1st Gen R50 Cooper Fitting a Redline arm rest cover.

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by M1N1, Jan 30, 2017.

  1. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    I recently bought a Redline leather cover for the sliding top on a center arm rest. In the Redline "How To Install", it is suggested that 1/4" staples are used. Well, I tried that and most of the staples bend without going into the plastic. I am about to resort to super glue (have about 6 staples in).

    Any ideas on a better type of staple to use, or go with the glue?
    Pics show staples, and stapler.
     

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  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    You may need a stronger stapler like an auto shop would use. Air powered.
     
  3. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I'm guessing that a pneumatic stapler was used on the original assembly process. But I can buy a lot of super glue for the price of an air stapler!!!!
     
  4. Dave.0

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  5. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    The only thing that I used when I installed mine was a gel super glue. It took a little while longer but it gave me enough time to fit it correctly and trim where needed.
     
  6. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Upholstery shops use rubber cement or an industrial adhesive. The problem with super glue is it will make the leather hard and then it will have the propensity to tear on the line where it becomes soft again.
     
  7. Dave.0

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    Yup ^^^^

    That's why my local upholstery shops said to use Pematex 27828 because it's the same industrial adhesive they use for cars and boats. :Thumbsup:
     
  8. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    #8 GokartPilot, Jan 31, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2017
    Good point, I did notice the material get quite stiff when the glue hardened. Haven't had any issues yet, hopefully will stay that way.
    I have used spray adhesive on other projects and it works well except in tight corners where there is a lot of material collected. I am sure the pros have a way around it but from my experience getting spray adhesive to cure in place where there is bunched material without using staples is going to be a PIA.
     
  9. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    I remembered that I recently passed a small "mom and pop" upholstery shop about 12 miles from home. I took the arm rest and cover there this morning on the way home from work, and my wife picked it up this afternoon. $15, job done. Cushty. :D
     

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  10. Dave.0

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  11. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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  12. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    ^^^ + ^^^

    Thanks. Matches the shift and hand brake boots that I bought from Jon Brothers.

    I have passed that upholstery shop countless times, never gave them much thought until I needed this done.
     
  13. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Nice and $15 what a deal!
     
  14. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    Agreed, great price and they did a real nice job of it.
     
  15. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I'm happy with it, especially at that price.
     
  16. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    #16 M1N1, Feb 12, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2017
    Fitted the arm rest today. :Thumbsup: Also fitted a new hand brake handle/grip. Replaced the original, which was the "anodised aluminum" finish. It took about an 1 1/2 hours to remove the old console/bracket, and fit the "new" console/bracket/arm rest.
     

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  17. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Very sharp !!
     

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