gcadby1

1972 vette with damage in the front and rear. I was thinking of replacing with one piece fiberglass front and rear caps. Anybody with experience with these? Best/cheapest place to get them? Or should I try and repair the fiberglass? Also car is already a restomod so could I replace the front cap with one from 68-69? I like the look a little better.

Sully1882

from what I see I'd repair what you have. A new jig molded piece would cost you $4000.00 and new one piece is about $1500.00. But then there's all the removal and then realigning of the new then getting it reattached correct and with the right lines on the doors. Fix what you have on there. If you changed to a 68-69 style it won't match up with the rear wheel flairs and you would also have to buy new grill components along with some of the brackets for the front bumper.

good luck,

Sully

Alan 71

Hi gc,
I agree with sully about at least considering repairing what you have.
Replacing your existing fiberglass with one piece clips is in no way a quick or easy job.
Regards,
Alan

Jeff_Keryk

One piece front end devalues an original car. But the jig-welded deals are big bucks. I did an ACI 1 piece; it is flat out perfect. But an otherwise equal 68 L36 Roadster with an original front end is gonna be worth more. These cars are EXPENSIVE!!!! I am very happy with mine. Oh yeah, I did not install it or paint it. When the guy took the paint off, it was a mess. So we did the ACI and never looked back. Just what I did.

1974ta

Repait it. Very time consuming but also very inexpensive to do yourself.

Great thing about fiberglass is if you make a mistake just grind it out and start again.

Make sure to use proper safety equipment at all times.

Have fun.


Bill

Easy Mike

Based on your two pics, your car does not need replacement fiberglass. You can spend the money if you want, or you can repair what you have and keep the cost of replacement parts in your pocket.

rponfick

It looks like most of the repairs have already been made. Not sure of quality, but doesn't look too bad. I have replaced a couple of front clips, and as has been said, it is not an easy project.

Ralph

gcadby1

So I think I need to take off what I have to properly repair it. Are there any guides anywhere that can help me do this as efficiently as possible?

Easy Mike

FWIW: give a second thought to removing things. No sense doing work you may not have to do.

Reasonably good if you can find a copy. I think it was out of print for a while:


Also good; both volumes.
http://www.glas-ra.com/

damoroso

I'd fix it. Replacing that front clip is easy on paper....not so much to actually do it.

AGVI