Repro parts quality? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

webfoot · 11-30-2007, 03:40 PM

Just wondering about the quality of reproduction pieces for these trucks. Some of the stuff I bought for my chevelle was OK and some was just junk. I would like to buy some repop stuff but not if it doesn't fit. Specifically, the first things I am going to order will be an inner grille and dash pad for a 72. Are they all pretty much made by the same manufacturer, so if I buy from vendor x, y, or z it will all the the same piece?

clemson71guy · 11-30-2007, 03:49 PM

i have reproducton doors and dashpad and front fender
the doors are no where near as good as the orignal ones but they will do
same goes for the front fender
i couldent really tell a diffrence between the dashpad tho.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-30-2007, 04:31 PM

Stepside tailgate, excellent.

Front fenders, very good.

Doors... meh, next time I'll fix my originals. They're too thin.

**michael bustamante** · 11-30-2007, 04:37 PM

I used to work for keystone automotive which is a company dedicated to after market body parts. I know you want to look for CAPA certified parts. Keystones brand for this was "platinum" certified. but I have noticed that no matter what or where you purchase your sheet metal from, A good percentage of the time you still need to ream the bolt holes for good alignment

jb4short · 11-30-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

I used to work for keystone automotive which is a company dedicated to after market body parts. I know you want to look for CAPA certified parts. Keystones brand for this was "platinum" certified. but I have noticed that no matter what or where you purchase your sheet metal from, A good percentage of the time you still need to ream the bolt holes for good alignment

You're not going to find a single piece of '67-'72 sheetmetal certified by CAPA (www.capacertified.org); it doesn't mean it wouldn't pass the CAPA standards it just means no one will submit old parts to CAPA because the certification is primarily for the insurance industry

**1970cstblazer** · 11-30-2007, 05:16 PM

A good share of the aftermarket parts available are inferior to original GM issued stuff.

The repro '71-'72 outer grilles fit poorly. I would spend the extra money for an original GM part, which is still available from GM, but not for that much longer.

webfoot · 11-30-2007, 05:20 PM

How 'bout the inner grille?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 11-30-2007, 06:24 PM

I think that they are all pretty good stuff. It just depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are. There are 3 choices when it comes to the grill shells. Chrome Plated Reproduction Steel, Clear coated reproduction Aluminum, and Annodized aluminum Genuine GM.
The reproduction Chrome plated steel grills are $389.95, are a bit hard to install, but have a brighter finnish than both the other grills have, but are the most scratch resistant.
The reproduction Aluminum grills are clear coated, not annodized like the originals. Install easier, scratch easier, and are $349.95
The genuine GM grills are annodized, install easy, and are more scratch resistant than the reproductions. Price $799.95

The inners are pretty close and once installed look the same. We have all of them in stock and doesn't make any difference to me what a person buys. Like I said, It depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are. WES

**1970cstblazer** · 11-30-2007, 06:43 PM

Go to http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/ for the 1971-72 grille.

With shipping, the cost will be just under $550. The inner grilles are $120.

The part numbers are 3990700 for the inner, and 3990701 for the outer.

webfoot · 11-30-2007, 06:58 PM

Thanks, I appreciate everyone's input!!

Just checked GMPD.com and now it is around $207 now for the inner grille, shipped. $66 S&H! $755 for both, shipped.

ChevLoRay · 11-30-2007, 07:38 PM

What choices do we really have? For those who can afford OEM/NOS, good. For those who can't, we have to be vigilant in our quest. For those who are vendors, it has to be a crap-shoot, at times. Unless you are flush with the BIG bucks, you will have to buy from a wholesaler, who probably also buys from a broker, ad infinitum.

In that these trucks have recently gained "icon" status, per some magazines, it will only be a matter of time until we have higher-quality parts available to us, if we are into restorations, for instance. Ask some of the old-timers who built A's, T's, Deuces, min-30's Chevies, etc., and they will tell you about how much trouble it was to find good sheet metal. When the Tri-5's hit their stride, parts quality improved. Dick Carpenter did it for FoMoCo. Danchuck did it for the Tri-5's. Our time is coming.

webfoot · 11-30-2007, 08:01 PM

I'm not looking to build a show truck here, so looking a little different is fine... what I don't like is stuff that doesn't fit well. The worst crap I've ever used were some trim items.

MT1972cheyenne · 11-30-2007, 10:46 PM

As a Chevy dealer parts manager & avid 67-72 fan I can say I have dealt with a lot of both. I can say for sure that the new factory GM outer grill shell took a LOT of work to make it fit nice. As far as front fenders, the repro fender I bought had the same imperfections as the original GM one I put on a few years back. I would bet they came out of the same tooling. Tailgates: repro's are shaped good, but seen to lack quality control during assembly. If you get one that is welded correctly, the fit is nice. Be realistic though. It takes many hours to get the gaps etc. to look good. (remember, they were pretty rough even off of the assembly line.)

