69 Camaro Body in the Crate

[americanmusclecars]

Such as? Give an example. I have had original GM body parts that have not fit well at all. There is going to be a difference in parts when the tooling is new and after it has stamped out 20000 parts, whether the tooling belongs to GM or Taiwan. There are alot of American companies working with Taiwan to improve the quality of the parts and the accurancy of the fit. There Foundries are alot more sopisticated than given credit for. Not to mentioned the biggest company is also behind this project because they have licensed the body......GM

[camarojoe]

1/4 panels, fenders, trunk lids, cowl induction hoods, weatherstrip, rocker moldings, bumpers, door handles, window cranks, dash carriers, seat trim, etc...(i'm sure many folks can add to this list) Every one of these items have visual and structural (and ofter fitment) differences between repro and original GM parts. I agree original GM stuff isnt always perfect, nor are over the counter pieces from GM always identical to factory installed stuff. Just saying its not gonna be hard to ID a repro body from a GM one.

[americanmusclecars]

As far as sheet-metal, there are American companies working with Taiwan to improve the fit and quaility of parts mentioned. Weatherstrip are also being improved and is offered in a latex that is better fitting. We just test fitted 68 Camaro full Q-panels and the fit has improved 100%. Some of the parts mentioned do have certain problems that are being corrected by increasing QC with American companies that are in the industry test fitting parts and assisting in visual correctness also. I just think with original parts slowing running out and if you do find some the price is usually unaffordable. We need to welcome the parts but let Taiwan know we want better QC and hopefully American companies will continue to help.

[Hotrodpaul]

I agree, the Chinese are getting better every day and who knows, may surpass us in the near future if we rest on our laurels.

Paul

[x44d80]

I've used a few of these parts and the biggest complaint I had is that they are thinner than GM. The door panels need reinforcment behind the handles or you'll push the handles in to much when closing the door which could cause your paint to crack. Over at www.Camaros.net there are tons of complaints of fitment for quarters, doors, hoods etc...

[Belair62]

[ QUOTE ]
I just think with original parts slowing running out and if you do find some the price is usually unaffordable.

[/ QUOTE ] Thats for sure....wasn't there an American company that could accomplish this ? Probably not...or was it a financial decision ?

[Salvatore]

Heartbeat City has some very nice sheetmetal. American Made!! I give Jim credit for that.

[americanmusclecars]

When any sheetmetal does not fit well it is immediately thought the part is faulty. When in fact alot of the problems are with the car itself. Sometimes the quarter panel you are trying to install is not the problem its the parts you are trying to install it to. The Camaro is over 30 years old and have been raced, wrecked, weathered and who knows what else. The other problem I see is that any installer with a 110 welder thinks there a bodyman. Look, Im not saying the parts are perfect, But a good restoration shop (not a paint/body shop) can insure a proper fit and correct for any appearance failures. Again, with proper guidance from American companies and better QC you will see these parts continue to improve.

[68l30]

I'll take my hat off to anyone putting one of these puzzels together...Your gonna need a straight jacket or the patience of a saint to see a repop Camaro to completion.

I shoot fire from my eye's after 5 min with a set of interior piller posts or whatever POS repop part....Not for me....Never

The market is out there. They will sell as many as they make,just not to a group of purists.......

Could make a nice winter beater though......



Steve

[Late BrakeU2]

The first one hits ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/CREATIVE-MASTERS-196...1QQcmdZViewItem
Those Taiwan gaps are nasty !