Armrest Install

[HB Chris]

I am sure I am not the only one who finds installing the armrest to be one of the more frustrating tasks when working on a coupe. What should take five minutes invariably takes 60 minutes. The issue is lining up the two coarse thread screws and the single M8 machine screw that goes through the chrome base. There is a final coarse thread screw at the upper mount as well. I have a pair of NOS armrests and I had to open up the hole in the chrome base and then modify a machine screw to fit into the slot and to enable it to turn once inside the base. I used a bevel headed screw and narrowed the head with my new favorite Dremel bit. I usually mount this one first as you don’t want to cross-thread it (many of you have a coarse screw here which is not correct and a PO probably messed up the threads I am thinking). Once it was in I got the rearmost screw in but couldn’t center the middle screw. I loosened the machine screw, pushed the armrest forward, inserted middle screw and finally got the rearmost screw in as well. Maybe it’s just the very unusual 70% humidity today in SoCal.

 

[Stevehose]

For sure. The screws go in at different angles and have invariably been changed out over the years.

 

[Cornishman]

I had these handles off two or three times and must have been lucky on the first occasions, but the last time, what a PITA. Never want to go near them again.

 

[bavbob]

I have new aluminum bits for above the wood, why do you think I have not done this job yet? It is the same PIA on an E3. Misleading as hell since they come out so easily. I think part of it is that they were hand built. I have a thin, small awl that I use to probe and determine the angle I am suppose to shoot for. Not sure it helps but makes me feel better.

 

[jmackro]

I have a thin, small awl that I use to probe and determine the angle I am suppose to shoot for. Not sure it helps but makes me feel better.

It must make me feel better too, because I use the same trick. Yes, just understanding the correct angle for the screws is half the battle.

My other trick - and maybe everyone knows this - is to do the job while laying down on the ground and looking up at the underside of the armrest. I can never get the screws started while kneeling.

 

[bavbob]

.....and have a metric tap and die set.

 

[Stan]

I agree, it is the worst job. I got the new door card trim strips and they sat in my garage for over a month because I was loath to remove the door handles.