Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience
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From: Madison AL
Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience
Sorry, the manufcaturer is Corvette America, not Chicago Corvette.
Has anyone used these? What is your assessment of the quality, fit, and originality/appearance? Are they as good or better than original? I need to replace my originals and want to be sure of the product before spending good money on these.
[Modified by Widgett, 3:36 PM 8/5/2002]
Has anyone used these? What is your assessment of the quality, fit, and originality/appearance? Are they as good or better than original? I need to replace my originals and want to be sure of the product before spending good money on these.
[Modified by Widgett, 3:36 PM 8/5/2002]
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From: End of the Ike IL
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From: Madison AL
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (BlueL36)
BlueL36,
Does Al Knoch make the Corvette America panels? Or are the Corvette America panels not good compared to the Al Knoch panels? Please clarify.
Does Al Knoch make the Corvette America panels? Or are the Corvette America panels not good compared to the Al Knoch panels? Please clarify.
Melting Slicks
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From: Apex NC
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (Widgett)
The previous owner of my car put Corvette America panels on the doors. I can't say that I'm too impressed with the fit, and the quality isn't the greatest. So far they do look good and have held up, but I sure hope that there are better made reproductions out there.
Shannon
Shannon
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Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (Widgett)
I've found Al Knoch to have quality products, great customer service, and consistent color matching from one item to the next, especially since I haven't been able to buy (i.e., afford) everything at the same time. I've purchased items from Corvette America and if they have something I need at the right price, I'll buy from them again. I was only suggesting you check out the link for additional information before you make your purchase. Good luck with your decision :cheers:
Drifting
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From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (Widgett)
I have Corvette America deluxe door panels on my '76 and the reviews are mixed. I paid full price for them and they look good and one fit pretty well but the other - man I had to cut a whole lot of material from the backside to get it on correctly and it is still not perfect. The backs of these things are thick, stiff plastic that is unyielding unless you cook it with a heat gun or cut away pieces to get them to bend, so if they are not perfectly contoured things just don't line up. I also have window pillars from C.A. and they look and fit well. Now, I just ordered a dash pad from them that is a "second" with a tiny pinhole in it - nothing really. It was 1/2 price and fit great. If you are thinking about door panels from C.A., see what they have in "not quite perfect". For half the price of a "perfect" one they are worth the $$$. At full price they should fit like a glove - and they don't.
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From: Madison AL
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (kbk212)
Thanks for the responses. I called Al Knoch and believe I'll order my new panels from them. I can pre-order and then pick them up at the Show in Knoxville, TN and get the 10% show discount with no shipping costs. My price will be $359 rather than $440 if I have them sent to the house directly. I can save $80 and see the show and swap meet in Knoxville, great.
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Drifting
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From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (Widgett)
I think you made a good decision. Having the panels shipped and having to pay shipping costs (both ways) if you don't like and return them is a definate pain. Good luck. E-mail or post if you have questions about the ZEN of door panel installation. :cheers:
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From: Madison AL
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (R. Bruno)
Thanks for the door panel tips offer. I've had these off more times than I would like, so I am very familiar with the process. :(
Drifting
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From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (Widgett)
OK Widgett- didn't know if you were new to this. BTW- Just took a look at your El Camino- very nice. I have always wanted one of those.
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From: Madison AL
Re: Chicago Corvette reproduction door panels experience (R. Bruno)
R. Bruno,
No not new to this, I'm the original owner of my Corvette and have done all my own work maintaining it.
Thanks for the compliment on the El Camino. I bought it for $500, needless to say it has many more dollars in it now. I customized it some but it still looks basically stock. It has a built 327 with a 200-4R trans and 3:73 gears. I lowered it slightly and put gas shocks, larger sway bays and the 17" rims on it. It will outperform the Vette in curves right now. Everything has been refurbished, it's a new vehicle now.
Now it's the Vettes turn. It's been my daily driver since I drove off the dealers show floor in October of 1980. I been on a spending spree since I sold a 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS convertible last October. I got alot of parts to put on the car right now. Tomorrow it goes to the frame shop for straightening and welding due to stress cracks. 1980 and 81 are the lucky years for frame problems, thanks alot GM for making the frame lighter.
No not new to this, I'm the original owner of my Corvette and have done all my own work maintaining it.
Thanks for the compliment on the El Camino. I bought it for $500, needless to say it has many more dollars in it now. I customized it some but it still looks basically stock. It has a built 327 with a 200-4R trans and 3:73 gears. I lowered it slightly and put gas shocks, larger sway bays and the 17" rims on it. It will outperform the Vette in curves right now. Everything has been refurbished, it's a new vehicle now.
Now it's the Vettes turn. It's been my daily driver since I drove off the dealers show floor in October of 1980. I been on a spending spree since I sold a 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS convertible last October. I got alot of parts to put on the car right now. Tomorrow it goes to the frame shop for straightening and welding due to stress cracks. 1980 and 81 are the lucky years for frame problems, thanks alot GM for making the frame lighter.
