singedfur

I need a front clip and am wondering who I should get the fiberglass from. I believe Paragon also sells fiberglass. Can anyone share some experience as to who to go with/avoid?

Thanks!

Star79

Vanacor makes and sells their own, Ecklers and most of the others re-sell Vanacor or ACI units. You'll hear praise and complaints about BOTH of those companies here. Best bet is to find one from a wrecked car (eBay or the forum forsale section), original GM clip is most likely gonna be a better fit than anything else. I wouldn't be surprised if someone responds to this thread with a deal on a used one for you.

singedfur

That's interesting. Eckler's catalog sure makes it look like they build their own fiberglass. I've done a quick search in the archives and have come up with about half a dozen mild complaints about Eckler's hood fitment, and as many praises regarding the fitment of Vanacor's pieces.

I haven't heard/seen much about ACI. Does anyone have experience with them? And, out of curiosity, does anyone happen to know what brand fiberglass J&D Corvette or Paragon are selling?

Thanks!

LakotasRose

I used both Ecklers and Vanacors for my fiberglass parts and can honestly say that I was/am pleased with what I got.

singedfur

LakotasRose: I'm glad to hear you were happy with both.

I called Vanacor's and they said Eckler's sells some Vanacor's fiberglass as well as makes their own.

Star79

Okay, that's cool to know. My previous answer was based on talking to our Canadian dealer for Corvette America, he told me Vanacor and ACI made parts for everybody. He also sold me on ACI (if I had to go repro). They are "Corvette People", and also do full restorations as well as having produced fiberglass parts for decades. The only Vanacor part I ever bought is a one-piece front spoiler, and my only complaint about it was it seemed a bit "flimsy", so I just laid another layer of glass onto the back of it. It fit perfectly without any problems.

Detroit Vette

There is only 2 places that make correct fiberglass. Sermersheims and corvette image. I am about to post a group purchase for these front ends. Keep an eye peeled.

Corey_68

I have and will continue to buy from Vanacor. I chuckle when those w/ Eckler's hood badmouth Vanacor when little do they know Ecklers buys from Vanacor.

I have purchased 2 hoods, several 1/4 panels and a wing from Vanacor and have been pleased w/ everything.

singedfur

Thanks everyone for your help. At this time I'm leaning toward going with Vanacor, as their prices are great. I just wish they were on the West Coast for shipping purposes!

Detroit Vette

The front ends we have in the group purchase are in portland. The stuff you get from the places mentioned above will probably be hand laid glass. This stuff looks really rough in the engine compartment and destroys the value of your car.

crf311

I used vanacor for my Hood, Door skins, and air dam. Fit was fine All I had to do was sand, prime and paint.

A C

Wow, that's a sharp Vette. Is that paint a candy? I like the wheels too. You have good taste.

Jeff Garner

Try Corvette Image.

Paul L

With respect Corvetteworx, a nicely done and correct fitting hand-laid hood does not destroy the value of a car. It is half the price of press-molded and is quite suitable for a clean driver. Most of the population would not notice the underhood finish which, by the way, is not rough.

Detroit Vette

I ment that the hand laid 1 piece front clips devalue the car. I agree with the hood comment you made. I have had to many nightmares in my shop with these 1 piece units. I sell them but they are not on my recommended list.

The Dude

Vanacor = excellent.

You can save money on shipping by having your part(s) delivered to the closest FedEx or UPS depot and then picking it up at will-call yourself. Saved me about $120, and it was Vanacor's idea that I do that.

Bullshark

It may be hard for you guys to trust the knowledge of a female, but believe me, Andrea knows of what she speaks
Over the years I have purchased from ACI, Vanacor, Sermersheim.... and Corvette Image is buy far the best. Most of the Corvette suppliers if not all, mentioned in this post use one or more of these guys as thier supplier. I will not use anything but Press Moulded fiberglass on my cars.

Bullshark

randy814u

The local vette wrecking yard has a full front clip off of a 77. I am going down there to pick up some molding, and will take some pics. and will check on the price and condition It is in salem oregon


Randy

Paul L

I thank you for your reply. And indeed a hood is one thing but an entire front end is another. If my car were to be damaged (front clip, touch wood) I would certainly insist on press-molded. My argument was for the hood only and I may have misunderstood the intent of the thread.

Detroit Vette

Paul that green looks SWEET!!

By the way this is Scott posting on this not andrea. She took over my username and put her picture in it. She always puts her name at the end of her posts. Now when i want to get on the forum people aren't sure who they are talking with. She is only working part time with corvetteworx right now. She has taken a modeling job modeling skimpy swim wear. I'll get some pictures posted