Arm Rest Reinforcement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 2
Arm Rest Reinforcement
One of my winter project is changing the door panels on my '85. I've seen these arm rest reinforcements in a couple of the catalogs but I've seen no discussion here.
With new panels are the reinforcements necessary? Do they work? Should I add them when installing my new panels this winter?
Thanks,
Ryan
With new panels are the reinforcements necessary? Do they work? Should I add them when installing my new panels this winter?
Thanks,
Ryan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by reidry
One of my winter project is changing the door panels on my '85. I've seen these arm rest reinforcements in a couple of the catalogs but I've seen no discussion here. With new panels are the reinforcements necessary? Do they work? Should I add them when installing my new panels this winter?
-JRC-
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Henderson NV
Ryan, I installed these in my 87 and was very satisfied with the solid feel when I pulled my doors closed. I replaced the driver's side door panel and at the same time, installed the inserts. They simply screw into the door's steel frame at the bottom of the pull well. Cheap insurance to keep your panels from separating.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Yes, they are very useful. The fit wasn't perfect, and the holes were off a little, but they worked.
The problem is, when you pull the door shut, you're just pulling on the inner door panel (which is $$ when it falls apart). With these you're actually pulling on the door structure itself.
The problem is, when you pull the door shut, you're just pulling on the inner door panel (which is $$ when it falls apart). With these you're actually pulling on the door structure itself.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 937
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I bought a set,didnt fit with the aftermarket crap arm rest and door panel so I reinforced the arm rest from underneath with a piece of 1/8 ABS plastic.Works for me.
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St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Actually, I wrote up and submitted a tech tip for this a loooong time ago, 2 years ago. I haven't seen it since. If you can't find it in the tech tips section, then you might wanna check with the mods and see where that black hole leads to.