Hey all, I'm a new 68 Buick GS 400 owner. I'm real excited about my purchase. I'm wondering if I can get some advice on how to restore the plastic piece on the interior of the door. It's pretty well worn but crack free. Thank you!
The arm rest base (Green) or the plastic chrome backing plate? Chrome, send out for vacuum plating (I think that is the correct term). The base if it is the 11 inch version is available from several restoration sites (usually in black). If it is the 14 inch version, it would have to be removed and soaked and scrubbed, and scrubbed, and scrubbed. Problem is that the grain frequently deteriorates in cleaning. There is a procedure for repainting plastics and vinyls that could probably be found in the search block, or someone else could find it. I know it is in the volume 2 of Steve Dove's GS book
Thank you! It's the chrome backing plate. I've been out of old cars for a decade and just getting back in it. So a restoration for dummies is where I'm at. A reputable interior restorer recommended SEM color coat (landau black 15013) for my black interior. I guess it even works on the door carpet and you can rub it in with a bristle brush.
Another avenue would be the parts place inc. has both sizes ready to go. The long ones are $79.00 and the shorter ones are $49.00.
Well this is interesting. They claim their long one is 16" long. I just measured mine and its roughly 21" long. That ain't gonna work. Unless my backer plate is from a year other than 1968?
Search on Ebay, They are 18 inches long and they work on my 69 Skylark. Also have them on my 70 GS vert. Chrome arm rest backing plates sold by the parts place inc.
Im measuring 20.5" roughly. This is for a 68. My fat thumbs typed 69 in the heading and I'm stuck with that. Lol
Matt, your backing plate is correct for a 68 GS. The ribbed front section is actually a piece glued into a relief in the plastic. IIRC, I have seen that backing plate repopped? If not, you have to get it vacuum plated. Perform a search for 1968 backing plate.....I'm on vacation w/ the kids and can look further into this next week... http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...t-base-PLATES&highlight=1968+arm+rest+backing
http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-Oldsmobi...r:1968|Make:Buick&hash=item518af41f32&vxp=mtr OK... these are too short but correct in appearance... The 68 backing plates are odd ducks and are not repro'ed....
Thanks George! I'm finding out that the 68 is an odd duck in many ways! Parts are hard to find! It's been a good challenge but a bit challenging since I've been out of cars for 10 years and my last car was a 73 Camaro... Parts galore there! Im finding out that these "professional" restoration places really don't understand the details of a 1968 Buick Skylark/GS.
Looks like vacuum plating is my only option for a 1968. Suggestions on where to take it? has anyone used the company in Brillion, Wisconsin? Custom Plating Specialist Inc? Or anywhere in the Minneapolis area?
Look up Chrometech USA.....I believe they are in your area (WI or nearby state) and have a great reputation. They do the vacuum metallizing (ie "chroming") on these as well as gauge bezels, etc.
Just adding a pic of the backing plate removed. The part number for my 68 plate is #7745383. Taking them to Chrome Tech USA in Madison, WI. http://www.chrometechusa.com
Yes 68 is a one year backing plate. I did find a new set of CNC one's a few years back from a board member. Not sure who he purchased them from or how many sets were made. They fit well and look nice and should last a long time, thanks Bill.
Matt where are you located in Wisconsin? I've heard mixed feeling about the place in brillion. Some great some horrible. If I remember correctly there was a guy on here that had a grill played there for some crazy amount of money and didn't have a great experience there. I have dealt with badger plating in st Francis. There expensive but they did a good job.
I'm in Eau Claire. Was planning on using a place in Madison. He's supposed not to be good, just a little slow.
