Importing panels

[newsatten]

Yep, if I can get away with just a hood I’ll go with STS,
As the postal inside the US are still fairly high,

My front quarters are certainly not terrible, but no blasting
No cutting and bending, no welding was definitely a nice thought,
But some of these patterned panels are very dodgy,
And everyone seems to have a different perspective of this.
Dynacorn are crap or fabulous depending on the views,
AMD and OER just the same,

If I do go ahead with multiple items and source from different suppliers then I’ll use Ron,
It’s good the dispute is over but actual parts in stock is a major problem, most of what I’ll require aren’t currently available,
Yet another reason for repairing what I’ve got

[Blue]

AMD seem to have the best reputation for fit, a body guy I know swears by them. Availability has been an issue ever since Covid, not really sure what’s going on there. AMD have discontinued some of the more popular Mopar patch panels and there’s no alternative other than full quarters now. Makes you wonder if demand is dropping off.

[newsatten]

I’ve already had a front and rear cowl panels delivered from Summit, both a AMD and both seem nicely pressed and definitely heavier gauge steel to the originals,
Fits not bad either!
Unfortunately most of what I’d like is out of stock
And yes I can’t help thinking theses proper old cars are now in decline?
I’m currently at 200 hrs on my restoration and my estimate was a 1000 for a half decent one, so I’ve got time if I do end up waiting a few months for bits etc ,

[Blue]

Only a finite amount of people wanting to restore cars and restorable cars so demand has to drop off at some point.

[newsatten]

As with all things these cars are getting older along with all of us, they are constantly deteriorating so will constantly need repairs and maintenance,
So I guess there’s always going to be a demand for parts
Whether it’s a big enough demand is another story?
This particular car is so ironic as I’d given up the thought of ever actually getting one now!
Always been my favourite,
And as it’s definitely the last one , and a sort of retirement thing I can let myself go a tad,
All the previous cars I’ve had have always been the one before the next , but this is it now,
Get the TA done to a decent standard, our little B’ roadster is a little gem and will remain, and if I can afford it I’d like a XKE ‘
Not a show one but a slightly ragged one ,
Trouble is I’m 68 now so that Ol’ clock is most definitely ticking! Lol

[Blue]

Only a year behind you chap and my previous project was going to be my last and I already have at least another one lined up. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll be doing it as long as I’m able.

[mygasser]

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll be doing it as long as I’m able.

what else would we do mate?
neil.

[newsatten]

Haha
Yeah maybe I’m just kidding myself!
I suspect blue’s correct and there’s always going to be something that’s needs doing,

But this is definitely the last complete strip and refurb for me, as I’ve got older and following my knee replacement I physically cannot get into certain positions required to do this type of thing,
Plus do this stuff at home , it’s all big and heavy
I haven’t got the room for a rotisserie and even if I did I haven’t got the means to lift and mount etc,
I’m definitely feeling the years now,
But I also still work 4 full days repairing buses and coaches
Once again all big a bloody heavy stuff,
So hopefully once I retire what energy I have will be mine to use !!
As ever the down side is always, no work no money,
No work more time , time but no money !!!
Ces’t la vie

[newsatten]

So I’ve been having a good look around at these panels
And a bit surprised to find out that AMD were my preferred choice don’t actually do anything really for my TA!
The couple of parts I’ve got are AMD but they are boxed as Camaro!
Obviously both being F body’s they share the body structure but quarters and hood etc are marque specific,
So that blows AMD out the window!

[mygasser]

i know it would save time by buying new panels, but are they worth the outlay when compared to your time. we know you're more than capable of doing the repairs to a very nice quality, if i were you i know what i'd do. plus as you say even 'decent' new panels still need fettling to fit right and that's without them arriving with some little dents etc to repair. it's different if you're getting panels for say a mk1/2 escort here in the uk where you can easily send them back but from the states?
neil.

[newsatten]

Had another look at mine and they are a bit tatty
But yes they are repairable, I’d need to be quite creative as there’s some fancy crinkle sections that have corrosion,
Wear the thin fender metal mates with the very heavy gauge inner wing sections,

Having read some reviews and I know one has to takes These with a pinch of salt etc , but the common complaint was the pattered panels are 5/8 ths to short!!!
So gapping is a massive pita ,
And requires so proper old school bodging ,
The general consensus is with 70-72 cars is repair repair repair , or new old stock however this is ridiculous
Saw a pair of original new GM 69 Firebird fenders at 7000 dollars,
And a new 69’ trans am hood assembly at 20,000 dollars
Jog on …….

[mygasser]

are there smaller 'patch' panels for the fenders? at least they'd be a good head start on the repairs.
neil.

[newsatten]

I’ve ordered a pair of front quarters and a pair of door skins
Decided to go with new sheet metal,
Ok I know I’ll have to do some modifications and probably spend ages getting this stuff to fit , but once done and properly refinished and waxoyled the car will be as corrosion and filler free as I can possibly get it!

My current doors are pretty good but there is some slight rust pitting to a few local areas, so theve got to come off then I can blast and properly clean the inner shell,
And I’ll be happier knowing there nowt going on in the returns and corners etc,
No hoods are available at this time from AMD or OER
In fact AMD don’t make one as far as I can find out,
So going to try Dynacorn ,

Maybe sometime in the future I’ll restore my original panels as I’m certainly not going to get shot of them

[newsatten]

Ok so my doors and fenders are now with Ron’
In his Georgia secure storage,
Ive ordered a replacement hood from JEGS and theve told me it’s been shipped but I’ve no tracking information so not sure wear it is ?
I also ordered a replacement radiator support
Is now seems to have gone back order so have no idea when that will ship !
I’ve got till mid November before Ron packs and ships his container so if the hood and support don’t make it to his place I guess I’ll have to wait till the next one !!

Good job this is a two year project