1956 arm rest replacement

[klbirnst]

I have very little experience with restoring a car. I worked on my own cars back in the 70's, but very little experience the last 40 years. Now I am retired, and the thunderbird is my first retirement project. I have just about finished a total re-wiring of my 56 thunderbird and am starting with the upholstery. I bought a kit from Larry's Thunderbird (55 Red/white cut for a 56). While I was in the process or removing the arm rest from the door panel the arm rest fell apart in my hands. So I ordered an arm rest and foam kit. Does anyone have any experience with attaching the foam kits to the arm rest? What glue should I use? Are there any tricks to the process?

Also, if anyone has any helpful ideas on installing the dash vinyl, I would be happy to hear your Ideas!

Thanks!
Ken

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[Ward 57]

I have very little experience with restoring a car. I worked on my own cars back in the 70's, but very little experience the last 40 years. Now I am retired, and the thunderbird is my first retirement project. I have just about finished a total re-wiring of my 56 thunderbird and am starting with the upholstery. I bought a kit from Larry's Thunderbird (55 Red/white cut for a 56). While I was in the process or removing the arm rest from the door panel the arm rest fell apart in my hands. So I ordered an arm rest and foam kit. Does anyone have any experience with attaching the foam kits to the arm rest? What glue should I use? Are there any tricks to the process?

Also, if anyone has any helpful ideas on installing the dash vinyl, I would be happy to hear your Ideas!

Thanks!
Ken

I just happen to be digging into my drivers door and looking over the parts catalogs. I've seen the foam " self stick " application (Should be easy) or armrests with it already installed.

 

[klbirnst]

I just happen to be digging into my drivers door and looking over the parts catalogs. I've seen the foam " self stick " application (Should be easy) or armrests with it already installed.

The pads that I received are not self-adhesive. That would have been nice...

 

[Ward 57]

The pads that I received are not self-adhesive. That would have been nice...

A can of spray adhesive will do the job for you. I also use it to tack down my trunk liner. I wouldn't use it when you wrap the armrest except on the back gluing down the flaps.

 

[airbus]

I have very little experience with restoring a car. I worked on my own cars back in the 70's, but very little experience the last 40 years. Now I am retired, and the thunderbird is my first retirement project. I have just about finished a total re-wiring of my 56 thunderbird and am starting with the upholstery. I bought a kit from Larry's Thunderbird (55 Red/white cut for a 56). While I was in the process or removing the arm rest from the door panel the arm rest fell apart in my hands. So I ordered an arm rest and foam kit. Does anyone have any experience with attaching the foam kits to the arm rest? What glue should I use? Are there any tricks to the process?

Also, if anyone has any helpful ideas on installing the dash vinyl, I would be happy to hear your Ideas!

Thanks!
Ken

some foam is preglued just place and trim...check the fit of the arm rest first i have tried 2 different ones in the past and found them not really a good replacement

 

[Ward 57]

some foam is preglued just place and trim...check the fit of the arm rest first i have tried 2 different ones in the past and found them not really a good replacement

Dry fitting is always a good idea like measure twice cut once. I had no issues with the last replacement other than having to be careful not to strip out the screw holes.