Quality of Armrest bases

[rklewis1005]

All, I need to replace or re-chrome my armrest bases for my 70 Charger SE. They're not damaged, just missing a lot of the chrome. The quotes for re-chroming are coming in around $300+ for the set.

Are the reproductions any good? I"d love to keep as many original parts from my brother's car as possible, but don't want to throw many away either. On the other hand, when it costs 6 figures to restore the car what's another couple hundred right?

Similar question for the seat backs, I'm researching plastic putty and replicating the grain. They are $500 for a new pair, but trying to use the originals if I can repair and paint.

Thanks in advance
Ross

 

[SgtSuperbird]

I purchased repop armrest bases last year for my '69 B-Body. Although I can't remember who I purchased them from, I could hardly tell they were reproduction pieces. Excellent quality and appearance.

As for the seat backs, I purchased repops for my T/A Challenger about 3 years ago. Likewise, I was very happy with the appearance, fit and quality. I looked into restoring the originals, but it seemed like a ton of work, and no guarantee they'd turn out like new.

 

[Dennis H]

Armrest bases from Year One lasted about 8 years. Then the chrome peeled.

 

[pnora]

Got mine from Mega Parts. No issues or complaints.

 

[68BabyBlue]

I have a set from Classic Industries that are still in the boxes, came with the car. Can’t tell them from the originals. Don’t have the Mopar logo, but that’s hidden when they’re in place. I put a set on Baby Blue in 2013, and they still looked good when I sold the car eight years later.

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Got my from Vans and look great

 

[mtbase]

what are you looking for?
Every restoration is money spent to make YOU happy. You can never recover the money spent on a restoration....it's a "labor of love".
Perhaps if the goal was to create a trailer-queen, with all numbers matching and assembled per factory specs...I might feel differently.
$300 for armrest bases is not in my budget and I doubt anyone will look past the shine.

I buy good quality stuff. If it doesn't look good...it was wasted money.
If a friend points out that my arm-rest bases are not from authentic Chrysler stock...he's off my friend list

 

[AR67GTX]

I’ve had repros on my 67 for over 20 years with no issues. I can’t tell them from originals.

 

[rklewis1005]

Thanks all for the input. Sounds like the replacements are good. In some cases Repro stuff is crap and I didn't want to spend money twice (once on repro's and once on replating mine).