How do you guys feel about "armrest patches" for split armrests?
#1
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '08
How do you guys feel about "armrest patches" for split armrests?
I've heard they do a decent job for $50 compared to $500 a set for door panels, but I haven't actually seen them.
Or would you leave it original, cracks and all?
Or would you leave it original, cracks and all?
#2
Burning Brakes
I ordered a pair from Eckler's when they first came out some years back. They didn't match the grain of the door panels and they were hard plastic. I sent them back and didn't even put them on. If they've improved on the material and the look, they might be fine, now. A heck of a lot better than spending $$$ on new panels.
Duane
Duane
#3
Burning Brakes
I had a pair of them on a 74 I used to own. I am not sure where they were purchased, but they looked great in my opinion, much better then the cracks in the arm rest.
#5
Melting Slicks
i'm interested as well to see some pic's of them installed (black if you got 'em)
for me to buy new panels, the shipping costs just as much on each
for me to buy new panels, the shipping costs just as much on each
Last edited by riverracer au; 07-18-2011 at 10:38 PM.
#6
Melting Slicks
Here are the armrest patch kits:http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1969-1977.html. They appear to still be ABS plastic.
Don't know how many cracks you have and where they are, but I used this kit http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Eastw...item35b3b27d14
on an armrest on my Cadillac where the rear corner of the passenger armrest was not only cracked but missing. When I finished, I mixed up some lacquer paint that was a very close match and dusted over the repair area for a better color match. The repair isn't totally invisible but pretty darn good, nobody notices it.
Personally, for $50, I'd look for a good used set off Ebay or on the parts for sale forum here, for $50 more. Then you'll never have to second guess yourself.
Mark G
Don't know how many cracks you have and where they are, but I used this kit http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Eastw...item35b3b27d14
on an armrest on my Cadillac where the rear corner of the passenger armrest was not only cracked but missing. When I finished, I mixed up some lacquer paint that was a very close match and dusted over the repair area for a better color match. The repair isn't totally invisible but pretty darn good, nobody notices it.
Personally, for $50, I'd look for a good used set off Ebay or on the parts for sale forum here, for $50 more. Then you'll never have to second guess yourself.
Mark G
#7
Instructor
I've had them on my 1977 for over 10 years and they've worked out great. Its just a driver, so it was cheaper than buying all new panels. If you're not concerned aout originality they're a great option.
#9
Race Director
My '71 had them when I bought it in '95. I took them off, used a vinyl repair kit to fix the cracks and then dyed the panels. It looked much better. I replaced the door panels with new Al Knoch panels a few years later.
#12
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I had a pair in my 74. Worked fine until the tape lost strength, then they would pop off.