For those Restoring! Have you noticed.......

[fisherman56]

And some things are not made in the aftermarket. For instance 67-71 Big Block engine stands. You have to buy either used or NOS and they are pricey! I just bought a NOS set on Ebay for $176, cuz I couldn't find any.

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

I would have to agree, when I first started my build I knew I would need a lot of sheet metal as most of mine was full of rot. After I started looking at the prices of some NOS parts and heck even the prices of original parts that might need some work or only have "surface rust" I chose to go to the aftermarket. My truck has fenders, core support, hood, door skins, complete bed with tailgate from the aftermarket. Speaking about the quality, the only thing I had to modify to fit correctly was the hood, everything else has fit perfectly so far so I'm happy I chose this route. I have saved a ton of money over NOS or even used parts. With that money I now have a full custom suspension and some nice billet wheels

On a side note yote1234 I do love the build your doing, your truck is looking great.

thank you for the complement! i cant wait till the day its done and i can enjoy it. 402 should be fun 2 drive

[yote1234]

you know with all this being said, and im no longer a young man! i really do belive this will be my last build! but im pretty happy knowing my final truck is a 1971 loaded,short wheel base, big block cheyenne with docs! and MADE IN THE USA! with usa parts!
thx for the great input everyone!


add.... "and by an american!" thx litew8

[litew8]

Don't forget - "Made (or reassembled) by an American" (unless you're not )

[davischevy]

Is it me, or are more of the aftermarket parts being made in America?

[dajn]

I don't think nos is all that important for these pickups. It's not like an old muscle car where things like that make a big difference. I could take the 7litre spear and emblem off of my 66 ford galaxie and get a $1000 for it. Used. Our pickups don't really have any valuable parts to them because of the nature of a pickup. Buying and having nos is cool though.

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by dajn

I don't think nos is all that important for these pickups. It's not like an old muscle car where things like that make a big difference. I could take the 7litre spear and emblem off of my 66 ford galaxie and get a $1000 for it. Used. Our pickups don't really have any valuable parts to them because of the nature of a pickup. Buying and having nos is cool though.

on the other hand i have seen these trucks achive "collector car " status. some of these trucks optioned right, restored right, will bring more $$$$ than some camaros, mustangs, even some vettes the same era.

[litew8]

I agree somewhat. The monetary value for nos parts might not be all that relevant, but when you're rebuilding one of our trucks, nos parts are far more superior (from my experience) allowing for a better, more clean job. That would apply to any classic American restoration.

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by litew8

I agree somewhat. The monetary value for nos parts might not be all that relevant, but when you're rebuilding one of our trucks, nos parts are far more superior (from my experience) allowing for a better, more clean job. That would apply to any classic American build.

agreed! x2

[litew8]

I'd gladly pay more for nos to prevent the headaches associated with Chinese aftermarket. You should see how much we had to cut out of my aftermarket inner front fender today just so it'd clear and fit. Horrible

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by litew8

I'd gladly pay more for nos to prevent the headaches associated with Chinese aftermarket. You should see how much we had to cut out of my aftermarket inner front fender today just so it'd clear and fit. Horrible

my buddy loaded a dirt bike and put a major "bow" in a aftermarket tailgate!
o u c h !

[dajn]

I agree that most aftermarket parts are chinease cooker cutter bs that are not worth there weight in scrap. An after market fender is about as strong as a beer can. It's a difficult situation.

[Sacramento70]

it can be hard to tell if a part is nos after paint and install, so for me i prefer to get the best cost available, but i agree i prefer american made parts and stuff that fits well compared to poorly made parts. That being said, it we never sell our vehicles ( which most of us plan on not doing anyhow) it makes no difference where the restoration part comes from as long as it works or you can make it work and if the end result looks good.

[dajn]

Reminds me of when i first saw my girlfriend's only visegrip. Your standard Chinese or taiwan garbage. I said to her "sweetheart I don't care if they are giving these away for free, they are worthless" i threw it into the garbage and gave her one of mine. Quality is important.

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by dajn

Reminds me of when i first saw my girlfriend's only visegrip. Your standard Chinese or taiwan garbage. I said to her "sweetheart I don't care if they are giving these away for free, they are worthless" i threw it into the garbage and gave her one of mine. Quality is important.

agree! i invested in snap-on a million years ago and there in awesome condition now! my great grand kids will be using them in years to come!
buy once!, buy right!