C2 1963-1964 Center Armrest Review
Everyone;
I recently purchased a replacement center armrest for my 63.
I though some might be interested in how it compares to the original.
Overall view; Pictured side by side.
The tab length was longer than the original. I suspect the internal bends in the sheet metal were not made in the correct location.
Measurements;
Original armrest. Measures approximately 16-3/8 to the edge of the hole.
Replacement armrest. Measures approximately 16-11/16 to the edge of the hole
Pictured installed and pushed to the rear of the car as far as it would go. The hole is not even in view as it is under the tab.
I had some difficulties getting retaining bolt installed on the original because of its length.
Their is no way to install the retaining bolt on the replacement without modifying the tab's punched hole, as it is almost 3/8' longer.
Piping diameters were only slightly different. .177 on the original verses .189 on the replacement, a .012 difference.
Not much difference, but next to each other one can see the difference.
Slightly different edge treatment with the replacement having a larger radius.
Picture of the finish treatments on the bottom edge.
Both were the same width as measured at the bottom.
Vendor information;
One thing I could not picture is the replacement armrest seems to have a significantly softer foam underneath the vinyl.
I acknowledge the original foam is over 55 years old and could have changed some.
Hope this helps someone make center armrest replacement choice.
I have a local automotive interior guru, that I believe, could have manufactured a center armrest that copied the design of the original better than the one I purchased.
I still considering having him attempt redoing the armrest using the purchased replacement as a base for his reproduction. I don't want to tear apart my original.
Rick
I recently purchased a replacement center armrest for my 63.
I though some might be interested in how it compares to the original.
Overall view; Pictured side by side.
The tab length was longer than the original. I suspect the internal bends in the sheet metal were not made in the correct location.
Measurements;
Original armrest. Measures approximately 16-3/8 to the edge of the hole.
Replacement armrest. Measures approximately 16-11/16 to the edge of the hole
Pictured installed and pushed to the rear of the car as far as it would go. The hole is not even in view as it is under the tab.
I had some difficulties getting retaining bolt installed on the original because of its length.
Their is no way to install the retaining bolt on the replacement without modifying the tab's punched hole, as it is almost 3/8' longer.
Piping diameters were only slightly different. .177 on the original verses .189 on the replacement, a .012 difference.
Not much difference, but next to each other one can see the difference.
Slightly different edge treatment with the replacement having a larger radius.
Picture of the finish treatments on the bottom edge.
Both were the same width as measured at the bottom.
Vendor information;
One thing I could not picture is the replacement armrest seems to have a significantly softer foam underneath the vinyl.
I acknowledge the original foam is over 55 years old and could have changed some.
Hope this helps someone make center armrest replacement choice.
I have a local automotive interior guru, that I believe, could have manufactured a center armrest that copied the design of the original better than the one I purchased.
I still considering having him attempt redoing the armrest using the purchased replacement as a base for his reproduction. I don't want to tear apart my original.
Rick
Comment