I was discussing this with a major Pontiac parts vendor at Englishtown NJ swaps in fall 2004, that was told the GM tooling was purchased by a joint venture of companies who were revamping it because with age, the stampings were no longer crisp. What he told me was that full quarters would be produced out of Taiwan due to cheap labor in 2005, but would ultimately be GM Authorized Resto parts because they fit properly unlike the repro skins that need a lot of work, and a lot of filler, to make fit.
When you see GTO's and Chevelles restored and starting to actually sell in the $65,000 - $125,000 range, you know that will attract the repro houses looking to make a buck. Now it becomes profitable and starts looking like they can turn a profit - and keep it profitable - by getting into, and staying in, the big parts repro market.
And so more and more such projects being joined in by multiple companies. For example, Original Parts group is now in final stages of negotiation with GM to sell complete 1969 Camaro convertible bodies from firewall back, using repro parts for every bit of it. Completely assembled, add drivetrain, start hanging doors and nose (all of which is also available and much of which is GM Authorized). Install interior, suspension, wiring and driveline and presto. Instant 1969 Camaro. The legal issue is this: GM wants a piece of the pie for every one sold, ($9,999 each plus shipping) in exchange for certifying it is GM Authorized. 1967 Mustangs are next.
As far as quarter panels, I own Chevrolets in addition to my beloved GTO, and I know the latest quarters coming out from Taiwan use GM dies because they are GM Authorized parts. The GM Authorized quarter panel list now includes 1969 Chevelle hardtop full quarters with sails; 1969 Chevelle convertible quarters; 1970 Chevelle full quarter with sail; 1970 Chevelle full convertible quarter; 1969 Camaro full quarter with sail; 1969 Camaro convertible.
Although the projects are funded by a combination of big money backers including CanAm Restoration Supply, OPG, Year One, they are distributed here in the states through one of Dynacorn or Goodmark. Here is a link to the dii.com site (Dynacorn) with their response to the '69 GTO quarter question, on January 10, 2005:
http://www.dynacorn.com/site/05joepa...iew&refnum=683
Q:
Joe,
Any good news on full quarters for 69 GTO?
Thanks
A:
Good news is they will be come available this year. Bad news is I don't know when.
If you look at the Parts Place site, you will see they already have placeholders for the full '69 GTO quarters. Again, this is not a skin. This is a full-size panel INCLUDING the sail. Here is their commentary and the forthcoming part numbers:
Category: Body Panels
Sub-Category: QUARTER PANELS - REPRODUCTION FULL
ALL PANELS ARE MADE FULL INCLUDING THE DOOR JAMB, SAIL PANEL AND TRUNK JAMB. THESE ARE MADE THE SAME WAY GM MADE THEM. FIRST TIME EVER A PANEL OF THIS SIZE!
BP1197G
FULL QUARTER PANEL HARDTOP - LH Price: Call
Qty:
BP1198G
FULL QUARTER PANEL HARDTOP - RH