Armrest made of wood, what do you think?

[Hiroshi]

I took these pictures today and i've never seen it before.
What do you guys think?

[Calfdemon]

That actually isnt too bad. I would imagine that it would be a lot more sturdy and less likely to fall apart as the regular armrests do over time. Only problem is that the wood doesnt go with most people's interior. I suppose they could be painted or stained. Heck, I have the wooden Grant steering wheel in mine. If I could get those to match the wheel, it might not look too bad. But I think I would prefer to stick with my interior color or black. Either way, pretty cool... Definately homemade and they did a good job with it from what I can see.

[Hiroshi]

Yeah, I was thinking about that wood version of grant steering wheel when i took these photos

I'm not big fan of wood in car interiors, but I'm considering one of these, the passenger side broke...
Two layers of wood, top layer with different color/wood...maybe looks better.

[flyboy2610]

Looks nice, but with the excessive heat that can build up in the interior during the summer months, could the finish handle it without getting all sticky?

[Hiroshi]

I think finish is not an issue...cause here is really hot in summer, and that armrest is installed for years.

[J_Boo]

They sell a type of spirit mix that soaks up in wood and swells the pours so moisture can't suck it. You could use that instead of a clear coat. With the humidity and heat here it would do that.

[colnago]

Well done! I've been thinking about going that route for my '67, since I'm a better wood-worker than I am an automobile tinkerer. Also, I have a green interior, and the only repro armrest that I can use is black. I live in the desert, and I hate black interiors!

I'm also thinking about that Grant wooden steering wheel, too.

Joseph

[HIO Silver]

If you're thinking of getting a wood steering wheel, opt for one where the center cap either screws on or is secured to the wheel with a spring clip from behind. Avoid the versions where the center cap is mounted is an interference fit on the horn pad.

I have had nothing but trouble keeping the center cap on my 65 Mustang's steering wheel installed by the PO - it pops off at the most inopportune times and ends up either in my lap or rolling around the floor board. I drive without it now and that piece of crap horn plate keeps staring back at me.

It's not my installation method... it's simply a bad design.

Examples to avoid (IMO)

This is the one I have..what a POS!:


Others with a similar design:

[colnago]

HIO Silver,

Do you know what brand your steering wheel is? I just checked the Grant steering wheel at Summit (the Nostalgia line, a bit different, but still three spokes), and the horn button looks very similar ...

Joseph

[Whateverman]

i like it,way better than looking at some crusty rapidly deteriorating foam after you've scratched your arm on cracked vinyl -and if you chose the right wood preferably some kind of burl it'd look kinda sorta sharp with the Ranger package faux woodgrain cluster and door panels
personally,i'd round over the edges more tho'

[sargentrs]

Thanks for that photo! I'd thought about doing that myself and now I have a better idea of how it'll look.

[HIO Silver]

HIO Silver,

Do you know what brand your steering wheel is? I just checked the Grant steering wheel at Summit (the Nostalgia line, a bit different, but still three spokes), and the horn button looks very similar ...

Joe, my 'Stang's is a Grant...avoid... avoid...avoid!

[Hiroshi]

What brand do you recommend?

[Mancar1]

I did a wood interior on the 79 Ford 1/2 ton I used to have. Overhead, console, armrests, and door panels. Guy that bought the truck said the uniqe woodwork is what sold him. So far the 68 has a wood overhead, console, and speaker cd player box. Door panels are going to be done in 3/4" stock. Do not think I will do wood arm rests again. They hold up really well, but they kinda give you a elbow owy every now and then Be a while before I finish. Have a lot on the ole plate.

[colnago]

I did a wood interior on the 79 Ford 1/2 ton I used to have. Overhead, console, armrests, and door panels.

Any pics? If so, I'd love to see 'em! Sounds like an incredible amount of work.

Joseph