busted arm rest

[MountainManJoe]

Here's what I did...took some 1/2 inch couplers (copper) and cut them in half. These are 1/2" OD and 3/8" ID. flattened one half and ground it to match the radius of the c shape. A hole was drilled in the flat piece to go under the torx screw closest to the damaged spot. Soldered them together. So far it's been a week or so & they work fine! Here's some pics for you all. Total cost was about $2. Errr! I cannot upload pics! I get this messege. "Sorry, the board attachment quota has been reached." What's up with this? I've resized them per limitations. Any suggestions? I can email pics if you pm me. Sorry!

Here are risteff's photos:

[Cobra]

that i must say is a pretty good fix

[risteff]

Update: My repair failed July 5th. My kids were using them as parallel bars! I plan to repair again. Maybe the same way? Unsure at this point.

[MountainManJoe]

Here's an idea. Take a longer section of that same pipe. Heat it red hot. Then stab it all the way through the armrest in the same spot you had it. Dremel out the channel.

[reaper]

Not to be an ass
But why not go to pick a part,
grab 2 armrests out of the astro/faris there
Pay $20 for them & call it a day?

[MountainManJoe]

You'd think it would be that easy.

The prices they charge at the local JYs are robbery. There is one good one, but it's an hour out of town. Once you get there, they have maybe half a dozen astro/safaris, and all the good parts are taken.

I went to get a barn door handle, and they were all gone except for one, because the door was jammed shut.

[risteff]

'round here they'll only sell you the whole seat. I don't know of any places in my area that will let you get "just" what you want.

[MountainManJoe]

That's stupid. Sounds like they want to make more money, off of YOU.

Our is called Pick-A-Part

[Meterpig]

Just for giggles, is this piece available from GM?

[MountainManJoe]

I'm sure I checked at the stealership and decided against that route. I don't remember the price, but if it's anything like their $90 door handles ...

Anyways thanks for reminding me. I still haven't fixed the flipping thing!

[risteff]

Still haven't fixed mine either! Waiting for spring now. It's waaayy to cold out!

[Meterpig]

Mine needs to be fixed. I saw a van with a working armrest and lusted.

[sfeaver]

I just had my armrests off today and they are 98 Leather seats. There is no plastic on them, its all metal. So maybe the plastic is on the later years?

If I had know this thread was open I would have taken a picture!

Scott

[dumb lady]

Ok, if you're like me & can't fix things like this, forget all that stuff.... Here's a simple solution.

Mine on the driver's side broke off a few years ago. Since my seats each had two armrests, all we did was switch the passenger & driver seats. VOILA! It was genius, lol. Sorry, don't remember exactly who, but a very wise man RIGHT HERE in ASV told me to do that. ..And so we did! Thanks again!!

[sfeaver]

12383771 is the right side armrest frame (without the cover). Still available through Vintageparts. Retails for 74, so a good online dealer would probably sell for 50..

12383772 is the left side, but I dont think its still available.