Removing upholstery

[4x15mph]

I have a tear on the driver side armpad and I am trying to remove it so that it can be reupholstered. There are phillips screws underneath and while I can get to them, I can't get them to loosen or move given the limited space and access.

I am tempted to remove the vinyl from the top, then the cushion, and then drill through the screws from above. They probably screw into fittings that sit in the plastic backing that is used though so I could create real problems it that is jeopardized.

Anyone have any experience with this and suggestions?

 

[Bill D]

So the Phillips side is what is on the back side? And you can't loosen them because of the space available? Have you tried a right-angle screwdriver? Still not easy, but can be helpful.

http://m.harborfreight.com/8-piece-...r-92630.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

[4x15mph]

@Bill D , thanks. Yes, I just bought that tool and it helped to take off the rear sun pad after the entire thing landed on my hand and almost broke 3 of my fingers.... I can't seem to get a good grip on the Phillips screw and some of that is because of the space. It could come down to patience and I have none.

Hope to get more ideas. At least the sun pad is off and I have a local guy that is going to reupholster it. It had a crack and it was not perfect. Now it will be

 

[4x15mph]

Went with plan b. Cut the upholstery off from the outside, pb blaster, waited 10 minutes, used the Dremel to put a slot on the screw, then used a flathead, and done! Sun deck is at the airport getting upholstered by a guy that works on planes, etc and will now have him do this arm. Was going to change scheme from tan and white to lime green and white but called that off. Will do black stitching though which should be a nice accent.

Yamaha used screws that are about 1/2 inch too long so that is what poked thru and tore the arm rest in the first place. Unless it was done after the fact. Not sure