Replacement panels
 

Need to replace a few panels on my 85 c10. I've used LMC for other stuff in the past but never purchased sheet metal from them. Prices seem reasonable. Anyone use them? Are their products decent quality? Any help/advice?

Thanks!
Jeff

Re: Replacement panels
 

I can't speak from personal experience, since I have yet to do the body work on my truck, but I have read many times that LMC's panels are kind of thin. I believe it is keystone body panels that people talk about being of better quality.

Re: Replacement panels
 

another thread was started last week bout body panels....avoid going aftermarket panels they are thin an don't line up at all an fit sucks....stick with oem!

Re: Replacement panels
 

Get with gmachinz, he has some OEM body panels. Not sure what all he has, but he may be able to help you out.

Re: Replacement panels
 

I have done the body on three squares over the years..... I agree OEM is the best.... but problem being they are no longer available from GM. If you live in the "rust belt" like I do..... your only option is after market. Have noticed the last few years there are a few better quality panels out there. Recently bought inner/outer rockers & inner/outer cab corners made by a company called "Key Parts". Believe it or not, these panels are every bit as thick, if not thicker than OEM. Fit was surprisingly good as well. I can't comment on their fenders/doors/box sides but the rockers / cab corners were great. I don't believe "Key Parts" sells parts direct, you have to locate a distributor.

Re: Replacement panels
 

go see board member captkaos he has a site here too ive used his panels many times with good result

Re: Replacement panels
 

I've used both LMC and CaptKaos, both seem to be good fits. Occasionally, Amazon and ebay sellers will offer free shipping, which can be a pretty big percentage of the cost on these parts. Every time I've done that, the parts have been Goodmark, same as LMC.

Re: Replacement panels
 

Springer,
I spoke to a guy at auto metal direct and he said their material is on par with what LMC sells. So I gather most of these companies are retailing from a small number of manufacturers meaning it's probably all the same quality. I am needing to replace the pass side fender and the radiator support. My question for you is how satisfied are you with what you have used? Would you use them again and are the products holding up?

Thanks for your help!

Re: Replacement panels
 

No complaints with the Auto Metal Direct replacement parts. The guy installing them (me) was pretty mediocre, but the parts for fine. Like any of the others, some massaging was required to get a perfect fit, but my cab had already been repaired a few times.

It's posted in a few forums on here, but thought I would remind you.... Be careful buying any of the "extended" repair panels. They aren't meant to be a true replacement, they are more for a partial patch.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Replacement panels
 

I'm redoing my 87 shortbed 4x4 and recently bought a drivers door from NPD thinking it would save us some time. It's 3/4 inch out on the bottom from being a nice flush fit and the way it is curved we could not make it work correct. What a waste of time and money!! Fixing my original door