After Market Doors and Fenders

[Normy71]

Hi All
Just wondering what everyone thinks of After Market Doors and Fenders?
I have purchased new doors and front fenders for my 71 GMC
They are a lot lighter than the originals which I new they would be.
Should I use the after market or fix the old doors and fenders
Thanks

[kev2809]

I would use the originals over aftermarket any day. any of pics of the originals?

[Normy71]

Some pictures in my Album
We have a big rust problem in Canada with all the salt used on our roads in the winter.
That's why I looked into the after market.

[Sinister]

I had no problems with my repop fenders, but I have heard the doors suck.

[brian mac]

I paid more for the "high quality better fitting doors" and they still suck!!
The doors would not even close until I drilled out the spot welds for the glass hoop.The reinforced area around the outside door handle is not on the inside of the door skin either. I have heard the repop fenders are fine.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by brian mac

I paid more for the "high quality better fitting doors" and they still suck!!
The doors would not even close until I drilled out the spot welds for the glass hoop.The reinforced area around the outside door handle is not on the inside of the door skin either. I have heard the repop fenders are fine.

I did not reinforce my door at the handle (for $500 a pr I didn't think I had to!) and one day I shut the door hard.... dented the damn door around the handle

I would use the fenders again.

For what it's worth, I saved my factory doors and will be putting them back on the truck in the next year or two.

[knsmodels]

I have both on my truck and I agree with most....fenders I can live with the doors SUCK....I will never buy them again.....NOS or fix old ones is the only way to go with them.....jmho

[MisterE72]

I don't mean to hijack your thread, but how have you folks done with aftermarket tailgates?

[67ChevyRedneck]

I would take a set of doors over a fleet side tailgate.

If you only ever look at the bed of your truck and will never sit, stand, or basically put any weight on the gate you'll be fine

[larry may]

Just finished a 100% off frame and did use after market hood front fenders and doors. Rockers too. Lining all this hoopla up to fit is a bugger bear. Had this to do over I would use everybit of the original stuff possible. Not bum rapping the after market stuff. But true it does not fit correctly with out reshaping what they sent. Not sure this saved any time buying new aftermarket stuff or if would have been just as well to have repaired the original metal. But if paying someone to do that repair will not be their preference. DIY will be the cheaper way if one has that talent and ability for quality. MY .0002%

[PanelDeland]

I have seen lots of both.I will say i don't think the doors fit as well.I also agree they seem lighter so probably thinner guage/less support.One thing I do know is that even the most amatuer body workers here tend to align their body panels much better than GM did from 67-72.Still think the fenders etc are better than the doors by a long shot.

[Rust Buster]

I agree with most everyone else. I've tried the "quality" aftermarket doors, fenders, and hood for my 68 and they are all horrible They didn't even align with each other and they were all the same brand. I ended up using originals that needed work and the aftermarket ones are just sitting in my basement.

[bad6772]

I have both aftermarket doors and fenders on Sweet Pea...And other than a few minor fitment issues....I would use them again. And as other people have said but failed to mention...They are a thinner gauge, I am guessing that its because they are H.S.S ...Which would dent easier, but be stronger in a (collision) type of accident...As most Sheet metal of today's vehicles are....

As far as the doors denting or caving in when shut...LOL My advise is to adjust your striker, and latch....and not shut them by the handle...It takes a lot of time...But Sweet Peas Doors close them selves.

[msgross]

Originally Posted by MisterE72

I don't mean to hijack your thread, but how have you folks done with aftermarket tailgates?

I wouldn't use them for scrap metal! For the cost of an aftermarket tailgate you can find a pretty decent original which is much stronger.