Original parts or repop?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 990
Likes: 484
Original parts or repop?
I could sure use a little help on identifying some C3 parts. I believe these belong to a '76 but not 100% sure.
I came across a set of rocker moldings with a set of NOS GM hardware for them. No wrappers on the moldings.
Also, a set of sill plates that are new as well.
Also, a driver's side inner door panel, black with woodgrain insert, new as well.
No part numbers are visible and I'm just unsure if they are repop or oem. Would any of these parts have GM part numbers? They were found in a warehouse and had been there at least 20 years. The door panel looks incredible, not just a slab of fabric glued to a hardboard but a molded panel that looks very authentic. I'm not familiar with C3s so I could sure use a little help.
I'll try to post pics a little later, phone is not sending pics to my computer for some reason.
Thanx gentlemen!
I came across a set of rocker moldings with a set of NOS GM hardware for them. No wrappers on the moldings.
Also, a set of sill plates that are new as well.
Also, a driver's side inner door panel, black with woodgrain insert, new as well.
No part numbers are visible and I'm just unsure if they are repop or oem. Would any of these parts have GM part numbers? They were found in a warehouse and had been there at least 20 years. The door panel looks incredible, not just a slab of fabric glued to a hardboard but a molded panel that looks very authentic. I'm not familiar with C3s so I could sure use a little help.
I'll try to post pics a little later, phone is not sending pics to my computer for some reason.
Thanx gentlemen!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi nutt,
None of the 3 parts you mention had part numbers on them originally.
Perhaps this info will help you determine what parts you have.
The reproduction rocker trim moldings are not very well 'formed' at their ends compared to originals. Also the width of the black detail stripe may vary from originals.
The configuration of the surface detail on reproduction sill trim is sill panels is slightly different than the originals. The width and spacing of the raised ribs varies compared to the reproduction. Also, the manner it was applied, and extent of, the black detail paint, is notable different.
All original GM door trim panels used pressed fiberboard as the substrate, the reproduction panels from the few manufacturers making them use black abs plastic.
Regards,
Alan
The sill plates.
The door panels typically had a date stamp on them and what may be a manufacture's mark(?).
Original rocker trim…. notice how cleanly the ends are formed.
None of the 3 parts you mention had part numbers on them originally.
Perhaps this info will help you determine what parts you have.
The reproduction rocker trim moldings are not very well 'formed' at their ends compared to originals. Also the width of the black detail stripe may vary from originals.
The configuration of the surface detail on reproduction sill trim is sill panels is slightly different than the originals. The width and spacing of the raised ribs varies compared to the reproduction. Also, the manner it was applied, and extent of, the black detail paint, is notable different.
All original GM door trim panels used pressed fiberboard as the substrate, the reproduction panels from the few manufacturers making them use black abs plastic.
Regards,
Alan
The sill plates.
The door panels typically had a date stamp on them and what may be a manufacture's mark(?).
Original rocker trim…. notice how cleanly the ends are formed.
Last edited by Alan 71; Nov 23, 2016 at 08:34 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 839
From: PA
Original parts are always preferable to service or reproduction parts.
Several problems exist with regard to that statement though.
First, original parts can become so worn (or corroded, or damaged, etc.) that they become either unserviceable, unrestorable, or not aesthetically usable in a restoration. You'll have to make a judgement call on where you want to be with the finished product. The main reason to use original parts is they look, fit, and work exactly as they should.
Second, service (aka "NOS") parts may or may not be exactly like the original production line part. Just because something is labeled NOS doesn't mean that it is a perfect replacement for "the real deal."
Reproduction parts may or may not be a good representation of the original part. Some are exactly like the original (come from the same tooling or same OEM manufacturer), some are relatively close, and others make you wonder if any effort was made to look at an original part before the reproduction was made.
Work into all of this the cost of truly original production configuration parts and you'll find yourself with the decision of how accurate you want the restoration to be and what your restoration budget can absorb.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Several problems exist with regard to that statement though.
First, original parts can become so worn (or corroded, or damaged, etc.) that they become either unserviceable, unrestorable, or not aesthetically usable in a restoration. You'll have to make a judgement call on where you want to be with the finished product. The main reason to use original parts is they look, fit, and work exactly as they should.
Second, service (aka "NOS") parts may or may not be exactly like the original production line part. Just because something is labeled NOS doesn't mean that it is a perfect replacement for "the real deal."
Reproduction parts may or may not be a good representation of the original part. Some are exactly like the original (come from the same tooling or same OEM manufacturer), some are relatively close, and others make you wonder if any effort was made to look at an original part before the reproduction was made.
