Armrest deterioration

[GaryPSU]

The driver's side armrest on my '06 convertible has developed a series of small "dents" - apparently from where my elbow rests. The leather is not torn, but the padding under it is deteriorating. I only have 5,900 miles on the car. Anyone else notice this?

[philosophicaljt]

not on my 04 solara.

[PhreakdOut]

What have you been using to clean the interior? I've seen this on an XTerra that I used to have. I was using a DuPont version of Armor All. It seemed to weaken the material.

[GaryPSU]

What have you been using to clean the interior? I've seen this on an XTerra that I used to have. I was using a DuPont version of Armor All. It seemed to weaken the material.

Whatever they use at the car wash. The material doesn't appear to be weak, just the "padding" underneath. No problem with the passenger side, but that gets much less use, of course.

[MCOjerry]

I don't have indentations on the center arm rest, but I do have indentations on the arm rest attached to the door.

I find that very odd, since I use the center armrest more. Usually, my left elbow is on top of the door itself.

[Down2TheC]

Yeah I got that within months. Those are elbow dimples in the leather. There's a thin layer of padding under there that lets your elbow sink in and stretch the leather.

Nothing you can do about it but accept it. Apparently you have pointy elbows like me.

[Mr. Slippery]

At least it's not peeling like a sunburn does. My drivers door is ruined due to that.

[GaryPSU]

Yeah I got that within months. Those are elbow dimples in the leather. There's a thin layer of padding under there that lets your elbow sink in and stretch the leather.

Nothing you can do about it but accept it. Apparently you have pointy elbows like me.

Looks exactly like mine. Aren't all elbows pointy? Any way to "inject" some padding under the leather?

[philosophicaljt]

^^actually you can buy some poly-something foam that expands. should be an easy mod, but I'd be afraid to poke a hole in the leather.

[PXLpainter]

What have you been using to clean the interior? I've seen this on an XTerra that I used to have. I was using a DuPont version of Armor All. It seemed to weaken the material.

Whatever they use at the car wash. The material doesn't appear to be weak, just the "padding" underneath. No problem with the passenger side, but that gets much less use, of course.

You run your convertible through the car wash??!!!

Guess we'll be seeing problems with your top soon too!

[GaryPSU]

What have you been using to clean the interior? I've seen this on an XTerra that I used to have. I was using a DuPont version of Armor All. It seemed to weaken the material.

Whatever they use at the car wash. The material doesn't appear to be weak, just the "padding" underneath. No problem with the passenger side, but that gets much less use, of course.

You run your convertible through the car wash??!!!

Guess we'll be seeing problems with your top soon too!

The brushless car wash that I use adds a foam protection that makes water bead on the top like it did when new. It looks fine to me after 15 months.

[MCOjerry]

Yeah, I have been going to the car wash since April of 2005, and no problems here either.

[Down2TheC]

Looks exactly like mine. Aren't all elbows pointy? Any way to "inject" some padding under the leather?

I wouldn't recommend it. I initially said "Hey, the 'rents Avalon didn't do that" and when I looked... the armrest wasnt' leather. I think that'll happen no matter what you put under the leather unless it's hard. Do you really want a rock solid armrest so it'll look better?

... and some elbows are pointier than others.

[supersoldier]

Hey gary im in mount holly nj what car wash do u go to

[GaryPSU]

Hey gary im in mount holly nj what car wash do u go to

Jersey Shine - on Route 70 in Medford. Whatever they use, the top comes out better that it does at the other local places. There's a discount coupon in the Clipper magazine each month. I'm sure that washing your car by hand is best, but I'm too old and too lazy for that.
Gary