New Full Quarters For My '69 Firebird

[Ron Fox]

I know this has been talked about in the past but wanted to put it out there again since I need full quarters for my '69 Firebird.

What company does everyone recommend, Classic Industries, Year One, Goodmark, Dynocorn, etc.

I know at the moment AMD does not produce the Full Quarters for the '69 Firebird but what do you guys think about using the '69 Camaro Full Quarters frome AMD on my Firebird? Would it work?

Thanks for the help.

[bdahlg68]

I got the full quarters for my 68 Firebird from Classic Industries with a 20% off coupon. This was cheaper than picking up at the NPD down the street. Since I haven't installed, I can't say how well they fit, but the driver side looks close by the rough hanging I did a couple weeks ago. I'm sure they all have their issues though unless (even then, maybe) you go find OEM ones.

I know the Camaro panel will have the slits in front of the wheel and will not have the Bird emblem / side marker at the back. As for fitment to rear panel / bumper, no idea.

[Ron Fox]

I talked to AMD and at the moment they have no plans for the '69 Firebird Full Quarter. I hear a lot of people in here speaking highly of the AMD metal being thicker and overall better so the thought of using the '69 Camaro Full Quarter crossed my mind.

Who knows by the time my metal work finally begins AMD may be producing the Full Quarters for the '69 Bird.

[elitecustombody]

Who knows by the time my metal work finally begins AMD may be producing the Full Quarters for the '69 Bird.

Ron,that is true, I was working on 69 Dart GT last year and needed deck filler panel, I talk to guys at AMD just about everyday,sometimes a few times a day,they kept telling me that they were not planning to make them, guess what? I just found out that they had them in stock for few months ,it sucks that I spent probably 4 days fixing the original panel and making patches.

When are you planning on doing the metal work? I will make sure AMD sends me email alert on any updates, I also have 69 Firebird ,hopefully I will start chopping it up in few months

[Ron Fox]

I am not much of a gear head so I am having my car built. My experienced builder has a nice shop at his residence but only has one and sometimes two helpers in the shop. Not having helpers on a full time basis makes things slowly drag on and on. At the moment I think there are 7 or 8 cars in the shop. 2 or 3 cars are in the assembling stage while the rest of the cars are down to bare bones ready for metal work. About a month ago he asked me if I was ready to get started on metal work so hopefully work will began early this year. So maybe AMD will surprise me with '69 Bird Full Quarters soon!

Please keep me updated on any talk from AMD producing the Full Quarters or any '69 Bird parts. I have bought a few parts but do not plan on buying anymore until I know for certain when the metal stage begins.

I am not aware of the detail process or the financial side of producing certain reproduction panels for different makes and models but sounds like AMD is slowly but surely adding to it's list. Hopefully the Birds list grows in months to come.

Are you currently building your '69 Bird? Any build pics?

Thanks.

[elitecustombody]

I have to call AMD today and find out,they are about to release few parts that many E-body guys been waiting for.

The reason why they don't make parts for some of these cars, is because they don't think they will recoup their investment that goes in development and production,so they just try to make parts for the most popular cars.

At the moment my bird sits and waits patiently while I gather all needed parts to make it into one crazy bird,so I don't have build pics.I haven't even started on it and already changed my direction on suspension and body,but it will be something different for sure:)

[elitecustombody]

Ron, Alan at AMD says that they are planning to make 67,68 and 69 quarters for the Firebird, but it will be about 6-8 months.not sure if that will work for you,but it's good to know they will be made.

[Ron Fox]

Stefan, my builder called me this afternoon and finally came down to my warehouse to pick up the sheet metal parts I have. I bought the drivers side Full Quarter awhile back from Classic Industries but only bought the skin for the passenger side.

I have now decided to put a Full Quarter on the passenger side but not sure if I can wait 6 to 8 months. I wish AMD could make them sooner. Do you think they will be able to make them any sooner?

Do they make the door skins for the '69 Bird?

[Ron Fox]

Everyone's thoughts please...

Thanks.

[Finch]

Go with what is available now to keep things moving along. You do not want to wait 6 months to find out there was some delays on the new product and it will be another 6 months.


A bird in the hand.........

[bdahlg68]

Everyone's thoughts please...

Thanks.

Just got a 20% off coupon from classic industries, that's what I'd do.

[Ron Fox]

Go with what is available now to keep things moving along. You do not want to wait 6 months to find out there was some delays on the new product and it will be another 6 months.


A bird in the hand.........

Those were my thought's as well.

Thanks Brian.

[Ron Fox]

Just got a 20% off coupon from classic industries, that's what I'd do.

My left side Full Quarter is from Classic so I will probably go ahead and order a right side as well. We'll see.

