source for molded foam restoration

[mbouse]

the 1961 cabriolet came with interior door handles designed entirely differently than the 124 Spiders. They are stamped steel encased in some molded foam rubber. the entire assembly covered with some molded vinyl or plastic.

after nearly 50 years, this particular car's door handles have not passed the test of time. the foam rubber has turned to dust, literally. all that is left is the exterior vinyl/plastic covering and the stamped steel bracket.

anyone know who to turn to in order to restore these handles?

[mosu]

Mike, a place similar to this one in your area should be able to help:

http://www.foamite.com/

These guys can inject foam of your desired consistency into a mold. If the exterior hard lining can be held together around the inner steel handle, I think they can inject foam into it directly. Judging by the prices, it shouldn't be too expensive either.

Check to see if you have a similar operation going on around your area. These guys are in Michigan and seem to do custom upholstery work:

http://www.foamandupholstery.com/

[kristoj]

Mike,

These guys aren't cheap, but they do phenomenal work.

http://www.justdashes.com

[kmead]

You should be able to find a local supplier for two part urethane foam. It can be had in various densities (1lb, 2 lb etc per cubic foot).

Regardless of whether or not you or someone else is going to put the new foam into the part, a mold of some sort will need to be made. I haven't seen the part you have, but it should be fairly easy to make a plaster, wood or even a foam mold with a wood box as a backer. The cost will be in the cost to make the mold.

I presuming that the part you have has some form you could make a cast of it using alginate (available from any dental supply or hobby shop) to make a quick mold. If the part doesn't have enough form anymore, you could make a clay master to then cast from using the alginate. After making the alginate mold, pour in some casting plaster to make a master part. Take the "master" part and make it as perfect as possible by sanding and filling using wallboard compound. The following website shows how to make the master mold: http://www.lagunaclay.com/support/art-o ... making.php Although its showing how to make a mould for a ceramic part, its the same process to make your mold. Once you have the mold you will want to treat the surface of the mould with shellac and butchers wax to ensure release of the urethane foam.

Once you have your mold, place the vinyl skin you have with the steel stamping inside it into the mold, inject or pour the urethane foam into the vinyl part and let the urethane cure. Once you separate the mold you will have a finished part. Keep in mind that the urethane will stick to nearly everything so make sure the outside of the the vinyl part has a coat of vaseline or similar.

Hope that helps.

Karl

[mbouse]

all... i appreciate the do-it-yourself ideas, but, like John suggested... my acquaintence will be most apt to use the "send it out" technique.

Just Dashes looks very promising.