I just got done reading the cheap prices on parts in Utah thread and do not want to start a thread that just blows up, what I have is an honest question that I would like some honest answers for.

I have 3 Parts catalogs (Blue Oval, Mac's, and LMC), you do not need to stick with just these 3 when giving answers but I would like to know if anyone has noticed a quality difference between the different venders mentioned or unmentioned.

My main concern is with the sheet metal and full body panels (hood, doors, etc), I have had one person say Blue Oval is good, another about Mac'sat LMC but it was mustang parts not truck, and I had heard from quite a few people that LMC sheet metal was no good.

I do not want this to turn into a flame war or a sponser war, if someone has a suggestion that might get flamed for then just send me a PM,


thanks
dan

 

Sheet metal parts is now one of those things that requires lot of research.

Way too much product from China now.

IMO>If I had lots of money and if Dennis Carpenter uses a good gauge of metal then I would go with them.

If it is just patch panels I would get them within 1 hr of home in Calgary.

Many body shops have local suppliers for these parts.
That way you can actually see and evaluate it before you buy.

What bothers me it that Ford back in the early 90's seemed to remake Mustang sheet metal as I was lucky enough to buy,1/4 panel,front and rear valances,rocker panels,etc and never bothered remaking 60's/70's Ford Truck parts.

Be very careful with sheet metal.

 

I live close to an LMC parts place and I had to dig through their bins to find the right cab corners that matched and weren't dinged up real bad. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone unless you can go and actually pick ur part.

 

Buying cheap panels, you get cheaply made panels. . .thin gauge, "soft" steel, poor fit. I don't know who to send you too, honestly I'd stick with stock if possible. And from my own personal experience, start out rust free if possible

 

You know the old saying...."YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
Dennis Carpenter parts are expensive, however they do use original tooling.
You could get lucky in a junkyard, odds do seem better than playing the lottery!

 

I found this site.

http://www.rustrepair.com/

http://www.rustrepair.com/ford_pickup.htm

http://www.rustrepair.com/legaldisclaimer.htm

 

Dennis Carpenter, I will keep that in mind and take a look at the site tomorrow morning since I am ready for bed. I am wondering about them using the original tooling though, I have a 66 Mustang and I can order a Ford tooling fender but it is still not the same because the metal is not the same thickness, it is kind of like they meant well and had the right idea but are still missing one important number in the equation.

also, on the LMC comment, That is what I heard about them, parts very dinged and mis-shapened, as well as super thin gauge on body panels.


I would love to find some original doors. hood. and tailgate (heck, even a new grill, grill shell would be nice). There was a 77 at a local yard that i looked up on a used parts site but when I called he said it was just sent to the crusher last week (week before I called, not literal) and it was a shame because it was in excellent shape and from what he could tell the doors, fenders, hood were rust free. oh-well, story of my life


dan

 

The last panels I bought from LMC were in great condition and the same thickness as the stock ones. You can also check out Mike's Truck Salvage. He does a good job in shipping panels.

 

Well when ordering from LMC you have to look for the O/E and the REPRO in the part description! If you order the repro fenders and such you are ordering the thin sheet metal if you order the O/E you get the factory standards. Yes LMC does sell crap and I try to stay away from them myself for this reason but if you look and they offer the O/E it will cost you more but is usually of qaulity! As was mentioned Mikes truck salvage a sponsor seems to be reasonible on price! And remember there are things that are hard to find so you go to the place that is easiest to find.

 

Check this out. A friend of mine bought this machine used. I am still waiting for him to acquire the necessary supplies and consumables to get the machine up and running

http://www.rustbustersllc.com/
http://www.rustbustersllc.com/rustbustwebmovie.asf

 

Ok and what does the machine BUTHEAD bought do?

 

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!