The Truck Shop

[mygmctruck]

I just received my Catolog from the Truck Shop .

From what I am able to see they are using a U.S manufator and supplier for many of there sheet metal parts and others things.
I always want to buy from suppliers who use american stuff but am also wanting some feed back about the quality of sheet metal and the other stuff made here by this american company

they are called ( Counterpart ) has anyone dealt with there stuff ?

[leddzepp]

Most counterpart stuff is made overseas. I would call and ask about the specific parts you plan to buy. Some of it is good, some not so good.
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[whoryou1979]

There is a local supplier of parts for our model trucks in my area that sells some of their products. I have never purchased sheet metal, but have used their front and rear window seals. The guy who installed them for me said they are the best aftermarket seals he's installed. Mine even had the stainless inserts.
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[mygmctruck]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Most counterpart stuff is made overseas. I would call and ask about the specific parts you plan to buy. Some of it is good, some not so good.
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Actualy , everything thats made by the couterpart company , is listed right below the parts. So no need to call . I do want feed back about that outfit though.
If it's american made and there are fitment problems , what is there to gain ?

[cheyenne shortstep]

I've been in the autobody biz since '86. That said regardless of application or manufacturer any and all aftermarket sheetmetal is of inferior quality than OE. I always seek out and repair good used OE parts versus aftermarket replacement parts, the fit and quality just isn't there. In a lot of instances the new aftermarket parts require as much rework to fit properly as good used stuff.

[Already Gone]

I was at the Truck Shop last spring and wanted to buy a grill for my 72 C10. Because I live so far away and returning something is out of the question especially an almost 6 foot long box that the grill was in I asked the counterperson to open the box for me so I could make sure the grill was cherry. I dont know where the grill was made and I'm assuming off shore. She opened 2 different boxes and there were marks on the grill on both of them so I didn't buy one.

[ChevLoRay]

It irks me to find that even Goodmark states that there may be minor flaws and imperfections that need to be massaged and adjusted. With that being the norm, used makes a lot more sense than paying good money and expecting to have it fit from the git-go.

[cheyenne shortstep]

The aftermarket grilles are terrible and can be spotted from 50 ft, I spent over 25 hrs repairing and polishing my OE grille.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by mygmctruck

Actualy , everything thats made by the couterpart company , is listed right below the parts. So no need to call . I do want feed back about that outfit though.
If it's american made and there are fitment problems , what is there to gain ?

Like everything else, it is hit and miss. As stated by Cheyenne shortstep if you are looking for the best fit go with OEM. I live near the truck shop and have bought a lot of parts from them. Overall I am happy with their stuff. To my knowledge no aftermarket sheet metal is manufactured here in the States. If you have concerns about sheet metal fitment and quality contact board vendor Classicheartbeat (Wes) or GMCPaul, as they sell the best aftermarket sheet metal on the market and can tell you more info.
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[C0UCH]

Everything I've purchased from the Truck Shop has been great, however its only been small parts. I would rather buy OE, but the shop is literally across the street from mine so it makes it too easy.
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[special-K]

The (California) Truck Shop "is" Counterpart and many sheetmetal parts they sell that they don't make are made by Tri-Plus and other manufacturers. Goodmark is just a marketing company and that statement is just their way out of standing by the condition of parts shipped from whoever made them.

[DaHos]

Best panels I have found next to OE.......

http://www.tabcobodyparts.com/index.html

[mygmctruck]

Well after reading the replies on this thread and others , I have concluded it is hit and miss with suppliers and quality.
So I guess one needs to call and ask about there policy and parts quality.

Thanks everyone

[longbed67]

Originally Posted by mygmctruck

Actualy , everything thats made by the couterpart company , is listed right below the parts. So no need to call . I do want feed back about that outfit though.
If it's american made and there are fitment problems , what is there to gain ?

Are you serious with that statement???? What is there to gain? How about supporting the fellow American who is also working to put food on his table and take care of his family.... I will pay extra any day of the week to keep the money out of the hands of china

[leddzepp]

If I knew a part did not fit beforehand, I wouldn't buy it either...regardless of where it is made. That is what the OP is trying to find out here.

[mygmctruck]

Originally Posted by longbed67

Are you serious with that statement???? What is there to gain? How about supporting the fellow American who is also working to put food on his table and take care of his family.... I will pay extra any day of the week to keep the money out of the hands of china

What there is to gain , is this. I will purchase American made products every time , if there quality is better than imports. That's the whole point in my thread.
So based on your post , you will buy inferior products because they are American made ? I believe in loyalty but not to the point of making bad purchases.

[longbed67]

No, I am not saying I would buy them if they were inferior, but I would look for another American supplier, find a parts vehicle, or build it myself. Good luck on your search and let us know your results!

[cheyenne shortstep]

If you use OE parts the fitment and quality will be like, well OE.
Good used is better than aftermarket any day.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I don't want to get in the middle of this, but I traded a guy an aftermarket fender for a NOS GM fender. He traded because he couldn't get the GM fender to fit. The aftermarket fender actualy fit better than the GM fender did. What everyone forgets is GM had to massage parts to get them to fit also. Now lets talk about the actual steel the parts are made from. Imported steel has contaminants in it and to me feels softer or more flexible. It spatters when being welded more than USA steel so you have to be more carfull of your welder settings. However in most (not all) imported steel is the only choice we have. There are at least 5 differen't manufacturers in Taiwan that make parts for these trucks, and we try to purchase from the best quality source. You can't say that about the large catolog companies because bottom line is more important than quality. WES

[mygmctruck]

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

I don't want to get in the middle of this, but I traded a guy an aftermarket fender for a NOS GM fender. He traded because he couldn't get the GM fender to fit. The aftermarket fender actualy fit better than the GM fender did. What everyone forgets is GM had to massage parts to get them to fit also. Now lets talk about the actual steel the parts are made from. Imported steel has contaminants in it and to me feels softer or more flexible. It spatters when being welded more than USA steel so you have to be more carfull of your welder settings. However in most (not all) imported steel is the only choice we have. There are at least 5 differen't manufacturers in Taiwan that make parts for these trucks, and we try to purchase from the best quality source. You can't say that about the large catolog companies because bottom line is more important than quality. WES

Massage the parts ! , you got it right there.

I worked at Olds in Lan's for 3 months , have to tell you after just 3 months I would never have bought an Olds , I watched them take 2x4's with carpet on them and pry stuff in and out untill it lined up with the rest of the car.
At that time , all the cars companies were doing it , all they wanted to do was get those cars out the door fast. That was in the late 60's
You'll not see that in todays plants.