[GregL]

Hi Guys,
Rear upper trim panels for '68 standard interior. The fit and finish were so poor I can't believe they've ever sold any of these to anyone who kept them. The panels I received looked like they had been "re-worked" by someone at some point and then returned and re-shipped out to me. There were hammer marks on the under side of the upper metal panels, rivets holding the felts in place. I think the pics show how bad they are. I did contact Classic Industries (they ARE friendly and helpful) to explain the problem. They asked for pics and description of the problem. They pulled the remaining panels off the shelf to check for a better set but said all in stock panels looked as poor as the ones they'd sent me. They are sending a return tag and will refund my cost.
Now, can anyone recommend another supplier that you've used, for a good quality panel? I need complete, assembled panels, uppers only in black which shouldn't be too difficult to find. I would consider a good pair of used panels.
I just can't stress enough how poor the quality of OER Brand has been during my restoration process. I've spent upwards of $7,000 with Classic Industries on this car alone and the hit and miss rate has been about 50/50 regarding usable reproduction parts.
Best,
Greg

[Greg Reid]

What about Legendary? Do they not make the panels for 1st gen F bodies?
Alternatively, do you still have the originals? I know you've made it clear that you want complete panels but I can tell you that it's not terribly hard to get the 'unfinished' panels and convert your original stuff over to them. Itis somewhat time consuming but probably no more than getting bad stuff, returing it, etc.
Here's a thread showing how it's done-
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=763217

[GregL]

I don't have the originals Greg, that's why I'm looking for complete panels.

[transam1972]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

What about Legendary? Do they not make the panels for 1st gen F bodies?
Alternatively, do you still have the originals? I know you've made it clear that you want complete panels but I can tell you that it's not terribly hard to get the 'unfinished' panels and convert your original stuff over to them. Itis somewhat time consuming but probably no more than getting bad stuff, returing it, etc.
Here's a thread showing how it's done-
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=763217

...I would wager that LEGENDARY makes one fine first -gen panel..I would/will check there website

[Greg Reid]

I'm pretty sure they do. I was very pleased with everything I got from them.

[A Schab]

I had to send the original metal for the rear panels to Legendary. They had new fronts but not rears the last couple of times thatI used them.

[rtanner]

wow, thats bad

[GregL]

So Legendary is out.

What I'm looking for is input or an opinion from somebody that has bought/installed panels they are satisfied with.

[400 4spd.]

This doesn't directly answer your question, but I may have a solution. If you can locate some originals from another F body, Al Knoch interiors in Texas will recover them for you. They specialize in Vette's but also do F-body pieces. They recovered some for a '68 Firebird we are restoring.

And I will add that I buy nothing that is OER brand if there is an alternative.

[GregL]

Agreed on the OER. So what did Al Knoch charge and how was their turn around time?

[400 4spd.]

Less than 2 hundred for all 4 rear pieces. Add shipping. Turn around was about 2 weeks. Call and speak with Lisa. Tell her Steve at Barr's Restorations sent you.

[Toms bird]

would the 68 and 69 rear panels be the same? I've got a extra set that need recovered if you need them.

[GregL]

Thanks for the offer Tom, but I've just found Year One offers them complete for $239. I'm going to go that direction.
Greg

[frankyboy455]

Originally Posted by GregL

Thanks for the offer Tom, but I've just found Year One offers them complete for $239. I'm going to go that direction.
Greg

Are you sure YearOne won't send you those same OER panels ?

[GregL]

Originally Posted by frankyboy455

Are you sure YearOne won't send you those same OER panels ?

That was the first question I asked. They use a different manufacturer, PUI.