Aci vs. Ecklers
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
Ecklers has always been top notch in fiberglass offerings from my experience. Unless something has changed, I'd choose them.
"When it comes to fiberglass body parts, Eckler's hand laminated fiberglass is tops. You will find Eckler's Corvette fiberglass body panels are made of the finest automotive grade resins, 1-1/2 oz. mat (3 layers) and 21 mils of soft-sanding gelcoat. Eckler's panels are wave-free because of the heavily reinforced molds that are made from original GM panels and they are allowed to cure 24 hours before being pulled from the molds. There are other manufacturers of Corvette body parts, but you'll find Eckler's hoods are unequaled in the industry for consistent fit, finish and ease of installation."
"When it comes to fiberglass body parts, Eckler's hand laminated fiberglass is tops. You will find Eckler's Corvette fiberglass body panels are made of the finest automotive grade resins, 1-1/2 oz. mat (3 layers) and 21 mils of soft-sanding gelcoat. Eckler's panels are wave-free because of the heavily reinforced molds that are made from original GM panels and they are allowed to cure 24 hours before being pulled from the molds. There are other manufacturers of Corvette body parts, but you'll find Eckler's hoods are unequaled in the industry for consistent fit, finish and ease of installation."
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
as far as the finish, both companies look the same. on my eckler's one piece i had troulbe getting the height of the surround and hood to match about half way between the hinges and the back (windshield) end. had to cut the surround in the rain-rail area and raise it about 3/8" and then glass it into this raised position. also, it came with a metal nose bar.
the aci front end was a piece-by-piece build up. it fit well, but it came with a fiberglass nose bar. also, the side louver area (for a 70) didn't have the inner lip on the upper side to hold the speed nuts for the louver. i fab'ed some metal clips that worked ok.
all in all, both are about the same and will need a lot of fitting to get them set the way you want. i hate to say it, but go by price.
the aci front end was a piece-by-piece build up. it fit well, but it came with a fiberglass nose bar. also, the side louver area (for a 70) didn't have the inner lip on the upper side to hold the speed nuts for the louver. i fab'ed some metal clips that worked ok.
all in all, both are about the same and will need a lot of fitting to get them set the way you want. i hate to say it, but go by price.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 69
From: Juneau AK
I have a hood, front and rear bumper covers, side exhaust covers and flares from ACI. The parts all fit perfectly and they were crated properly with no damage when they arrived... 100% satisfied.
Should also mention that if you're buying multiple pieces you should ask if there's any discount. They gave me a sizable chunk off the web prices.
kdlp
Should also mention that if you're buying multiple pieces you should ask if there's any discount. They gave me a sizable chunk off the web prices.
kdlp
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
I haven't bought any body parts from Ecklers but i have bought several things from them. I bought a rain proof car cover recently that shrunk. I sent it back and they sent me a new one.
I suspect they are the same way with everything that doesn't fit or work.
I suspect they are the same way with everything that doesn't fit or work.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
One of my 73's has an eckler's bumper, the other an ACI.. The ecklers bumper is a MUCH better bumper. So, when it was time for my dad to order a front bumper for his '73. He went with ecklers..
