aftermarket bedsides or repair originals for my 67?

[chewychevy67]

I guess what im getting after here is are the aftermarket bedsides really flimsey metal or good and sturdy, have any serious fittment issues? My originals have been dented fairly badly and there a long way from my tail lights and rear moldings to fit properly and have a wee bit of rust where the inner housing bolts on and im sure that it will cost me quite a bit more to repair these than by new ones. not to mention the PO's bodywork consisted of bondo only. that being said quality is important to me. LMC is now offering 67 swb bedsides which is what i need. I dont want to weld sidemarkers over. are any vendors on here offering quality 67 style bedsides (except GMC Paul cause they wont ship to Canada)? pics of my originals below? your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Rod.

[chewychevy67]

anyone have luck with aftermarket bedsides?

[1low]

I bought bedsides from brothers i have not installed them yet but pulled them out and they seem like they are good and sturdy no dents during shiping im sure it wil take some time to get them fitted perfect like any aftermarket panel

[turp mcspray]

I just installed on a blazer, and have two more sitting here for a shortbed. They are pretty nice pieces.

[MrGoodpliers]

I try to avoid repo panels if I can. They are thinner than originals and I have heard plenty of stories about them taking just as long or longer to fit than it would have been to repair the originals. I have used repo inner fenders and battery trays, and even these don't fit right and anyone who knows these trucks will notice.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by MrGoodpliers

I try to avoid repo panels if I can. They are thinner than originals and I have heard plenty of stories about them taking just as long or longer to fit than it would have been to repair the originals. I have used repo inner fenders and battery trays, and even these don't fit right and anyone who knows these trucks will notice.

I try to avoid using repro sheet metal,too. But,unless you've tried every part made you really can't say it's all poor fitting. And,all sheet metal requires time in fitment. No such thing as bolt-on in body work. I know that Tri-Plus sheet metal is the same gauge,or thicker in some cases,as OEM. I've seen trucks with complete repro beds that look fantastic. When you need clean '67 parts it's slim pickin's when it comes to OEM pieces and repro is our only salvation.
I have no personal experience with the '67 bedsides being made. I have very clean 68-72s and I also don't like the idea of welding up the marker holes. I'm curious to hear how others like the repros.

[Dunenutt]

Judging from your pics, I would stick with what you have. Get a stud welder to pull the dents. a little hammer and dolly work, and you are good to go! You will have many more hours in replacing them, and still have to do body work.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I assembled a bed with the bedsides that we sell and once done no bodywork was required. The bedsides are great as well as the inner tubs, bed fronts, and new steele bottoms.
Yes some of the reproduction parts require work, as will most of the genuine GM stuff. Like special-k says,

When you need clean '67 parts it's slim pickin's when it comes to OEM pieces and repro is our only salvation.

WES

[turp mcspray]

Everyone has this romantic idea that the gm stuff bolts on, an fits perfect! LOL! I've "sliced and diced" PLENTY of gm sheetmetal to make it fit nice. Aftermarket sheetmetal has come a LONG way, in the last 10 years. None of it is flawless. If it wasn't for the aftermarket, there would be a lot less old vehicles out there for us to enjoy!

[chewychevy67]

anyone else have any comments on the repo bed sides?

[LockDoc]

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I haven't purchased any but I looked at a complete repo bed bolted together at a swap meet and it looked pretty nice to me. I don't remember what brand it was though.

LockDoc