Repair vs. Replace

[66LSx]

To those who have been there... done that.

Majority of my panels will need assistance.

I've heard the horror stories of repops being a fitment nightmare.

First up... my core support is 'non-existent' on the passenger side where it mounts to the frame....

I figured I'd start with my first panel I was going to 'touch' on this resto and keep that mindset going forward throughout.

All of my panels/fenders/doors can be saved with patches.

Which headache is the easiest to deal with. (no one makes a patch panel for the lower core support... but I have access to sheet metal press brakes at work so.... simple 90 and 45* bends basically but... ALOT of work)


Anyone buy the repop core support? (Goodmark etc) was it worth it or make a bigger headache than its worth?

[note: this will be a LM7/4L60e swap truck not a concourse resto]

[BMERDOC]

Have you searched for a good original in the For Sale section?

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

Have you searched for a good original in the For Sale section?

Yea... missed a nice one in cali... otherwise 2 others are in similar condition (in need of metal,weld,grind,paint,prime)

I was more curious if anyone has any comments on the quality of certain repops... (are core supports good but the fenders are garbage etc)

[Clyde65]

Have you ever had a thought of vacationing in the desert southwest for a week or two? The reason I ask is because since your in the salt belt, it would do your truck a lot better to get stock replacement parts and do a little bit of work on those instead of spending a huge amount on repro parts that rarely come close to fitting. Good luck!

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Have you ever had a thought of vacationing in the desert southwest for a week or two? The reason I ask is because since your in the salt belt, it would do your truck a lot better to get stock replacement parts and do a little bit of work on those instead of spending a huge amount on repro parts that rarely come close to fitting. Good luck!

I think people confuse(or I have) radiator and core support....
'technically a core (radiator core) support is a radiator support'

Guess people think of the grille support fill panel as a core support and the radiator support as a 2nd piece.

This is what is garabage in the lower corner of my truck

[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by 66LSx

I think people confuse(or I have) radiator and core support....
'technically a core (radiator core) support is a radiator support'

Guess people think of the grille support fill panel as a core support and the radiator support as a 2nd piece.

This is what is garabage in the lower corner of my truck

I knew what you meant 66Lsx, It is always a better fit if you can find an old useable part rather than the repop is all I was saying.

Again, good luck to you!

[LVPhotos]

TUCKERS Classic trucks 702-258-1955. They have good old parts from AZ and NV

[jbgroby]

66slx

Try RJ Sisneros in Colorado, great OEM parts, great Prices - the same goes for Tony at 456 Chevy. I've just about bought a whole truck from them over the years.

[BMERDOC]

Top Banana?

[66LSx]

Awesome... 4 or 5 good places....

thanks guys.... my first C10... and even trying to google the parts.. all I could find are 'new' sources...... glad to get the inside scoop on where to buy some quality OEM's in salvageable condition from guys who've been there-done that and were happy with the transaction.

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope santa left car parts!

[rustbucket66]

Don't use a repo anything. That core support is a very important piece. Front header panel, inner fenders, and outer fenders all bolt to it. I discarded two of these from 2 different manufacturers, both were short from end to end (one by 3/8 of an inch) and one was thinner guage than the other. Holes weren't in correct places either.I made repairs to an original that has some rust damage. As for your panels, you are way better off to patch them. If you buy a repo fender, cut it up and use it to patch your OEM fender. I have been down this street, and it isn't very nice. I have a blog on here called "how do you fix this? repo body parts". Have a look through it, and see what kind of problems the repo junk will give you.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by rustbucket66

Don't use a repo anything. That core support is a very important piece. Front header panel, inner fenders, and outer fenders all bolt to it. I discarded two of these from 2 different manufacturers, both were short from end to end (one by 3/8 of an inch) and one was thinner guage than the other. Holes weren't in correct places either.I made repairs to an original that has some rust damage. As for your panels, you are way better off to patch them. If you buy a repo fender, cut it up and use it to patch your OEM fender. I have been down this street, and it isn't very nice. I have a blog on here called "how do you fix this? repo body parts". Have a look through it, and see what kind of problems the repo junk will give you.

Searched you and found your thread....... thank you!