[Outback Jack]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to this forum. I have a 73 Pontiac Firebird formula 400 that I've rescued from the crusher. I plan to do a complete restoration as close to original as possible. My question is, does anyone know or have experience with reproduction sheet metal for the 2nd gen firebirds, mainly top cowl / dash panels, quarter panels, tail light panels, trunk panels and possibly many more. What brands are the best for fitment and original looking. I'm a body man with 35 years of experience in restoration and concours restorations on early Ford mustangs so grafting the new panels in is my forte, but it makes life a whole lot easier if the new panels kinda fit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this Firebird is my personal car. Thanks.

[salem1912]

Might want to post over in the Body section or even Firebird section for better exposure.

[LOADED 70 JUDGE]

I JUST PUT AN AMD COWL PANEL IN MY 1972 TRANS AM AND IT FIT REALLY NICE. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT. KEN

[marxjunk]

its all ruff and has issues, but right now the consensus is AMD the best of the stuff made.

do some research you will see what and where to modify, and understand..it all takes work to make it fit...some is dead on, some needs trimming and modifications.

ive hung alot of GM NOS sheet metal from back in the day and it wasnt all that nice either...it takes a skilled metal man to get it right...most novice/backyard body men cant make it fit and they beat on it and use filler etc...it takes some experience.

[danpaul]

I was pretty disappointed in the door skin that I ordered for my 74 Firebird from Dynacorn last year. The 1st bummer was the "made in china" sticker on it. I removed the sticker and that problem was solved for me. The main problem was, I hung it on me door frame and spent a lot of time trying to get the revels correct. I finally measured the old one and the replacement. The Dynacorn replacement was 5/8 shorter in height. You as a body guy could probably fix this without much problem. Me, no. I don't like paying for something only to have to fix it to make it work like it is supposed to.

[Outback Jack]

Thanks everyone for your replies, in my research I have found that AMD tooling sheet metal is at the top of the list.

[400 4spd.]

The problem is that AMD does not carry much metal for the F body. The parts with the X denoted are not AMD, but they are offered. I recently spent around 10K on parts for some Firebirds that I'm doing, a '76 and a '78. I bought most through Eckler's, some from AMD and a few pieces from Ames. I've found OER to be some of the worst quality sheet metal. AMD good, Dynacorn second, Goodmark third. OER only, then I prefer used instead.
If you can figure out who to buy from and get it delivered to the Auto Fair next week, you will save a bunch on shipping. I'll be there, and picking up parts.

[Outback Jack]

Thanks 400 4spd. That's some good info, much appreciated.

[77 Canamman]

I just installed an AMD battery tray in my '77 Trans Am. I was impressed with it's authentic appearance, weight, and most importantly the fit, which was spot on.

[Outback Jack]

I also bought an AMD battery tray and I'm very impressed with the quality and fit. I was sent a Goodmark brand by mistake at first and cut my finger on the sharp edges just by taking it out of the box, not with the AMD.

[400 4spd.]

You going to Auto Fair?

[Outback Jack]

Originally Posted by 400 4spd.

You going to Auto Fair?

Yes, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

[400 4spd.]

As luck would have it, Ames was directly behind my vendor spot. That made for easy pick up of my pre-paid order. I also got to talk with Chris Cassperson for a few minutes. He was a couple of rows behind Ames with the Pypes and Cold Case trailer.