There are some relatively cheap reproduction panels out there (example linked below). Just curious if anyone has any experience and how bad the fit typically is with panels like this?
Don't expect any of them to fit perfectly. Fenders seem to have more fitment problems than quarters, but you won't know until you get them in. Just expect to wrestle with them a little before they start fitting better than out of the box.
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Chris
1968 Camaro: DSE tubs and sub frame connectors, Chassisworks G-Link rear suspension, Speedtech upper and lower control arms, Chicane front coilover conversion with QA1's, Baer brakes, 18" Forgeline SO3's, Vintage Air, 6.0L LS 417 rwhp, 4L65E, Moser 12 Bolt w/3.73's.... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2391864
I dunno if these are what you consider cheaper sheet metal front fenders, but they are made by golden legion.
The fenders out of the box, some stamping score marks on the passenger fender along the hood bend. But other than that, no dents/dimples. It took 4 big shims up top and 3 below and one on the firewall and a little one in the door jamb for us to get it lined up with the door/rocker.
The driver side had no dents or scoring marks but 11 dimples that I will need to ping out. The fender fit tighter than the passenger but ended up requiring basicly the same shims as the passenger side did to get the body lines correct.
/shrug
The header and lower valance (pre modifications) are AMD, much nice stamped parts and a bit thicker it seems.
All in all the sheet metal is fine in my opninon, you have to skim/work old ones or NOS also so no big deal imo.
If you can get AMD get it imo. There are a few threads around about their sheet metal. It seems to be a nicer stamping, only reason my fenders are not AMD is I have had them out in the shed for a while already.
You get what you paid for, if you want the best on the market, it's AMD.
I can hook you up with the best price on Auto Metal Direct .I'm autorized distributor.Just shoot me PM
Interesting comment. I also 'think' AMD is the best aftermarket product. I've not compared different brands, but I have seen some really bad stampings, thin/wavy metal, etc. I recently needed most of my front clip replaced and have looked at this issue hard...
Most "aftermarket" panels are just re-boxed & manufactured by the same companies. I just fit new fenders, doors, quarters, etc from OER on a 69 project & everything fit good with some massaging. I've also used dynacorn & other aftermarket vendors & experienced the same thing. Haven't found a panel that fits perfect out of the box, better than trying to save an old rusty, mangled original IMO..
We have been selling the AMD stuff since we got our first piece 6 months ago. I am completely sold! And yes it is one of the original Goodmark guys that started AMD to offer a better product.
We used everything they offer on our Project Unfair including their awesome aluminum front clip, bumpers, deck lid. The quarters are almost 50% heavier (thicker) then the other aftermarket panels, we are weighing the weight difference as part of our story.
We will be getting a prototype set of doors for Unfair that will be thicker and better fit. The repro door that is out there now will dent if you close the door! Can't wait for the doors! Been a big problem for us.
They do not make everything yet and we were forced to us some stuff they do not make yet. But they are R and D ing stuff everyday, and to do it these guys are taking apart perfect original bodies and having them reverse engineered.
If anyone needs any AMD stuff, hit me up. We have some really good shipping deals right now.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
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Cheap Reproduction Panels
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