[Ron Fox]

This past weekend my builder and I opened up the box my driver's side Full Quarter panel.


There were no dents but the quality of the quarter is no good. The body line that runs from the back of the quarter to the wheel opening is way off. There is actually 2 body lines...the main body line and another line about this line. Not sure the name of the measuring device my builder used but he measured my original quarter and tested it to the New Full Quarter. The fit and body line was way off.

Also, there is some sort of hit mark (line) that runs vertically in front of the wheel opening that from top to bottom. There are DA marks around this line that is visible under the coating. Looks like they tried to repair something in that area. The Bird emblem has a couple of rounded corners as well.

Don't mean to bad mouth this company about this one quarter but it's needs to be returned. I know it's an aftermarket piece but the company had to see the problem with the Full Quarter. I'm no sheet metal guy and I saw it right out of the box.

All the other sheet metal seems to be good. Hopefully and surely they will give me a refund or replace the Full Quarter.

I have photos' but I can't seem to post them. I will see if I can fix the problem.

Everyone's thoughts please?

Where and how many places are producing/stamping sheet metal parts?

Maybe AMD will have their Firebird parts in stock soon.

Thanks.

[Ron Fox]

Everyone's thoughts and commits would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[bdahlg68]

I would try to exchange it. Did you get it from Classic Industries? I have alot of stuff from Classic without any issues (yet). But I also have a 68 so different quarters. Pretty much every company has sent suspect sheet metal parts out to someone on this board it seems. I remember one not long ago where there was a huge gap between the quarter and rear window panel or something.


This past weekend my builder and I opened up the box my driver's side Full Quarter panel.


There were no dents but the quality of the quarter is no good. The body line that runs from the back of the quarter to the wheel opening is way off. There is actually 2 body lines...the main body line and another line about this line. Not sure the name of the measuring device my builder used but he measured my original quarter and tested it to the New Full Quarter. The fit and body line was way off.

Also, there is some sort of hit mark (line) that runs vertically in front of the wheel opening that from top to bottom. There are DA marks around this line that is visible under the coating. Looks like they tried to repair something in that area. The Bird emblem has a couple of rounded corners as well.

Don't mean to bad mouth this company about this one quarter but it's needs to be returned. I know it's an aftermarket piece but the company had to see the problem with the Full Quarter. I'm no sheet metal guy and I saw it right out of the box.

All the other sheet metal seems to be good. Hopefully and surely they will give me a refund or replace the Full Quarter.

I have photos' but I can't seem to post them. I will see if I can fix the problem.

Everyone's thoughts please?

Where and how many places are producing/stamping sheet metal parts?

Maybe AMD will have their Firebird parts in stock soon.

Thanks.

[Ron Fox]

Brian, yea I plan on sending it back.

Here are a few photo's of the Full Quarter.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Got you email looking for a opinion. In the scope of things those little stamping flaws are pretty minor. It would be nice if you could get a better one, but at the end of the day the little filler that will be there will be kept company by all the other filler needed all over the car. So I would not sweat it and get the car done.

[redfire69]

Classic is going to tell you all sheet metal needs final body work, blah blah blah. That second line would be too much for me. More importantly is the fit though. Some of the aftermarket quarters don't fit well or the same from side to side. I've got one of the older goodmark passenger quarters (69 camaro) that I need to chuck bc the bodyline is lower on the quarter and the door opening lines are not well defined (I've heard their tooling was wearing out).

Good luck-

[Ron Fox]

Thanks for your input Frank and Ron.

Which companies do you guys use the most for sheet metal?

[redfire69]

AMD would be my first choice, but not a lot is available yet. I've had pretty good luck with the dynacorn stuff. I'm actually looking at getting an AMD pass quarter as I've heard good things about their quarters in particular.

[elitecustombody]

AMD should have something in 5-6 months from their own tooling.In meantime they have Dynacorn quarters if you want to try those

[Ron Fox]

AMD should have something in 5-6 months from their own tooling.In meantime they have Dynacorn quarters if you want to try those

What is the return policy for AMD?

[elitecustombody]

What is the return policy for AMD?

As long as the part is not modified,cut in any way and you have the box the part came in, they will refund your money and you don't even have to worry about shipping, they will schedule a pick up ,just have the part packed and ready.

I had a customer having problems with Challenger quarters,while they have sold thousands sets of these with countless positive feedback on fitment on many forums,I had them picked up, sold him a set of Goodmark quarters and he's happy. BTW, he is Lat-G member MoparCar.

Usually if they have someone having fitting issues, they want to get that part back and do a close inspection and make sure to fix that flaw on tooling

[Ron Fox]

Ron, AMD metal is starting to sound good at this point. Hopefully it's all quality with crisp lines.

