DC vs. Tabco
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Terre Haute
DC vs. Tabco
Ok fellow truck nuts, looking for some opinions from people who have used DC and/or Tabco body repair panels. I am ready to order the floor pans and cab corners for my '79 and there is a significant pricing difference between the 2 companies, about 80-90.00 in total. So my question to you all, "Is there a justified difference between the parts that DC would charge so much more for them?" I assume that a majority of you are just like me and want to get as much out of every dollar during the resurrection or repair of your trucks. 90.00 may not sound like much but I'm at the beginning of my build and if I just go through the motions of buying the more expensive parts assuming they are better I may as well schedule my organ donor sales now. Thanks in advance for everyone's input.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
I've used both DC and Tabco. In my opinion, on an item like this where the fit and finish aren't really important. The fit? Well, you're going to have to cut and trim either one so it doesn't matter. The finish? This is an item that basically no one will see, so again, not as important as say a fender or a door.
I used Tabco's cab corners and was very pleased with both the fit and finish, The metal was the same gauge as the originals that I cut off the truck. The kicker? They were like $13.00 each. The UPS charges were more than the panels.
I think if you go with Tabco, you'll be pleased.
I used Tabco's cab corners and was very pleased with both the fit and finish, The metal was the same gauge as the originals that I cut off the truck. The kicker? They were like $13.00 each. The UPS charges were more than the panels.
I think if you go with Tabco, you'll be pleased.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,140
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From: Port Orchard Wa
I agree with Mikeo0o0o0. The DC pans may be stamped from original dies, but unless you're a purest freak it won't matter for this application. Tabco makes decent stuff out of heavier gauge than many offshore reproductions.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 10
From: West Virginia
I've got some pretty lousy, wavy cab corners but not sure who made them. Never used DC or tabco, but if I got another one like the one I got from Bronco graveyard a while back, I wouldn't even use it. Now I placed an order for two and the other was thick and straight and a different brand. Both in same box from same order from bc. Go figure.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Riverside, IA
Another vote for Tabco here. I've always had good luck with their panels. You can tell they are heavier gauge material than the Taiwan made stuff. I have no experience with DC, but I have seen their prices and I don't think Tabco can be beat in this situation. Only hiccup I had with them was I ordered a left and a right lower rear bed quarter from them. One was in stock and one was not. When they are out of stock on an item they just go ahead and outsource it and send you another suppliers panel. When I got them, the "other" panel came up short of wrapping clear around the edge below the tailgate. I called them and told them so they had me send it back and they went ahead and made more of their own pieces. Sent the new one to me and all was good. They are great to work with!
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