Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dhunt00c · 08-23-2009, 12:01 PM

Alright guys...

you all know there are dozens of folks out there popping replacement or patch panels for body repair on these old chevrolets.

I'm a novice and avidly trying to learn, but if I go buy a bunch of parts, I'd like to buy the best fitting parts, versus some china popped part that just doesn't install or align well.

i know none of them are probably going to be perfect, but can anyone recommend some of the better vendors?

There's Goodmarks, Brothers, Early Classics, Harmons, CPP, LMC, Chevy Duty, etc... the list goes on.

I'm referring to things such as cab corners, rockers cab supports, doors, fenders or fender repair....

Thanks so much in advance. Looking for your experience to help here!
David

lilred67 · 08-23-2009, 12:07 PM

find the best original sheet metal and repair the bad spots for the best fit. ask me how i know.......i installed goodmark fenders on my '67, they fit like crap. found some original fenders and had the body work/paint done on them and couldn't be happier with the fit. if you have to use re-pops be prepared to shim,enlarge holes, and cuss alot........

dhunt00c · 08-23-2009, 12:11 PM

Unfortunately, mine is a rust bucket..... cab included! I have not choice on some of these. I did find a donor cab and cub some pieces out of it up in the cowel section. Haven't found a good donor for some of these others parts.... Its BADLY rusted.

**leddzepp** · 08-23-2009, 12:16 PM

I have heard that Tri-Plus panels are the best. Although a lot of retailers/vendors carry panels, I think there are only a couple of manufacturers. I think they are all made overseas. Mar-K in Oklahoma specializes in bed stuff, and most of it is USA made.

Boise69 · 08-23-2009, 12:38 PM

whatever you do, buy American ... please

**GR8-68** · 08-23-2009, 03:07 PM

Definitely watch what you buy, I bought some patch panels for the bottom of my front fenders and ended up cutting pieces out of them to fix mt fender cause NONE of the lines were correct.

I am not sure if there is any USA made repro parts anymore for them. Looks like there all made in china-usa

PanelDeland · 08-23-2009, 03:14 PM

As far as I know most of the repo are from overseas.Your best bet on repo if you have to use them is to find a BB vendor close to you.Most if not all of our BB vendors build trucks too and keep only the best stuff they can get in stock,since they may be the one using it.The fit of original is probably going to be better but probably still will need to be tweaked and shimmed since the trucks are 40 years old and all have taken a "set".Also keep in mind that most want a better fit and finish than the factory ever designed these trucks for.

08-23-2009, 12:01 PM	#1
dhunt00c Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 55	Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? Alright guys... you all know there are dozens of folks out there popping replacement or patch panels for body repair on these old chevrolets. I'm a novice and avidly trying to learn, but if I go buy a bunch of parts, I'd like to buy the best fitting parts, versus some china popped part that just doesn't install or align well. i know none of them are probably going to be perfect, but can anyone recommend some of the better vendors? There's Goodmarks, Brothers, Early Classics, Harmons, CPP, LMC, Chevy Duty, etc... the list goes on. I'm referring to things such as cab corners, rockers cab supports, doors, fenders or fender repair.... Thanks so much in advance. Looking for your experience to help here! David

08-23-2009, 12:07 PM	#2
lilred67 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: weatherford,texas Posts: 1,003	Re: Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? find the best original sheet metal and repair the bad spots for the best fit. ask me how i know.......i installed goodmark fenders on my '67, they fit like crap. found some original fenders and had the body work/paint done on them and couldn't be happier with the fit. if you have to use re-pops be prepared to shim,enlarge holes, and cuss alot........

08-23-2009, 12:11 PM	#3
dhunt00c Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 55	Re: Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? Unfortunately, mine is a rust bucket..... cab included! I have not choice on some of these. I did find a donor cab and cub some pieces out of it up in the cowel section. Haven't found a good donor for some of these others parts.... Its BADLY rusted.

08-23-2009, 12:16 PM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? I have heard that Tri-Plus panels are the best. Although a lot of retailers/vendors carry panels, I think there are only a couple of manufacturers. I think they are all made overseas. Mar-K in Oklahoma specializes in bed stuff, and most of it is USA made. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man Last edited by leddzepp; 08-23-2009 at 12:18 PM.

08-23-2009, 12:38 PM	#5
Boise69 The Hammer Man Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 864	Re: Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? whatever you do, buy American ... please __________________ Boise69. Bought in Boise ID and its a '69 ___________________________________________ 1969 Chevy C-10 SWB 350/400 - drivable project www.americanhammer.com 2013 MBZ Sprinter customized 2005 MBZ Sprinter Van 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2001 Yamaha Road Star 1997 MBZ E420 1989 Ferrari Mondial T

08-23-2009, 03:07 PM	#6
GR8-68 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Belews Creek , NC Posts: 4,220	Re: Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? Definitely watch what you buy, I bought some patch panels for the bottom of my front fenders and ended up cutting pieces out of them to fix mt fender cause NONE of the lines were correct. I am not sure if there is any USA made repro parts anymore for them. Looks like there all made in china-usa

08-23-2009, 03:14 PM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Body Patch / Replacement Panels - Best Fit? As far as I know most of the repo are from overseas.Your best bet on repo if you have to use them is to find a BB vendor close to you.Most if not all of our BB vendors build trucks too and keep only the best stuff they can get in stock,since they may be the one using it.The fit of original is probably going to be better but probably still will need to be tweaked and shimmed since the trucks are 40 years old and all have taken a "set".Also keep in mind that most want a better fit and finish than the factory ever designed these trucks for. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"



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