Stefan, that's an excellent return policy. Is there a certain time frame a part has to be returned? Did I hear that the AMD is a thicker metal compared to original and after market metal?

Thanks.

[elitecustombody]

Ron, yes, AMD metal is thicker than OE or other aftermarket metal, as for how mch time before returning, just call AMD direct and ask.Alan Gray is my main contact,talk to him,he's a great guy.

[Ron Fox]

Thanks Stefan. I sent AMD an email.

[T_Raven]

Have you considered NOS Quarters for your 69 Firebird. You will pay much more than AMD or Taiwan quarters though, but that is another option. I just google a few 69 NOS Firebird quarters. A few places that might have it would be Camaro Specialities. Most of these guys have connections though. here is a google one...http://www.autobodyspecialt.com/ Sorry, never heard of them. Price is rather low. I seen NOS Quarters in Ebay too.

Honestly, it is best to go and look at the sheetmetal before you buy. AMD might say it be 6 months, but in reality it will be much longer. If they are building a new stamping die for these new quarters, then it will take longer.

Jeff

Frank from Prodigy Customs posted in a thread somewhere that back when NOS metal was still available a lot of it didn't fit that great because the dies wore out over time, so just because a part is NOS and came from original dies doesn't mean it will always fit perfect. Just something to consider before shelling out big bucks for NOS metal. I think Frank said in the same post that AMD parts generally fit better than any he has used including the NOS stuff he use to be able to get in the past.

Hopefully AMD will come out with plenty of Firebird parts in the near future.

[elitecustombody]

Well, it depends when the sheetmetal was stamped.1980 or so. Also is your car perfect. Lot of the cars have been wrecked in the past, so be sure to measure everything about your car. Some were even wrecked at the dealership or before they were shipped. Another thing you have to consider is that AMD might have the same problem. I have a background in sheetmetal stamping from the tool & die industry and it takes lot of runs to get the part into production. Almost every part on my 1967 Camaro has been delayed that was custom made, from various vendors. They would state 6 months, and end being a year. I bought NOS quarters in 2003, sorry AMD didn't exist then. Anyway, only slight adjustment was made to fit the quarters. My friend's dad with over 54 years of experience did the work, and he even used lead on the sail panel seam just like the factory. Majority of these shops now slap bondo up there.

I am pretty confident that AMD quarters will have great fitment and overall finish as the rest of their parts,if you ever had used or seen their parts personally ,you would know

[Ron Fox]

Stefan, I got an email from Alan Gray from AMD. He said the return policy is 90 days. He did mention 5 to 6 months on the '69 Full Quarters but maybe longer if there is quality problems.

Jeff, yes I have considered NOS quarters but some prices I have seen are high. How do you know if NOS parts are real or not? I would have to see the parts in person before I bought an NOS part. I have waited along time to get to the metal stage of this build so 5 or 6 more months wont hurt if AMD parts are the way to go. AMD is about 2 and half hours from me so a road trip to look at the final product in person could be planned and would also save on shipping cost.

[Ron Fox]

Jeff, do you know of any good leads on where to look for NOS Full Quarters for a '69 Bird or anyone I should talk to? Frank would be a good start, huh?

Do you have any photo's of your Camaro?

[DOOM]

Well, I went up to Camaro Specialities in New York and checked them out before I bought them. I got a tour of their place too. They have a nice 1967 RS/SS 396 Pace Car convertible in one of the barns. Anyway, there is die stamping on each quarter. Yes, they are real. Also, there is a tag, but that sometimes it is gone. Actually, I would check out any sheet metal part before I bought it.

Kyle Tucker of DSE and Jack that did my bodywork recommended that I go with NOS quarters. I have owned my 67 since 1983, and bought some NOS Fenders and Cowl induction hood in 1985 from a Chevrolet dealership. Well, the first hood was shipped to the bodyshop was bent in the back of the cowl. So it is better to look at your sheet metal parts before you spend the money. Jack hasn't used AMD sheetmetal, but has tried Goodmark on a customer's car. Well, he spent lot of time making it fit. So in the end, it would be cheaper to go with NOS. Just because of the labor hours involved.

Even my glass from pilkington Classics (OE Supplier for LOF glass) http://www.pilkington.com/the+americas/usa/english/automotive/agr/pilkington+classics/default.htm (I also went there and picked it up. Although, Pilkington packages it up nice.) Although, the glass that is sold on the forums is AutoCity. Jack tried that glass on his 1969 Camaro Z28,numbers matching car. The car just was sitting in the garage, well, within 6 months it cracked. So he was lucky in finding PPG glass, but that warehouse has closed now.

