Early non-adjustable armrests: What's inside?

[ProvoCyclist]

Like the subject query's, what's inside the early armrests? I'm assuming some sort of bar or keel/backbone material that's then wrapped in hard foam and luxurious velour and rich Corinthian vinyl.

This came about because I was thinking how hard it'd be to extend the ends of them a couple inches... yeah lots of potential work for not a large return, but its my party and i'm sure i'll cry at some point in the process. Plus i doubt the Fancy Adjustable Armrests are even available slash easily retrofitted.
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Clark
Current: 1986 Tintop GL 2wd, stock 2.1L, manual trans, Flash Silver LP7Y.
Past: 1985 Sunroof GL, 2wd, Subaru 3.3L, manual trans, resprayed to Diamond Silver L97A

[alaskadan]

Arm rests are tough to reupholster. Just because the panels of vinyl/fabric are so small and at that size have very little stretch. Plus you want them tight. Trim seam allowances down to a minimum. I haven't dissected of of those but common practice was to inject the foam into a mold with the metal backbone inside. Sometimes with the vinyl fabric cover in place too. You probly knew all that. So installing a cover I've sewn up can be a real #*%$@×". Plan on a few hand sewn stitches to finish closing it up. I'm thinking you're right that you would need to extend the spine a bit before adding more foam and upholstering it.

[jimf909]

[do.dah]

I seem to recall Duncan (Rest in Peace), cobbled up some kinda extension for his arm rests?
You might try googling up his posts.

[tdivan82]

[GreggK]

Years ago I extended my non-adjustable armrests using two sets. I still have them sitting around, uncovered. I had always intended to have Sewfine cover them for me but was waiting till I had a fabric choice. I did have them cover a set of adjustables for me, using some original fabric from a cushion cover and one of their Vanagon vinyls and they came out beautiful. Let me know if your interested in the arm rests, I'd sell them cheap. I'll dig them out a post a picture of the finished product. Here are some pictures how I did it, maybe not the correct sequence thou.

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'86 2wd Poptop transplant
FAS TDi engine swap. Peloquin LSD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=692188&highlight=slow+but+steady

[GreggK]

Looks like they came just over 12". The spray foam worked well, I think I used sandpaper to smooth it out. I got the sections lined up pretty good, maybe a little lippage, but I'd imagine to use some padding on the tops at least. Then there is the adjustable arm rest cover by Sewfine.

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'86 2wd Poptop transplant
FAS TDi engine swap. Peloquin LSD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=692188&highlight=slow+but+steady

[tdivan82]

Look like a pair of baguettes. Getting hungry for a sub sandwich now.
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- George
'82 Westy TDI