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Armrest Resto

Replacing GM plastic chromed armrest bases

Someone came up with the process around the late '50s of applying chrome-like plating to plastic parts. (Most likely it was a vendor manufacturing parts for the Big Three car manufacturers.) The use of plastic over metal was increasing in various vehicles at this time, and chrome plating was a way to make simple parts look good at a reasonable cost. The use of plastic also removed weight from already very heavy vehicles.

The GM intermediate size A-body cars of the mid-'60s used this chrome-plated plastic on several interior items, like these armrest mounting bases. Over the years, this finish had a tendency to wear off, crack and/or become severely scratched during heavy use. The driver's side is usually worse than the passenger side because it bore the brunt of a lot more activity. Replacement bases are available from most restoration suppliers specializing in parts for your brand of vehicle.

Armrest Removal

The plastic base is attached to the interior door skin through holes in the inner door panel. Two large Phillip screws pass through holes in the base and into the metal door. Obviously, the removal process is as simple as can be and only takes a minute or two. There are several restoration services that can re-chrome your original bases, if having the factory part number on the base is important to you. Check any of the automotive restoration publications for a vendor that does this sort of re-plating job. With the improvements in plating technology available today, your restored bases will actually have better-looking plating than was originally available from the factory.

The mounting holes through the door panel are visible here. The screws are inserted at an angle and the base leaves a definite indentation in the panel material. The reproduction bases are identical to the originals (except they're missing the factory part number) so you don't have to worry about the indentation pattern showing if you're using a replacement. Convertible models usually have only front bases while coupe or hardtop models have them front and rear. Be careful not to drop your base during removal or replacement, as the thin walled plastic will break.

Padded Top

The padded top of the armrest is applied over a stamped metal form. It is secured to the plastic base with two Phillips head screws. You can see the provisions in the plastic for these screws. Notice the internal webbing to give the plastic additional strength. This is an interior part that is constantly being pulled and pushed at every opening of the door. It is amazing that any plastic part could withstand that kind of use and still survive for 30-plus years. Most reproduction parts suppliers will also have the padded top to go with the repro bases if yours are destroyed.

Here's the completed armrest back in place. Notice the difference in the chrome finish compared to the original. The unsightly scratches are gone and the chrome has a beautiful shiny finish. These bases are available for around $30 per pair and are well worth the investment, particularly if you're restoring your car to show quality. Install with care so you don't crack the base by tightening the screws too much. If you just don't care about new chrome, then there is another less desirable solution, but it works: Scuff sand the surface of the plastic with 1000-grit wet/dry sandpaper and then paint with one of the new aerosol chrome paints available at auto parts stores. The finish is much duller than the plating, but it cleans up the piece and at least makes it all the same color.