Jeff

Jeff your making the right choice!!! My battles with aftermarket parts are well documented. I have used all the brands with the same results. If you want this aftermarket stuff to work, be ready to do alot of cuttin and fittin!!!!I think you'll save in the long run with the OEM.... I have a full set of OEM quarters and brought one from home last weekend just to see how bad the aftermarket quarters are . My OEM's fit absolutly perfect, every issue I have with the aftermarket quarter are perfect with the OEM . If I did'nt have a 69 Z/28 in the wings I would be putting them on my car...

[Ron Fox]

Thanks for the leads Jeff. I will look into them.

What is the average price for a full NOS quarter for a '69 Bird (or a '69 Camaro for reference)?

Nice, clean ride by the way. Great color choice which should pop in the sun. Killer sub and power plant! I see you painted the back seat structure body color...Did you paint all the inner structure body color? What about underneath?

Doom, do you have any NOS leads?

Thanks.

[DOOM]

Thanks for the leads Jeff. I will look into them.

What is the average price for a full NOS quarter for a '69 Bird (or a '69 Camaro for reference)?

Nice, clean ride by the way. Great color choice which should pop in the sun. Killer sub and power plant! I see you painted the back seat structure body color...Did you paint all the inner structure body color? What about underneath?

Doom, do you have any NOS leads?

Thanks.

I do, but these guy are WAY out of line on what they want for them...

[Ron Fox]

Jeff, I got your PM and just responded to it. The one price, 750.00, seems reasonable compaired to other prices I have seen. I wonder what the return policy is? I will have to check into that.

Would you, and others, recommend putting on NOS Full Quarters on BOTH sides and not just one side?

I plan on painting my Undercarriage body color also and I also thought about painting the interior metal and the inside of the fenders body color as well but thought it may be too extreme. I Just want to have a clean car even if certain places are not seen. Crazy huh?

Thanks Doom. Please let me know if you find any NOS quarters.

[Ron Fox]

Emailed several companies today about '69 Firebird NOS quarters.

Still want to see what AMD has to offer when they release their Full Quarters.

Jeff, I like detail work also. My builder is a detail person which is seen in all the cars he has built. I think the small details is what makes a car.

[Ron Fox]

Yes, I agree, calling would be a better way to get a quicker response.

It took me a year+ to find a restoration shop that I was comfortable with and had experience. I asked at car shows, cousins, ect. about restoration shops in my area and the surrounding areas. I visited many shops and finally found a shop about 45 minutes away from me. The shop I found is ran out of the builders house. A nice clean, organized shop. It took me several months to get to know my builder, his ways, and to check out his references, before my car was put into his shop. When my car first went into the shop I helped with the tear down and cleaned and media blasted all the small parts I could (which saved me money and I learned several things along the way). He always lets me get my hands dirty when I want. He has several cars in the shop at the moment (7+ cars) and he does not charge a storage fee. He lets the car owners pay in stages so he rotates on working on the cars. And in my situation I have been waiting on him (metal stage) for awhile now which has given me a chance to save more car fund money. He has one to two people helping him which seems to make my build drag on and on.

How do you get free labor lol? Or do you work on your car?

Saw your PM. Bought most of my sheet metal from Classic and hopefully the full floor will not be too short. I have not talked to my builder about NOS parts just yet and I never thought about the repo floor not fitting with the NOS quarters. Man, this building thing is just one huge jigsaw puzzle.

[Ron Fox]

Good to have friends who are car builders, huh.

I called Camaro Central today but no luck with NOS.

Anyone have any contacts or companies who would have '69 Bird NOS Full Quarters?

Thanks.

[Ron Fox]

Camaro Central is always a dead end.. Google them and you find it. Here is a google link, but it is just modifying the keywords. http://www.google.com/search?q=69%20firebird%20NOS%20quarters&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&source=hp&channel=np

I already gave you Camaro Specialities, they list one in their catalog. Although, you have to call them.

Jeff

I am calling Camaro Specialites this afternoon or in the morning. Maybe they can find the R/H side also.

[Ron Fox]

I do, but these guy are WAY out of line on what they want for them...
Hey Mario may I have your leads?

[fast400]

Ron,
You have to be careful with the NOS stuff. Just because it's NOS doesn't mean it'll fit much better. It depends on when it was pressed 1970 or 1980 using the same press and tooling!!
Whichever route you take, the more important thing is that your builder really corrects and mistakes the quarters may have, and makes sure the doors and fenders are on to line everything up.
I had a guy put my quarters on my 69 Firebird. On the pass side he tacked them maybe an 1/8" off...this cause huge headaches towards the front of the car. Be sure ALL gaps are perfect before permanently welding them in!