[gtobird]

Have any of you tried the repop quarter panels for 70-72 GTOs? Yes, I already know that most repop sheetmetal isn't very good, but every once in a while some good stuff does come out.

I "think" these are made by golden star. I see them at the Parts Place and Jegs.

Regards,
Old Joe

[gtobird]

1965GP mentioned that his body shop guy used them and loved them. I would like to know the brand he used. Thank you for the tip!

[mrennie]

I have used them. One for drivers side and cut one for a patch for the passenger side.

Mine were purchased 8-9 years ago and I think I read there were a few updates made in the production run and I am not sure which version I used.

Regardless, I would rate them 7 or 8/10. Overall they fit well, but had 4 issues that needed fixing:

-the body line that runs above the rear wheel should fade to nothing in front of the door. The ones I received had the line all the way to the jamb so some hammer and dolly work was needed to correct this.

-the drivers side corner for back window where it meets the trunk filler panel has a different curve than the stainless trim, and needs some work. Not sure if passenger side has same issue.

-the trunk lid gap on drivers side tapers to nothing (no gap) where the back of the quarter turns down to meet the bumper. This required cutting a section out and welding closed. Not sure if passenger side has this issue.

-the jamb on drivers side is shaped a bit different than factory quarter, and the door gap gets wider near the top of the quarter. I fixed this by welding rod to the top edge of my door to match the quarter shape. Not sure if passenger side has same issues.

The section I cut out of the full quarter for a patch on the passenger side fit very well, and was infinitely better than using a skin.

Overall, I would use these again. The stampings are crisp and look great once installed and issues corrected.

[1968firebird455]

I am in the process of doing both quarters, wheelhouses, deck filler and package tray on my 1971 T-37. Overall the quarter stampings are good quality but have the issues stated above.
-All the issues in mrennie's post are very true.
-There is not aftermarket package tray so save your original!
-The aftermarket deck filler panel needs a ton of modification so save your original if possible.
-The USA outer wheelhouses are decent. When I layed them on the quarter they didn't look anywhere close, once installed on the car they are much better that I thought they would be. If your outers are savable I would go that route.
-Don't forget you need to reuse the stiffener around the quarter window and the B-pillar support so don't damage those on removal!

[mrennie]

One more issue I found that should/could be corrected before paint:

-The curve of the rear window opening does not fully match the stainless trim at the top corner where it meets the roof. I was aware that it was not perfect when I mocked it up during bodywork, but at the time thought it was quite minor and would not be that noticeable.

Now that the car is painted and I have installed the window trim, there is a noticeable gap just before and after the curve, almost as if the curve is too sharp and should have been more gentle.

In hindsight I wish I had done more to correct this.