11-30-2007, 03:40 PM	#1
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Repro parts quality? Just wondering about the quality of reproduction pieces for these trucks. Some of the stuff I bought for my chevelle was OK and some was just junk. I would like to buy some repop stuff but not if it doesn't fit. Specifically, the first things I am going to order will be an inner grille and dash pad for a 72. Are they all pretty much made by the same manufacturer, so if I buy from vendor x, y, or z it will all the the same piece? __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC. Last edited by webfoot; 11-30-2007 at 06:04 PM.

11-30-2007, 03:49 PM	#2
clemson71guy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: north carolina Posts: 470	Re: Repro parts quality? i have reproducton doors and dashpad and front fender the doors are no where near as good as the orignal ones but they will do same goes for the front fender i couldent really tell a diffrence between the dashpad tho.

11-30-2007, 04:31 PM	#3
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Repro parts quality? Stepside tailgate, excellent. Front fenders, very good. Doors... meh, next time I'll fix my originals. They're too thin. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

11-30-2007, 04:37 PM	#4
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,850	Re: Repro parts quality? I used to work for keystone automotive which is a company dedicated to after market body parts. I know you want to look for CAPA certified parts. Keystones brand for this was "platinum" certified. but I have noticed that no matter what or where you purchase your sheet metal from, A good percentage of the time you still need to ream the bolt holes for good alignment __________________ 1967custom

11-30-2007, 05:16 PM	#6
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,559	Re: Repro parts quality? A good share of the aftermarket parts available are inferior to original GM issued stuff. The repro '71-'72 outer grilles fit poorly. I would spend the extra money for an original GM part, which is still available from GM, but not for that much longer. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

11-30-2007, 05:20 PM	#7
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: Repro parts quality? How 'bout the inner grille? __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

11-30-2007, 06:24 PM	#8
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Repro parts quality? I think that they are all pretty good stuff. It just depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are. There are 3 choices when it comes to the grill shells. Chrome Plated Reproduction Steel, Clear coated reproduction Aluminum, and Annodized aluminum Genuine GM. The reproduction Chrome plated steel grills are $389.95, are a bit hard to install, but have a brighter finnish than both the other grills have, but are the most scratch resistant. The reproduction Aluminum grills are clear coated, not annodized like the originals. Install easier, scratch easier, and are $349.95 The genuine GM grills are annodized, install easy, and are more scratch resistant than the reproductions. Price $799.95 The inners are pretty close and once installed look the same. We have all of them in stock and doesn't make any difference to me what a person buys. Like I said, It depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

11-30-2007, 06:43 PM	#9
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,559	Re: Repro parts quality? Go to http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/ for the 1971-72 grille. With shipping, the cost will be just under $550. The inner grilles are $120. The part numbers are 3990700 for the inner, and 3990701 for the outer. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

11-30-2007, 06:58 PM	#10
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: Repro parts quality? Thanks, I appreciate everyone's input!! Just checked GMPD.com and now it is around $207 now for the inner grille, shipped. $66 S&H! $755 for both, shipped. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC. Last edited by webfoot; 11-30-2007 at 07:01 PM.

11-30-2007, 07:38 PM	#11
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Repro parts quality? What choices do we really have? For those who can afford OEM/NOS, good. For those who can't, we have to be vigilant in our quest. For those who are vendors, it has to be a crap-shoot, at times. Unless you are flush with the BIG bucks, you will have to buy from a wholesaler, who probably also buys from a broker, ad infinitum. In that these trucks have recently gained "icon" status, per some magazines, it will only be a matter of time until we have higher-quality parts available to us, if we are into restorations, for instance. Ask some of the old-timers who built A's, T's, Deuces, min-30's Chevies, etc., and they will tell you about how much trouble it was to find good sheet metal. When the Tri-5's hit their stride, parts quality improved. Dick Carpenter did it for FoMoCo. Danchuck did it for the Tri-5's. Our time is coming. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

11-30-2007, 08:01 PM	#12
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: Repro parts quality? I'm not looking to build a show truck here, so looking a little different is fine... what I don't like is stuff that doesn't fit well. The worst crap I've ever used were some trim items. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

11-30-2007, 10:46 PM	#13
MT1972cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 223	Re: Repro parts quality? As a Chevy dealer parts manager & avid 67-72 fan I can say I have dealt with a lot of both. I can say for sure that the new factory GM outer grill shell took a LOT of work to make it fit nice. As far as front fenders, the repro fender I bought had the same imperfections as the original GM one I put on a few years back. I would bet they came out of the same tooling. Tailgates: repro's are shaped good, but seen to lack quality control during assembly. If you get one that is welded correctly, the fit is nice. Be realistic though. It takes many hours to get the gaps etc. to look good. (remember, they were pretty rough even off of the assembly line.)



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