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Upholstry disaster on the hinged "arm" on 2005 Prius-- how to fix?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by KEF, Jul 20, 2015.

  1. KEF

    KEF Junior Member

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    I want to bring my newly back-from-the-dead 2005 Prius to my carwash place for upholstery cleaning and general detailing. However, I notice the faux-suede fabric and foam backing on the hinged arm between the driver and passenger seat has come off, as shown here:
    2015-07-20 19.03.57.jpg 2015-07-20 19.04.07.jpg

    Any thoughts on how to best fix this? I'm guessing the faux-suede clamps in somewhere, and perhaps can be set in place with an adhesive. I'm reasonably crafty. But it would be cool to hear from someone about what the "best practice" is, here.

    thanks!
     
    #1 KEF, Jul 20, 2015
  2. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    Undo the 4 phillips screws on the under side by the hinge and pull the cover past open until it splits open. Then remove if from the hinges. You can then remove the other screws from the front and split it into two parts. Go to the fabric store and pick up the material of your choice and cut it slightly larger than the original piece, You can also get some thin padding and make it a little cushier. You will need a spray adhesive from Michael's or Home depot. Test fit the piece before you spray the adhesive. I can post a better picture later. I do this on almost all my inventory. IMG_4978.JPG
     
    #2 TampaPrius.com, Jul 20, 2015
    m.wynn likes this.
  3. KEF

    KEF Junior Member

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    Thanks, TampaPrius.com. The existing fabric is in fine shape and can be re-used, it simply came loose from whatever methods originally held it. I used industrial spray adhesives a lot when I was in art school back in the day, so I should be able to apply your suggested fix effectively. I haven't yet disassembled things as you described, so allow me one other question: is there any sort of clamp on the arm that holds the fabric in place, or where you're supposed to tuck the fabric?
     
    #3 KEF, Jul 20, 2015
  4. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    The lid breaks into 2 parts and sort of clamps it together. You only need the adhesive around the edges. If you re-use the fabric be careful not to use too much adhesive as it will soak through and make the fabric crisp. It is best to spray it on the plastic and let it dry a bit and get tacky first.
     
    #4 TampaPrius.com, Jul 20, 2015
  5. KEF

    KEF Junior Member

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    thanks, got it, will do! Appreciate the help. Photos to follow
     
    #5 KEF, Jul 20, 2015
  6. KEF

    KEF Junior Member

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    one other query: should I attempt to spray-adhere the foam backing to the faux-suede, then spray-adhere that "sandwich" to the plastic base of the arm? What layers should take the spray adhesive?

    thanks
     
    #6 KEF, Jul 20, 2015
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I think you could easily fix it, as recommended.

    But I'm not a big fan of that felt. I really wouldn't bother reusing it.

    I'd take it as a sign from the gods, and an opportunity to perhaps upgrade the materials. You could probably pretty cheaply get a piece of leather or other material.
     
    #7 The Electric Me, Jul 21, 2015
  8. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    The foam just lays in there. You could put a light spray to hold it in place, The glue only goes on the edges.

    Take the opportunity to wash the material and dry it before you start.
     
    #8 TampaPrius.com, Jul 21, 2015
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