New and repurposed center console armres

[gregk24]

Honda used some fragile material for the door cards and armrests on the 8th gen Accords (EX and above trims). With use and / or time the vinyl delaminates from the backing.

The material on the center console lid of my 2012 Accord had stated to do just that. I looked at the OEM part and it was well over $200. I was prepared to purchase in time but figured I would check alternatives.

I found a new cover (including plastic backing plate, not just the vinyl material) on Amazon for around $25!

I went ahead and purchased it, and installed today. I’m very pleased for the price. Is it perfect? No. But it’s 80% there, and honestly close to 100% for most people. I’m more critical than others.

Only complaints are slightly lighter color (more noticeable in person) and sloppier fit around the release handle.

My sisters Accord was previously owned by a bigger guy who went to the gym often. This did a number on the center console. I called her up and said I had something for her. Installed in about 10 minutes and she couldn’t be happier. She was thrilled.

Win-win!

Here are some pictures. The first 3 are of her Accord and the rest are of mine.

 

[97prizm]

That looks really good. For the price its hard to beat

 

[paulri]

From the pictures I'd say a lot more than 80%. If you hadn't told me that you replaced it, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have noticed.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

I know a Junkyard owner (sorry - Auto Dismantler) who recently told me that he is now getting calls from companies who make reproductions parts of all kinds. There is a growing trend for his business to sell these mix and matched parts along side other salvage inventory to insurance companies and or body shops who need to find other alternatives other than sourcing repair parts from the OEMs.

I asked him if this was a pure price play, and he said that many of these solutions (bumper covers, seat skins, trim, tail lights, headlights were all priced a lot lower than the OEM equivalents but that was not the only motivator. He also said the OEMs are quickly abandoning holding onto any NOS inventory items for vehicles that are out of production, and beyond the age of what has to be supported by parts availability laws.

I am interpreting this practice as what is common place in the large residential appliance business today. If you have an appliance that is older than 7 years, chances are poor for finding repair parts for it. They either don't exist or are no longer available.

For all of us who hold onto our cars much longer than the norm, we most likely will be hunting on Ebay and other like outlets to source parts that are "no longer available" from regular sources.

Please share any like experiences that you have had similar to what I am describing.

 

[2010Civic]

Looks awesome! It's probably a slightly lighter color because it is brand new and not dirty.

 

[97prizm]

I have a 2005 Dodge neon sxt. They made 4 million of these vehicles. The oem pvc breather hose was unfortunately a custom shaped odd size. It was discontinued 4-5 years ago, which is an odd random part to discontinue. I still think it's part of my vacuum issue causing rough idle when warmed up. I had to buy a hose and connector from Napa.

 

[Nick1994]

Looks good, more modern design too.

 

[paulri]

But that problem can be taken care of easily enough, can't it? Just have him pour some soda onto the console and rub it into the fabric.

Looks awesome! It's probably a slightly lighter color because it is brand new and not dirty.

 

[gregk24]

Looks awesome! It's probably a slightly lighter color because it is brand new and not dirty.

No, if you know me you know I keep our cars spotless. Just a slightly different color. I’ll get used to it.

 

[gregk24]

Looks good, more modern design too.

Yes. The Accord Crosstours got the lid with the stitching down the middle. So still OE looking.

 

[gregk24]

But that problem can be taken care of easily enough, can't it? Just have him pour some soda onto the console and rub it into the fabric.

Don’t make me cringe. Haha. The car is clean as a whistle (or as close as possible). Dirt isn’t the issue here. Just a different color.

 

[wings&wheels]

Only you will know. Don't fall into my trap of doing something similar, having it turn out great like yours, but continuously catching your eye on the perceived faults that pretty much only you will notice... Nice work!

 

[gregk24]

Only you will know. Don't fall into my trap of doing something similar, having it turn out great like yours, but continuously catching your eye on the perceived faults that pretty much only you will notice... Nice work!

That’s pretty much my life, haha.

 

[paulri]

I have a rule I try to follow. After washing & waxing my cars, I try to stay about 3 feet away, or else I start seeing all those scratches in the paint that are revealed by cleaning off the dirt. And then I play that game, "Well if I look at the car in just this angle, that scratch doesn't appear that bad, does it?"

That’s pretty much my life, haha.

 

[gregk24]

I have a rule I try to follow. After washing & waxing my cars, I try to stay about 3 feet away, or else I start seeing all those scratches in the paint that are revealed by cleaning off the dirt. And then I play that game, "Well if I look at the car in just this angle, that scratch doesn't appear that bad, does it?"

It also depends on the age of the car. The Accord is nearing 10 years old, looking great for 10 years but I understand that some wear over 10 years is expected and it won’t look factory fresh. The Jetta on the other hand…