "precut" quality piece of leather to fit the armrest? Since I'm not that mechanically talented could I buy the materials and and take it to a repair shop?
I have the same issue. It’s ridiculous a 40k plus car and only 73k for mileage and this just looks like crap that they used horrible subpar products. Original owner. Thanks so much for this video
The way it's going we will never run out of work as long as the manufacturers continue to use these terrible vinyl materials! And as you have mentioned that some things are just not repairable! We run into that almost every week. And I don't think they are going to suddenly start using better material, it's hard to even find good vinyl now to do upholstery work with! I agree that techs really should learn to do some basic sewing,as repairs and upholstery go hand in hand! You need to teach me some Tommy Emmanuel licks! He's amazing! And he always seems to be having fun when he plays, kinda like you do when you do repairs! Take care my brother!
I don't know whether I'll be doing any more. I am trying to retire. The RUclips channel has given me a chance to expand on what we can do at the seminar anyway. Thanks.
New Topic.. I can't find the answer to this question ANYWHERE.. 🟠 I have 2018 Toyota Avalon.. The Chrome trim that runs inside the car.. around the front console (a/c vents, sound systems, dashboard, etc). 🟠 Problem. I take excellent care of my car. But a year ago the Chrome trim under the CD player(I never use) started to bubble or wrcrinkle up. About 1/4 of an inch. It's a rare issue be4the Chrome trim looks like 1 piece that goes all throughout the front console. ***I've asked several repair places and they are dumbfounded because this rarely if ever happens. I don't dare touch it with glue. It's still attached. It's raised and slightly lifted in this area. No moisture indicated. Any advice? Out of the box ideas. 🟠 I would be happy to discuss this more if you have any advice. Thank you.
Lifting chrome plating is not a rare issue. In some instances we completely remove it and refinish with a substitute metallic finish. In your case there is not much to offer other than replacement of the bezel if available.
I appreciate your reply. Every repair place I've been too said that they could not patch it, which I understood. But they did mention that it would could cost hundreds of dollars or more to do redo it. Because essentially you are redoing to whole trim Chrome around the inside from passenger side(that's where the Chrome starts) to the drivers side. 🟠 From reading your response your saying that you it can be removed-All the Chrome trim and replaced with a different finish, correct? 🟢 What type of finishes? 🟢 What type of repair shops do this type of work? Thank you again.
Yes. I had the same thing happen to my 2013 Ave. Had to end up buying a whole new instrument panel dash trim piece and they are NOT cheap, about 300 bucks. Now the armrests are peeling but the car is now 9 years old, tho'
Can't thank you enough once again Rick. Thank you for the informative video once again.
You can buy the fabric for Avalon door handle with cut outs and seam already done with very good matching colors for less than $15 for both drivers and passengers doors. My kit came with two sided tape and interior tools, but I’d use spray adhesive too with a few staples.
Just. WOW
all the different chemistry of the materials you work with
Awesome knowledge base and skills.
It's getting more complicated with each year model. Time to retire!!! 😁
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I appreciate the craft of repairing things and admire the skills you had shared.
Thanks. This video was a bit different since it went off into the experimental side of what I do so I'm glad you found it helpful.
"Nothing to it, just like puffed wheat," you say? You have a way of making things look that easy. Nice job as always.
But the secret with guitar playing is to make it look hard to impress everybody. At least that's my excuse for lack of ability! 😜😜
For anyone who attempts to do this fix, here are a few tips: use a heat gun on low setting to make the fabric more malleable and to remove the wrinkles. Staples can be used, but you'll need a heat gun (low setting again) to warm up the hard plastic. Move the heat gun around, to avoid over heating in one spot. This will make the stapling much easier. The other option (which I used) was use DAP Cement glue to secure the new leather covers. Best of luck.
1. Is this the only way to do it by taking the whole door apart?
2. Couldn't you buy a "precut" quality piece of leather to fit the armrest? Since I'm not that mechanically talented could I buy the materials and and take it to a repair shop?
I have the same issue. It’s ridiculous a 40k plus car and only 73k for mileage and this just looks like crap that they used horrible subpar products. Original owner. Thanks so much for this video
I agree
Could not agree more. I'm here because this is happening to my Toyota Avalon.
Mi driver side crumbled at 90k the other doors are fine 🙂
Thanks so much!
Awesome as always! Thanks for sharing your expertise. I really appreciate your work ethic and skill
The way it's going we will never run out of work as long as the manufacturers continue to use these terrible vinyl materials! And as you have mentioned that some things are just not repairable! We run into that almost every week. And I don't think they are going to suddenly start using better material, it's hard to even find good vinyl now to do upholstery work with! I agree that techs really should learn to do some basic sewing,as repairs and upholstery go hand in hand! You need to teach me some Tommy Emmanuel licks! He's amazing! And he always seems to be having fun when he plays, kinda like you do when you do repairs! Take care my brother!
Would love to see a video about the products and tool that you use.
Was quoted just over $1,000 for a door panel/arm rest replacement from Toyota. My Avalon has under 50,000 miles.
Awesome repair do you offer a training seminar if you do where are you located?
I don't know whether I'll be doing any more. I am trying to retire. The RUclips channel has given me a chance to expand on what we can do at the seminar anyway. Thanks.
what type of stapler and staples are you using to staple on the new cover
3/8 crown stainless. 3/8 or 1/4 leg depending on the application.
New Topic.. I can't find the answer to this question ANYWHERE..
🟠 I have 2018 Toyota Avalon.. The Chrome trim that runs inside the car.. around the front console (a/c vents, sound systems, dashboard, etc).
🟠 Problem. I take excellent care of my car. But a year ago the Chrome trim under the CD player(I never use) started to bubble or wrcrinkle up. About 1/4 of an inch. It's a rare issue be4the Chrome trim looks like 1 piece that goes all throughout the front console.
***I've asked several repair places and they are dumbfounded because this rarely if ever happens. I don't dare touch it with glue. It's still attached. It's raised and slightly lifted in this area. No moisture indicated. Any advice? Out of the box ideas.
🟠 I would be happy to discuss this more if you have any advice. Thank you.
Lifting chrome plating is not a rare issue. In some instances we completely remove it and refinish with a substitute metallic finish. In your case there is not much to offer other than replacement of the bezel if available.
I appreciate your reply. Every repair place I've been too said that they could not patch it, which I understood. But they did mention that it would could cost hundreds of dollars or more to do redo it. Because essentially you are redoing to whole trim Chrome around the inside from passenger side(that's where the Chrome starts) to the drivers side.
🟠 From reading your response your saying that you it can be removed-All the Chrome trim and replaced with a different finish, correct?
🟢 What type of finishes?
🟢 What type of repair shops do this type of work? Thank you again.
@@cynthiagarrison5082 some examples are in v87 from about the 11 minute mark till the end.
Yes. I had the same thing happen to my 2013 Ave. Had to end up buying a whole new instrument panel dash trim piece and they are NOT cheap, about 300 bucks. Now the armrests are peeling but the car is now 9 years old, tho'
Same for mine and the dealership replaced it while under 36k warranty. Happened again and out of warranty 😔
Was the console color different from the armrests?
This video has only the armrest repair, nothing about how to remove and repair the center console cover.
You stated that wood screws should not be used where you cut off the plastic welds, so what type and size of screws should be used the novice?
#10 1/2" or similar as in v44. You should watch them all.
That’s way too much work for what you make on that job.
Thanks for joining in the comments. Don't worry, I do ok.