1956 Cadillac Convertible driver door armrest rubber needed

[carguyblack]

I'm in need of a 1956 Cadillac convertible (or maybe a coupe has the same molded shape?) driver side armrest / finger-pull molded rubber which is found underneath the leather of the armrest. It is rubber molded to a metal frame which is then inserted through the cardboard door panel with metal fold-over tabs.
If anyone may also know, if there anyone who may reproduce this part?
Thank you for any help and Happy and healthy New Year!
Chuck

[Cadman-iac]

Hey Chuck,

I don't have any extra 2 door armrest parts, but you may be able to take one from a 4 door and trim it down to fit. The ones in my Sedan Deville are actually longer than the ones in the 2 door car, if memory serves. But as you know, it's a black foam rubber that can be shaved to make the right shape.
If you know of any 4 door parts cars in your area, you might want to look at them and see if it is something you can use.

Rick

[Cadman-iac]

Yeah,  I know that it doesn't make sense,  you would think that the 2 door armrest would be the longer one, since the door is longer,  but because of the design of the seat backs, they cut the armrest shorter to allow the seat back to fold forward with the door closed. On the 4 door, the seat back of course doesn’t move, so they lengthened the armrest.
The rubber also can be removed from the metal support for it, and placed on the 2 door support and trimmed to the shape required. That's what I have planned for mine when I get to that point in the build.
Rick

[fishnjim]

Anything that old, if you find one, probably won't be any better than what you got, unless it's missing.
Any competent uppholstery shop can repair/make that and cover.  No one will see it.