Work into all of this the cost of truly original production configuration parts and you'll find yourself with the decision of how accurate you want the restoration to be and what your restoration budget can absorb.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 990
Likes: 484
Wow Alan! Fantastic response, much appreciated!!
It does appear all these are NOS. Looking forward to going back for more. The guy took over a warehouse literally full of various items, some worthless, some of value.
Thanx again!!
....I'll probably be back with more questions soon.
It does appear all these are NOS. Looking forward to going back for more. The guy took over a warehouse literally full of various items, some worthless, some of value.
Thanx again!!
....I'll probably be back with more questions soon.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi nutt,
Yes, from the photos it appears you may have found some very nice parts.
As I said, because of their differences some reproduction parts are quite disappointing to someone trying to restore a car to a high level of originality.
Be especially careful with the rocker trim and sill plates because the anodizing is pretty easy to mark-up and the aluminum is quite 'soft'. I'd try to wrap them separately to protect their appearance.
Regards,
Alan
Yes, from the photos it appears you may have found some very nice parts.
As I said, because of their differences some reproduction parts are quite disappointing to someone trying to restore a car to a high level of originality.
Be especially careful with the rocker trim and sill plates because the anodizing is pretty easy to mark-up and the aluminum is quite 'soft'. I'd try to wrap them separately to protect their appearance.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Nov 23, 2016 at 01:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I am sure glad I am not stuck on the NOS original track. Things like door panels....originals may fit better than new reproduction BUT, the new door panels use plastic inside rather than cardboard, which is easily damaged by water, and one reason reproduction door panels are even needed. My Corvette America door panels fit but had a bow to them that I had to work out with heat, once that was done, it fits perfect, looks perfect, and rain will never hurt them.
Despite what I hear on this forum, I have use a number of reproduction parts on my restoration, and many of them work perfectly fine, and still do. As for NCRS types, there may be some minor issues with repro parts that are irrelevant to me and most others. The mention above on the door sill plates is an example...the new ones I bought are beautifully made, and fit just fine. No regular person would see the minor differences pointed out. Same with the ends of the rocker panels.....hidden from view unless you crawl around on the ground.
Despite what I hear on this forum, I have use a number of reproduction parts on my restoration, and many of them work perfectly fine, and still do. As for NCRS types, there may be some minor issues with repro parts that are irrelevant to me and most others. The mention above on the door sill plates is an example...the new ones I bought are beautifully made, and fit just fine. No regular person would see the minor differences pointed out. Same with the ends of the rocker panels.....hidden from view unless you crawl around on the ground.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I am sure glad I am not stuck on the NOS original track. Things like door panels....originals may fit better than new reproduction BUT, the new door panels use plastic inside rather than cardboard, which is easily damaged by water, and one reason reproduction door panels are even needed. My Corvette America door panels fit but had a bow to them that I had to work out with heat, once that was done, it fits perfect, looks perfect, and rain will never hurt them.
Despite what I hear on this forum, I have use a number of reproduction parts on my restoration, and many of them work perfectly fine, and still do. As for NCRS types, there may be some minor issues with repro parts that are irrelevant to me and most others. The mention above on the door sill plates is an example...the new ones I bought are beautifully made, and fit just fine. No regular person would see the minor differences pointed out. Same with the ends of the rocker panels.....hidden from view unless you crawl around on the ground.
Despite what I hear on this forum, I have use a number of reproduction parts on my restoration, and many of them work perfectly fine, and still do. As for NCRS types, there may be some minor issues with repro parts that are irrelevant to me and most others. The mention above on the door sill plates is an example...the new ones I bought are beautifully made, and fit just fine. No regular person would see the minor differences pointed out. Same with the ends of the rocker panels.....hidden from view unless you crawl around on the ground.
Not all of us are looking for NCRS points as long as the parts work decent as far as fit and appearance but you do have to watch for the inferior parts that are out there that are almost unusable. I think that we are all glad that they do reproduce these parts even though they are not always perfect.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
What would be examples of unusable reproduction parts. That may be useful to some.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Nov 23, 2016 at 05:14 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
What would be examples of unusable reproduction parts. That may be useful to some.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
What would be examples of unusable reproduction parts. That may be useful to some.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
What would be examples of unusable reproduction parts. That may be useful to some.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
After a four year restoration on my 77, using as many original parts that were worthy, and all the others reproduction, I did not find ONE reproduction or aftermarket part that did not fit and function well.
I am repeating this per my memory and the dash in my '69 was nice so it was not replaced in the restoration, so I do not have first hand knowledge. Others can chime in here.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
A repro fan shroud for my small block 73. It did not fit as well as I expected at the beginning and has since slightly warped. Will eventually replace it as it warps closer to the fan blades.
Fran
Fran