Importing panels

[newsatten]

I’m currently in the process of restoring a 1970
Ram air 111 4 speed Pontiac Trans Am
In order to speed up the job I’d like to buy and fit new front end sheet metal,
Due to the size and weight logistics are horrendous

Does anyone know of a honest and reliable source her in the UK that could assist me ?

Failed that has anyone imported front quarters and hoods
From the US, if so how did they arrive??
Any major quality issues etc?
Any information will be helpful
Cheers

[Pete]

Chris Goodale, top bloke, completely reliable.

https://www.americanspeedshop.co.uk/

[newsatten]

Excellent, thank you

[RobTwin]

I know Chris is the popular choice these days and the go-to-guy if you want parts quickly, but if you can wait for sea freight (usually up to a couple of months), don't forget Ron Fenton at STS Imports is also a good option

[Pete]

Ron is very good as well and I have personal experience shipping with him.

[ScottyDave]

I've used Ron several times for large parts, good service

[newsatten]

Very helpful, thanks
Yeah I’ve plenty of time so waiting a few months won’t be a problem,
If I know new stuff is inbound i can concentrate on the body tub etc,
I’ll check him out

[newsatten]

Don’t suppose any of you guys have an idea of likely costs ??
The postage from Summit on a pair of quarters last night was quoted at just under 900 quid !!
Then add duty and vat making a 600 quid pair of quarters almost 1900 pounds delivered!
Now this may have ok if said panels were a perfect factory fit, but as we all know that ain’t the case with generaly ill fitting Asian patterned panels

[newsatten]

Ok
I’ve now emailed Ron at STS
Given him the sizes and weights etc
Comes in at just under 250 lbs

[ScottyDave]

Had a front valance shipped in by Ron I can’t remember the cost but it definitely was the cheapest option.

[newsatten]

STS quoted 520 plus duties and VAT
So doable !
Unfortunately right at this time little of what I require is available!
But I’ve plenty to keep me busy for now!!

[sublimemike]

Not sure if you have seen on the news but all the ports on the east coast of USA are on strike, That will scupper anything out of there coming by sea. Good job you can wait.

[newsatten]

No I wasn’t aware of this,
At this time I’ve plenty to do without needing stuff,
I’m going to have a proper look at my original quarters
Then decide,
Some of the horror stories I’ve seen in You Tube with these replacement panels, plus no true 70’ quarters are available
I’ll probably just fabricate and repair what I’ve got,
They are certainly not basket case and they fit !!

[sublimemike]

Well that didn't last long..Dock strike now OFF. Still they have a backlog to clear. This would have hurt their economy too much. News of people running around shops on the eastern side stocking up on bog roll

[Blue]

Chris and Ron are pretty much the only way I buy parts from the US now. With Chris the price is the price, obviously he is making a profit on the parts but it’s still a great deal. With Ron you buy your own parts from wherever you like and send them to Ron’s place for onward shipment. That way you will have to pay for shipping the parts from wherever they are to Ron’s, and big stuff over long distances in the US can get expensive. Horses for courses, both have their advantages. Ron is great for dealing with private US sellers off eBay or Facebook that won’t ship to you directly for instance.