nothing like OEM parts

[Mr Chevorlet]

I have bought a lot of repop parts over the years and i guess i decided last night i had enough.I have bought this part from two different venders so far and neither will work with out a lot of cutting and rewelding to fit like the original. I know all parts will have to be worked a little bit, but this is jut to much. I might have to cut the whole end off and use the rusty OEM part to weld back on. I am talking about the drivers front floor peice and inner rocker combo. I will show some pictures of the OEM that i cut out and the repop peice. Looking at it from the end, the oem is a 45 degree and crisp corners and the ropop is who knows what degree and rounded. and angles are all wrong. Sorry for ranting,but maybe you guys can tell me what you have done in this area and if i can find one that will fit a little better. The lower piller and inside kick panel i have redone. and when i set the orignal floor peice back in it fits perfect. I keep old peices just for this purpose to check fit.
Sorry once again for complaining!

[turp mcspray]

That piece needs to be sliced, and a pie shaped wedge added to fit right. A little hammer and dolly work will sharpen up the bends. Don't take this the wrong way but, if this is the worst hurdle you have in the course of your restoration, you're in good shape! LOL!

[special-K]

The problem is,welded seams are first to rust. Nothing like repairing a repair a few years later because of all the heating,cutting,and welding that should not have been necessary.

[Mr Chevorlet]

I have made a lot of peices over the years myself but thought going this route would be a little easier. And you right special k that is one of the first places that will show up even it you do seal it good. And Turp i will probably cut and weld to make it fit and look right. it has to be perfect and i will not cover it up with cosmetics but thats how i am. I am pertty sure we are like that in some way or another.LOL

[webfoot]

Top part of that OE piece looks to be in good shape, if it was too bad I'd consider buttwelding as much of the original to the repop as I could. Of course grind/blast it real good first.

[mcbassin]

I feel your pain brother! I just finished cutting a pile of rust out of my cab. Starting HERE It took me over 100 hours total.....yes I'm slow but not that slow. The majority of the time was cutting, grinding, bending, shaping the crap aftermarket floor patches. This job would have taken half the time or less with patches that fit.

[Mr Chevorlet]

Your right Mcbassin, Unnessary hours have to be put in to make these parts work, So i wonder if a body shop uses these parts do they add hours and hours to there estimate to cover this, they better or they could lose alot of money.
Finnaly got the one peice to fit like the orignal after 3 hours of cutting, hammering, and welding but i feel good about its fit now.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Mr Chevorlet

Your right Mcbassin, Unnessary hours have to be put in to make these parts work, So i wonder if a body shop uses these parts do they add hours and hours to there estimate to cover this, they better or they could lose alot of money.
Finnaly got the one peice to fit like the orignal after 3 hours of cutting, hammering, and welding but i feel good about its fit now.

Congrats on fixing your oem piece. It "only" took you 3 hours? Good job! I swear I spent 8 hours on just my pass. side floor pan. I don't think regular body shops will touch these old trucks unless they are only painting or doing minor body work. Rust repair, I just don't see it happening. Maybe shops that specialize in hot rods or customs?