Reproduction Parts are Junk

[nightstalker]

What do you mean "thinking"? You want someone to use their brain? Does that even happen anymore?

[azdon]

I had to buy the grille surround piece and while it didn't fit without extensive modification, I was dang glad to be able to purchase the piece and I felt it was reasonably priced. The headlight bucket I bought wasn't notched properly to hold a sealed beam, but was okay after a little modification.
This stuff is made in China and there's no telling what patterns were used for the tooling. If we could get first-rate American-made stuff, I'm not sure any of us could afford the pricing.
It's a free country, and you can choose not to buy the stuff if you don't like it! I've never had LMC challenge me about a refund on un-useable stuff and the no-doubt take the hit directly, because I'm sure the Chinese don't!
Sorta un-related, but I bought a new tailgate for my 94 dually from JC Whitney for $135 and the third one arrived damaged after I'd asked for better packaging- twice! I finally just called them and explained that I'd be okay just doing a little body work on this one if they'd cut me a markdown rather than continue the costly freight volleyball game..... I got it for eighty bucks!

[dirtydonnys]

You Paid What 280.00 from LMC for a tin surround? Could have got one a nice used one from Dirty Donnys. OEM Part for under 200 It would have fit first time.. Buy American Dude!

[plowboyxi]

Is any of the stuff from classic industries any better?

[Scooter3]

as far as patch panels probably not

[jacksf]

i bought a rear bumper from Truck shop in orange county. i bent it when installing. the chrome started to peel in sheets like foil.
they warrantied that one. the second one looks like crap-bubbling and imperfections all over the chrome.

but i looked for a while for a original used rear bumper but not able to find any. and than if i did find it. it would have been $250-$300 to rechrome. sometimes there is just no choice.

i did see Truck shops replacement panels at a show recently and i paid special attention to their front fenders. the replacement front fenders looked very , very close to my NOS fenders i just got.

so i dont think all the stuff out there is crap, just most of it.

[72chevy]

i have a set of factory brand new fenders for a 1966 i would like to sell them but i do not know what they are worth?

[62blue]

The Truck and Car shop in Orange C a. has some really great stuff that fits like the orginials. I am redoing my floors on my 1962 C-10 and they are very good fit. I would reccomendmend them to you guys.
62blue
Don

[esabenski]

This is my first post as a new member. My project is a 60 stepside shortbed 350. In my search for parts I have found the same problems. One place that told me they have most of the dies in house is Tabco.http://www.tabcobodyparts.com/html/table_of_contents.htm
They are in the U.S. However they did have to get some parts imported.

[boone]

Has anyone had experience with Auto Body Specialties in Conn? I need bed panels for a 1966 long bed fleetside and they advertise theirs are Die Formed-USA made. So I'm looking for someone that has used them to give me a thumbs up on the fit and form.
Thanks,
Boone in SC

[Jumper22]

Guys I've just ordered a rocker from AMD auto metal correct in georgia. They claim on their website that they get the new panels, and test fit each one. Whatever doesn't fit right is taken and marked up with the changes that need to be made. It also says this marking procedure may be repeated a number of times, till they get it correct. I bought some rockers FROM, and Classic Industries, and both of the sucked. I'm hoping this AMD is for real and I get a quality part.

[64c10]

Have replaced floors, rockers inner and outer, door pillars, kick panels and inner/outer windshield panel on roof.

None of them are a perfect fit, and I have a ton of patches on floors but I'm also not building a show truck.

The truck is 50+ years old and I can't expect body parts to fit exactly. They fit well enough to use with some work though.