NOS parts versus Repop parts

So what's anyone's opinion on the reproduction parts being made for our cars? My hope is that they fit correctly and the quality is there!

 

So far fit on repo stuff is hit and miss and it depends on the manufacture. If you have a specific part other guys could give threir reviews. For example there is a cabon fibre hood that gets good reviews. Also check out the new discussions on Dynacorn's new repo hood. Myself I can't wait for the repo interior door panels hope they get that one correct.

 

Just seen the discussion on the 800 dollar grabber hood moved to this thread. I've seen this happen to the mustang parts when I had a Shelby in the 80's. First the used parts start to dry up and go for big bucks just because of supply and demand then the NOS stuff dries up. So looks like Maverick parts are starting to dry up and with that cost will go up. Next you should see repo parts starting to increase in production.

 

Anyone familiar with Dynacorns website may already know there is a tab across the top of the page called "Joe Parts". This is where you can post a question to a representative of dynacorn and get an answer. While this question and answer was not regarding a Maverick part, I personally must say I concur with the answer given by the Dynacorn rep regarding NOS vs Reproduction....
From Dynacorns website below:

"Joe's Answer

Paul Wedemeyer asked:
"Common joe , I read your write on the nos vs. reproduction , common man even reject assembly line panels (nos) fit better than repro , you know that. I have a set of nos 66 quarters , maybe dynacorn would like to borrow them to get it right ."

Joe answered on 10/7/2014:
No, I don't know that at all. The common mistake made by almost everyone is that they don't take the time to take their car to have the frame straightened, or the unibody straightened before trying to install sheet metal. The people seem to forget that these cars are over 40 years old now and have spent a lot of time torquing on the road, regardless of whether they have ever been in an accident or not. So again, I don't know that and your, and a lot of other people's assumptions are incorrect."

 

I've used the reproduction weatherstrips that don't look or fit like the originals and also purchased a set of re-pop door handles where the mechanism would not fit through the hole in either door. Some other pieces I've bought fit OK, but they are mostly gaskets.

Overall, I'll buy and pay more for NOS parts as long as I can get them, although the supply is drying up.

 

I've used many mustang repop parts and they are always garbage compared to stock parts,interior and exterior.they usually don't fit and they almost always look like shit.the plastic parts always have that same shiney cheap look to them. And they nomaly don't fit the same.I would always prefer stock parts over repop.

 

Just gonna put this out there to quell a myth..."Reject parts" (From Ford) Do NOT make it into the market in any way shape or form. Ford scraps reject parts...Only quality parts go out the door. On top of that...Factory supplied collision repair parts (From Ford) Are the cream of the crop. This is from the horses mouth...My Dad did 43 yrs at the ford stamping plant here in wood lawn NY. 25 of them as a salvage repair guy...Just sayin' man...

 

I personally think a "good quality" reproduction part made to OEM exact standards and specifications are just as good as an NOS part, the problem is we do not have many (a few, not all) vendors doing that.....

 

What we all have to remember (especially when considering body panels) is that Mavericks and Comets (most cars, yes even prized Mustangs) were assembled as quickly as possible. Panel fitment and panel gap was BRUTAL!! I can show you several areas on my 19,000 mile original-paint car that prove there was very little regard to panel fitment. Both of my quarter panels sit crooked in relation to the rocker panels, and the driver's side corner where my firewall and side panel meet has a 3/8" difference. It was passed over and filled with seam sealer. All three of these areas are areas that cannot be adjusted with shims or bolts. So when someone tries to start aligning panels (NOS, Reproduction, or otherwise), the odds are nothing is going to fit with the 3/16" panel gap everyone expects to see...

Don't blame the panels... the cars themselves leave a LOT to be desired.

 

Exactly.

So I think it's a little unfair, or even premature, to slam something that hasn't even been released yet. Even Maverick Man's hoods which have a generally good overall approval around here have to be massaged and worked to get show car quality gaps and fitment. IIRC, Glen (car-nut) had to do a fair amount of work to get the hood-to-fender gaps dialed in on his car with the Carbon Fibre hood. And he certainly knows his way around building show cars.

http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/project-therapy-sessions-1972-maverick.70006/page-33#post-954598

 

I will agree cars back then we're never made perfect not even close. Don't get me wrong it's great that there are parts being made aftermarket. When you can't find something its good that you can get repop parts, but I still prefer the good old fomoco parts over repop any day.even some of the supposed good parts maker like Scott Drake alot of their parts are terrible sometimes so bad you would wonder how they would even let something like it to go to market.like I said I will always take good old parts any day.there are a few aftermarket things that are really good but then you do pay alot for quality stuff.

 

Read this article on the mustang body by dynacorn, http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/1967-dynacorn-fastback.858956/ some stuff fits, BUT not the doors, fenders, hood, etc. It'll be that same way with our parts. Not trying to bad mouth dynacorn, am glad they are stepping up to the plate on parts for us, but for the guys that dont have the talent for making parts fit, you are gonna spend a lot more to pay the bodyman to make it all fit. I personally do that anyway with the stock stuff, I want all the gaps and seams as close to perfect on my cars as I can get them. ANYWAY, you wanted our thoughts.

 

so this make how many times someone was going to make Maverick parts and haven't so far...
I'll belive it when I see them...

 

I'm happy with the reproduction kick panels from Rhino Fabrications. Seat covers from Fred Carello are spot on as well.

 

Regarding original panel fit .... Neat trivia .... Mavericks and Comets were THE FIRST cars assembled using robots, but that was only in the later years (75 up iirc). You might squeeze better fit out of these cars.

Prior to that it was all humans. That is why you didn't want a car built on Monday or a Friday. You might get someone hungover on a Monday, or have their mind more set on getting off work on a Friday ... no focus. Many cars are a 1/4" different from side to side.