About Us

TSMartin · 10-17-2012, 09:30 PM

Since I joined this site several days ago I've been going through this thread ... made it to page 67 so far ... and have picked up a lot of info. I came across fiberglass fenders ... hoods ... etc ... that are made for 62's and since I need my fenders repaired I'm weighing the option of just going fiberglass. The price seems quite reasonable ... $350 a set from Crites. What I'm wondering is are these items stout enough to be used on a daily driver or are they race only stuff?
Anybody have any thoughts or experience that they care to share?
Thanks
TS

Engine-Ear · 10-17-2012, 09:53 PM

Sincere WELCOME, TS! Post a pic or several of your car when you can.

I too would like to get first-hand feedback on the Crites wares... same as what the Heck Brothers were producing in the '90s?

66bonne · 10-17-2012, 09:54 PM

I've had a VFN fiberglass hood on my 65 Catalina for a few years now. Drive it on the street and beat on it at the strip. Hood has held up quite well, looks like the day we put it on.
My son recently made a fiberglass front bumper for the Cat and it too is holding up well.
I wouldn't expect the fit and finish to be up to metal so the f-glass may take some massaging.
You can ask Crites how many layers of glass and resin plies that they use. I consider a minimum of three necessary for the street.
Good luck and I hope you get a lot of replies.
Jim

66bonne · 10-17-2012, 10:02 PM

http://critesperformanceparts.com/ For those that are interested here is a link to the Crites site. They have a money back guarantee so it might be worth a try.
You'd not only be taking a LOT of weight off the car but f-glass never rusts and is fairly easy to repair your self.
If they had anything for a 65 big car I'd be ordering it !!

Jim

Stuart · 10-17-2012, 10:48 PM

A couple earlier threads about the Crites parts:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=611713
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=611237
They are the parts that the Heck brothers originally built, Crites bought the molds from them several years ago.

TSMartin · 10-17-2012, 11:00 PM

I posted a pic in the pictures thread but will post another one here. Original image is too big for an avatar. Thanks for the input so far.
TS

TSMartin · 10-18-2012, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66bonne

I've had a VFN fiberglass hood on my 65 Catalina for a few years now. Drive it on the street and beat on it at the strip. Hood has held up quite well, looks like the day we put it on.
My son recently made a fiberglass front bumper for the Cat and it too is holding up well.
I wouldn't expect the fit and finish to be up to metal so the f-glass may take some massaging.
You can ask Crites how many layers of glass and resin plies that they use. I consider a minimum of three necessary for the street.
Good luck and I hope you get a lot of replies.
Jim

Is your hood bolt on or lift off? If it's bolt on do you use light weight springs or just prop it up when open?
Thanks
TS

66bonne · 10-18-2012, 08:53 AM

Hood is bolt-on. Underside of hood looks exactly like stock. Yes, I used light weight springs and hood stays open on its own without a problem.

Jim

huddie · 10-19-2012, 12:12 AM

I have the inner,outer fenders and bolt on hood from Crites(PJ Heck molds)on my 62 Catalina and I think they are good.My brother-in-law gave them a thumbs up,he is a body man and he thought the hood was excellent and drivers fender needed a little work,but not much.I replaced my parts for weight savings,I think about 170 lbs.I have had them on for about 2 years and I will probably put the steel back on come Spring,I think I've gone as fast as I am going to go with out changing more things that will make it less cruiser friendly.Look around for a good body man or give Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org a shout he might have good ones.

TSMartin · 10-19-2012, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huddie

I have the inner,outer fenders and bolt on hood from Crites(PJ Heck molds)on my 62 Catalina and I think they are good.My brother-in-law gave them a thumbs up,he is a body man and he thought the hood was excellent and drivers fender needed a little work,but not much.I replaced my parts for weight savings,I think about 170 lbs.I have had them on for about 2 years and I will probably put the steel back on come Spring,I think I've gone as fast as I am going to go with out changing more things that will make it less cruiser friendly.Look around for a good body man or give Steve Barcak www.pontiacheaven.org a shout he might have good ones.

What are you planning to do with them after you've taken them off?
TS

Engine-Ear · 10-19-2012, 04:39 PM

TS, this is where you should send huddie a Private Message (look at the upper right corner of the page by the orange Firebird).

huddie · 10-19-2012, 06:13 PM

Going to keep them,maybe my grandson will want to go faster when I'm.... done.

TSMartin · 10-20-2012, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine-Ear

TS, this is where you should send huddie a Private Message (look at the upper right corner of the page by the orange Firebird).

I'll keep that in mind next time.
TS

carcrazy · 10-20-2012, 09:02 PM

I have Crites parts on one of my 62's. Very nice!!! Be aware that they have a 2 different versions. One for racing and one for street use. I have steet use parts and they are very light/well made. My hood is VFN and is a nice part but will require some significant block sanding to get straight (just haven't got around to it).

TSMartin · 10-21-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carcrazy

I have Crites parts on one of my 62's. Very nice!!! Be aware that they have a 2 different versions. One for racing and one for street use. I have steet use parts and they are very light/well made. My hood is VFN and is a nice part but will require some significant block sanding to get straight (just haven't got around to it).

Thanks for the tips.
TS

Menu

About Us