Leather armrest shredding

[zoepup]

I’ve seen a couple on here with same issue but no real solution except pay really close attention when unbuckling

I am about to install my third driver door armrest. The previous two had lacerations on the leather. I think the leather layer was scraped by the seatbelt when unbuckling.

I thought of clear vinyl tape. Even went to a bike shop for lizard skin vinyl. Then thought that after a year that might look just as bad.
So I am a clutz and hate looking at the shredded leather.

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[Bulletbill]

Do you have pictures so we know what to look out for?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I’ve seen a couple on here with same issue but no real solution except pay really close attention when unbuckling

I am about to install my third driver door armrest. The previous two had lacerations on the leather. I think the leather layer was scraped by the seatbelt when unbuckling.

I thought of clear vinyl tape. Even went to a bike shop for lizard skin vinyl. Then thought that after a year that might look just as bad.
So I am a clutz and hate looking at the shredded leather.

@zoepup

I do not remember seeing anyone with a similar issue... Can you provide forum links to others mentioning this issue.

Has to be something you are doing and thousands here are not doing.

Would like to see pics of yours and to hear from others that have had this issue..

.

 

[Qjoh5510]

I’d like to see pictures as well. How’s your steering wheel? I know some people seem to have acidic skin oil which will wear the leather away quicker. Sounds weird but it’s legit.

 

[zoepup]

Sorry forgot to attach photo.

 

[GATORB8]

It's right at the handle? What about getting an upholstery shop to make a wrap right there out of the material on the one you're taking off?

Kind of similar to this: https://www.quadratec.com/products/14017_31X_PG.htm

 

[zoepup]

I am frustrated as I don't' see people with this issue and it must be how I unbuckle.

This one does not show a photo, but pretty sure it is same issue. Anyone removed/replaced door armrests? | 2018+ Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, Unlimited - JLwranglerforums.com

There is at least one more, but if only 3 of us have mentioned it, it must be us

 

[Bulletbill]

I looked at mine and haven’t seen anything similar but I have only owned it for a short time.

Odd question, do you wear long sleeve shirts or jewelry. My military uniform has rough sleeves and velcro so I try not to wear it in the Jeep.

 

[DHW]

The pattern of the damage is definitely something getting snagged.

 

[Headbarcode]

Yeah, that's definitely impact damage from the belt buckle. The surrounding material is too nice, which rules out wear from breaking down or some kind of chemical damage.

Many years and vehicles ago, I formed the habit of reaching across and leading the buckle back to the b-pillar. One of my 1st vehicles had a cheap plastic inner door panel. The buckle loved getting caught in it and I wouldn't notice until opening the door. Or at least trying to open it. 1st part ripped off was the door pocket. Than the pull handle was halfway dislodged and flopped around. At this point, I'd have to think about it to stop the habit.

 

[aldo98229]

My 2018 Sahara has similar leather-covered armrests, but they are still unharmed.

 

[Bike_Voucher]

Following...

I have this on my rear driver's side door, BUT I know my culprit...my co pilot haha. I clip his nails and he still digs in to hang on around turns...

I've thought about buying a new one but I'm sure it will immediately happen again.

Pic of the culprit in action:

 

[BillWorkbench]

Could it be your watch or something else? It seems weird that there are no other reports of this.

 

[DHW]

No damage here!

 

[zoepup]

It's right at the handle? What about getting an upholstery shop to make a wrap right there out of the material on the one you're taking off?

Kind of similar to this: https://www.quadratec.com/products/14017_31X_PG.htm

see, that’s simple, and i thought I might be missing the simple answer. However, I just checked and the driver door armrest is not a 360 degree opening around the handle. If it was, this would be a good solution.

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