Armrest Base , front door

[Loren At 65GS]

As many know, the armrest base for 1964- 1967 Skylark and Gran Sport hardtop and convertible body styles are almost unobtanium. That said, I'm looking into the process to remake them and wondering what kind of interest there is.

There were two different pieces made with a small difference in the grab area. I've attached a picture of the two for comparison.
 
We used to have a source for refinishing originals, but that is no longer available. Has anyone looked into having originals refinished and what have you found for quality and cost?


Keep in mind, this would take considerable time to accomplish.

  Loren

[TrunkMonkey]

You can count me in on a pair.

I contacted two different "metallic vapor deposit" outfits about doing different parts,. explained what they were and what finish and never heard back from either of them. This was last year before the beer flu.

But, I am sure there are places that want the work.

[BuickGS65]

DEFINITELY interested.

Some have discussed using https://www.vacuumorna-metal.com/contact-us

I have an NOS pair of bases and an early-take off if a pattern is needed.

This same part number also fit some Oldsmobiles - but I forget that year(s)/model(s).

[BuickGS65]

PS - the "taller" grab areas is superior, agreed?

[GS66]

Count me in for some pairs.

[gssizzler]

I want to say these were also used on 66-67 Oldsmobile’s too ! Got to do some more research! Count me
In!

[grants6]

I would take a pair also!

[option B9]

  I would need a pair for the convertible & coupe. So please count me in...        I'm sure that Paul's Chrome Plating in PA can also re-plate plastic. (412)625-3135
              Tony

[GS66]

There was a guy on another site who was going to make these out of aluminum but that never came to fruition. There was a line up of interested buyers so we might be able to place a good sized order and save money if we get more folks on board.

[Rollaround]

I haven’t reached the armrest phase yet but...  In addition to plating is there also an issue with the armrest padding upholstery?
I am creeping up on the armrest part, I had my upholstery guy order the top and interior last week. Three weeks for the top and 10 weeks for the interior. I need to look at my armrest, haven’t seen them in five years, however, I know where they are, Angie has them in a box somewhere.
But I’m interested in the project Loren. 

[Loren At 65GS]

I haven't gotten anywhere with the idea of recasting, but am working with a place in Michigan about refinishing originals.

  Loren

[SBRMD]

One time I had a connection in the plastic toy/beer sign industry vacuum metalize a dash bezel for me with one of his beer sign runs.  Came out nice!  Perhaps that's an idea that could be considered, if a relationship with such a company could be fashioned, and a big enough group of pieces marshalled for economy of scale.

[Loren At 65GS]

Steve,

  That was the process used by the person that retired. Definitely worth looking into.


  Loren

[Loren At 65GS]

I haven't gotten anywhere with the idea of recasting, but am working with a place in Michigan about refinishing originals.

  Loren

Still haven't found any place to recast the arm rest base. The company I sent a pair to , to refinish, haven't been much help. I've had a lot of excuses for lack of progress. I'm calling them a bust.

DEFINITELY interested.

Some have discussed using https://www.vacuumorna-metal.com/contact-us

I have an NOS pair of bases and an early-take off if a pattern is needed.

This same part number also fit some Oldsmobiles - but I forget that year(s)/model(s).

 I sent a pair to Vacuum Orna Metal August 2, 2021. They arrived back today, August 23, 2021. Overall decent quality , but both have what appears to be some dust that is under the finish. I have sent them an email regarding the finish. Waiting to hear for an answer.
 Cost was $85 each plus  return shipping of $35 and my shipping cost to them. At this point , I have an investment of approximately $240 for the pair.
 I also inquired about a group purchase price. They weren't interested in that.
  Loren

[cwmcobra]

My restorer friend has used Instrument Specialties to restore dash bezels, etc. on his Pontiac restorations and swears by their work.  He's never had the need to have armrest bases restored.  They offer chrome plated plastic services and specifically refer to armrests on their site: https://www.instrument-specialties.com/services/plastic-chrome-bezels/

Probably pricey, but worth getting a quote perhaps.

 

Chuck