Anyone tried to repair the cracks that appear on the arm rest bases? I am going to paint the bases silver metalic after repairing but I am having trouble finding a material that will fix the crack and is paintable. :confused: Funny that the cracks are only on the front arm rests. Guess those are the ones that get used the most. Help please!!!

For the amount of time and effort it would be better in the long run to just pony up for some reproductions.

For the amount of time and effort it would be better in the long run to just pony up for some reproductions.

I did, and somewhat regretted it. First I attempted to paint mine chrome/silver. Didn't turn out so good so I bought the repros. They do fit the panel real nice, and the pads also fit square. But the plastic looks cheesy, and the molding marks are too visible right below the pad - the place where it is most notiacable.
So, dimensionally they were good, but visually I wasn't impresssed. perhaps no one other than me will ever notice though.
If I ever see or hear of a better match of chrome paint I'll try again on my originals.
Tom

I did, and somewhat regretted it. First I attempted to paint mine chrome/silver. Didn't turn out so good so I bought the repros. They do fit the panel real nice, and the pads also fit square. But the plastic looks cheesy, and the molding marks are too visible right below the pad - the place where it is most notiacable.
So, dimensionally they were good, but visually I wasn't impresssed. perhaps no one other than me will ever notice though.
If I ever see or hear of a better match of chrome paint I'll try again on my originals.
Tom

Tom, I have already painted the back ones and they look pretty good, if I do say so myself. Used Krylon silver metalic that had a chrome top. Well they aren't exactly chrome but they are a very nice silver shade. And they are the originals. Now I want to do the fronts to match but I need to seal those pesky cracks so it will turn out smooth. Saw some bondo putty in a tube at Pep Boys this morning. Wonder if that will stick to plastic and work for me?

Never used it my self, but I saw this on a MOPAR site, poster says it works good

http://www.urethanesupply.com/plastifixhowto.html

Hi Ken,
POR-15 makes a two-part epoxy putty in their line of products. It's very good fun stuff to work with (like silly putty) and it is able to shape into small and large cracks. You can wet your fingers and smooth it into the contour of just about anything. I used it repair wicked nasty cracks in a steering wheel once and it came out good. Strong when it dries too.
The putty isn't cheap but a little goes a long way.
Tom

Never used it my self, but I saw this on a MOPAR site, poster says it works good

http://www.urethanesupply.com/plastifixhowto.html

Interesting stuff but kinda expensive for what I want to do. I went down to the local auto store and an old car buddy said I should try epoxy. Got some that sets up in 60 seconds. :noway:All I can say is DON'T TRY IT FOLKS :noway:
You can't even get it mixed up good before it sets up!!! I had to mix up a batch for each crack. It's setting up good and hard now. :hurray: Hopefully it will allow me to sand it smooth and paint it. I will report tomorrow. Says it has to set up 24 hours to cure.
Ken

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to say that Epoxy is the trick. Dries hard as plastic. Is sandable and paintable. Worked like a charm.
Ken

Hi Ken,
POR-15 makes a two-part epoxy putty in their line of products. It's very good fun stuff to work with (like silly putty) and it is able to shape into small and large cracks. You can wet your fingers and smooth it into the contour of just about anything. I used it repair wicked nasty cracks in a steering wheel once and it came out good. Strong when it dries too.
The putty isn't cheap but a little goes a long way.
Tom

Hey Tom,
Just saw your reply. I will keep that in mind for my next project. I plan on restoring my original steering wheel soon. Sound just like the ticket.
Thanks,
Ken