What parts need reproduced the most

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by croatoan

Big Block Chevy pass side a/c brackets is on the top of my list

Page 41 from truck and car shop is where I got mine.

[1972RedNeck]

I would like Napco conversions for all sizes, and maybe the 409.

[Hubscrub]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

A steering wheel that appears stock but slightly smaller in diameter. Especially for power steering equipped trucks. Also a patch panel for core support under battery or maybe someone already has that covered.

thats covered, it's in my brothers catalog #RSP72RH 69-72 right side ( i made my own though)

[flashed]

Something made in USA .

[croatoan]

aim in to that

can't read a standard tape that's why no repopped sheet metal fits

[Husker]

6 cylinder tachs.
Ron

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by flashed

Something made in USA .

A big yes for that on original dies for sure.

[special-K]

I think reproduction seat belts would be in demand. While reproduction shoulder belts would be,too,I think if someone made shoulder/lap belt units (like '73-up) with OEM style hardware/buckles they'd make a killing.

As far as sheet metal goes: Panel/Suburban/K5 sides,cab back panels,and the piece in the cowl where the wiper motor mounts.

Originally Posted by srvivor71

I got my steering wheel from somewhere else and it is a flimsy POS. Doesn't feel like it has a steel core inside. I can't speak for LMC but I've seen alot of negative comments here (and never a positive one) about all the aftermarket ones.

I think they are only "made" by one company. I bought a steering wheel from LMC that I installed in a truck that I drive very occasionally. Within four years the rim split and separated at TDC. You can see the metal rod in there and it is a way lighter gauge than original...like half. I'd say about 3/16" where the OEMs have more like 3/8". The wheels are beautiful and correct looking reproductions. I just can't fathom why,especially for what they cost,they would go so cheap on the structure. I'd rather pay five more dollars (a guess at how much more heavier gauge might have cost) than waste all that money on a temporary part. Going cheap can come around and bite your behind and I hope it bites who makes these. If the word got out that steering wheels are made better now,they would sell 10x what they do now and make way more money.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by special-k

i think reproduction seat belts would be in demand. While reproduction shoulder belts would be,too,i think if someone made shoulder/lap belt units (like '73-up) with oem style hardware/buckles they'd make a killing.

As far as sheet metal goes: Panel/suburban/k5 sides,cab back panels,and the piece in the cowl where the wiper motor mounts.



I think they are only "made" by one company. I bought a steering wheel from lmc that i installed in a truck that i drive very occasionally. Within four years the rim split and separated at tdc. You can see the metal rod in there and it is a way lighter gauge than original...like half. I'd say about 3/16" where the oems have more like 3/8". The wheels are beautiful and correct looking reproductions. I just can't fathom why,especially for what they cost,they would go so cheap on the structure. I'd rather pay five more dollars (a guess at how much more heavier gauge might have cost) than waste all that money on a temporary part. Going cheap can come around and bite your behind and i hope it bites who makes these. If the word got out that steering wheels are made better now,they would sell 10x what they do now and make way more money.

Amen!

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by hjewell2

A big yes for that on original dies for sure.

I wonder if any of that tooling is still around or was it all scrapped?

[special-K]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

I wonder if any of that tooling is still around or was it all scrapped?

That stuff generally gets scrapped. Way back in the first days of reproduction parts companies,Seth Doulton from Golden State Pickup Parts did manage to buy some tooling from GM for some parts. I don't recall what parts they were for. One problem is this stuff eventually wears out. Seth also managed to acquire many original blueprints which at least made accurate tooling far more possible.

[yuccales]

Shifter boot for NP 435. The square one, not the round one that I ordered.

[pumpkin]

PU and Blazer tail light repair panels.

[Willys47]

big block tranny kick down switch

[bollybib]

Color keyed vinyl coated rubber floor mats.

More accurate reproduction of original colors on almost everything.

[truckmanloco]

buddy buckets

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

I wonder if any of that tooling is still around or was it all scrapped?

Some of the tooling from the 70,s are still packed away and others have been sold. One such company called OEM parts does use some of the old GM tooling.

Classic industries sell their items but limited items avail.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

I wonder if any of that tooling is still around or was it all scrapped?

Some of the tooling from the 70,s are still packed away and others have been sold. One such company called OEM parts does use some of the old GM tooling.

Classic industries sell their items but limited items avail.
Worked at flint Metal Fab and remember looking at some the old dies setting around still. worked at V8-engine plant for awhile also, boy I could tell some stories about that place. Home of the mighty mouse.

[passthebuck]

67-68 Small lettered GMC tailgates. As a bonus, could it be made out of thicker metal too!

[BMERDOC]

Complete cab back outer skin and back outer skin pieces. Complete, upper, lower, lower left and lower right.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by passthebuck

As a bonus, could it be made out of thicker metal too!

Sheet metal parts made from the original gauge metal.

[croatoan]

so who does have the best patch panels out their

[Hubscrub]

Originally Posted by special-K

I think they are only "made" by one company. I bought a steering wheel from LMC that I installed in a truck that I drive very occasionally. Within four years the rim split and separated at TDC. You can see the metal rod in there and it is a way lighter gauge than original...like half. I'd say about 3/16" where the OEMs have more like 3/8". The wheels are beautiful and correct looking reproductions. I just can't fathom why,especially for what they cost,they would go so cheap on the structure. I'd rather pay five more dollars (a guess at how much more heavier gauge might have cost) than waste all that money on a temporary part. Going cheap can come around and bite your behind and I hope it bites who makes these. If the word got out that steering wheels are made better now,they would sell 10x what they do now and make way more money.

there made that way when you smack your head aginst it that it "gives" so you don't hurt yourself on it like an OEM one

[special-K]

Hey!! Not exactly a reproduction,but someone would be wise to make a 67/68-style hood for 69-72s. They'd sell a whole lot of them.

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Sheet metal parts made from the original gauge metal.

A lot of myths out there. All the Tri-Plus parts "are" made of same gauge metal. Some patch panels for new trucks (88-98) weigh more than OEM. I believe the same is true for most other companies,but can't say for sure. I believe at first some companies tried cheaping out and underestimated the quality customers demand...such as the first reproduction tailgates. They also skipped a step by not spot welding the inner and outer skins at the indentation. This is where the poor quality reputation on tailgates came from. They are made better now. I think they had a crash-parts mentality where cheaper than OEM is why aftermarket exists. Restoration is a different market and customers are willing to pay for quality (right?). I think companies now see this.

[wild4wheels]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Sub,Panel,rear quarters/Blazer tubs.

Amen, this has been needed for years