[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Dec-02 AT 00:35 AM (EST)]I need to start thinking about ordering some patch panels for my cab. I need the right rear corner, both cowls and lower hinge pockets and I also need to deal with rusted out forward cab mounts. What have you all found to work best? From the research I've done I know some are made of better/thicker steel. Since everybody and their brother offers cab corners and other patch panels, which fit the best and are of the highest quality? I don't mind paying a little more if I get something for it.

Any general bodywork web sites out there that give tips for installing patch panels? I've never done it but my Dad did a few on his '47 Ford Coupe. I think we can get the job done but I'd like to see if we're being overly optimistic.

One thing I find odd is that all the cab corners are priced the same. Does that mean that the hole for the gas tank grommet isn't included? It seems like a rather intricate molding. If the average hobbyist could work that into a patch panel, I would suspect they could fabricate the rest of the panel without a problem.

Here is pricing information for what I've found thus far. Did I miss any?

FTE
1953 - 1956 Rear Cab Corners $38.81/ea
1953 - 1956 Cowl Patch Panel-Left Hand $50/ea
1953 - 1956 Door Pillar Replacement $42.50/ea
1953 - 1956 Front Body Mounts $25/ea

Mid Fifty
Inner fender corner replacement $35/pr
Rear fender patch panel $25/ea

Concours
Rear cab corners $45/ea

C&G
Rear cab corners $36.50/ea
Cowl patch panel $50/ea
Door pillar $42.50/ea
Inner cab corner $75/pr

Early Ford V-8 sales
Rear cab corner $48/ea
Door pillar $45/ea

Dennis Carpenter
Cab corner panel $25/ea
Cab interior panel (behind seat) $40/pr
Cowl patch panel $50/ea

Mac's
Cab corner panel $25/ea
Cowl patch panel (discontinued?) $45/ea

Vintage Ford AZ
Cab To Running Board Skirt Channel $18/pr
Door pillar $56/ea
front Cab Steel $51/ea
rear Cab Steel $35/ea

F-Fun Hundred
FRONT CAB CORNER - COMPLETE $85/ea
FRONT LOWER CAB CORNER $50/ea
FRONT UPPER CAB CORNER $29/ea
REAR INNER CAB CORNER $69/ea
REAR CAB CORNER - 14 INCH TALL $34.50/ea
REAR CAB CORNER - 17 INCH TALL $45/ea
REAR FENDER FRONT LOWER PATCH $25/ea
Door pillar $42.50/ea

F-100 Connection
FRONT CAB CORNER $50/ea
REAR CAB CORNER $25/ea
SHOULDER SEAT BELT BRACKET $55.00/pr


Thanks!

Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100

 

All the sheet metal parts I got from Mid Fifty were a poor fit. All replacement parts from other sources may be the same, but it gripes me to buy rear fender patch panels for the bottom front of the fender and then spend hours making them match the contours of the fender. Good thing I had access to a shrinker stretcher. On the front cab corners or cowl sides, the new part did not match the old where the outer surface is creased in at the front of the door opening. The original had a nice sharp bend, and the replacements have rounded corner bends. If I had it to do over, I might buy flat sheet metal and make the panels. That way there is nobody to blame but yourself.

 

Make your own Dewayne, I kid you not. Ive been fed up with poor quality panels for several projects and the "none available" for my 26T coupe was the last straw.
I built the English wheel shown in the link almost 2 years ago for about $25. Took a few passes to get the feel and then I was on a tear.
A rubber mallet and shot bag completes the tools. Next on the agenda is a home made bead roller similar to Eastwoods.
The metalshapers forum and others are also great sources of info.


http://www.roddingroundtable.com/tech/articles/12ewheel.html

 

I had no problems with the lower corner patch panels that I got from Sacramento Vintage Ford: 1-888-FORD-100. or www.ford-trucks.com

Daryl
'59 F100

 

FFF

I got my rear cab corner patch panels from Mid-Fifty. I thought they were pretty good actually. It is not a panel I would be capable of making from scratch. I cut them off right below the gas tank filler on my 53 since the metal was good there. I do agree with the above posters though. Patch panels are pretty lame in general.

BTW Carl, Dewayne= fatfenders or 'fenders. Unless of course Fat Fendered Ford is also Dewayne. But I don't think so.

'fenders

 

Too many Fats on here, one of you should change to Bubba.

 

 

the panels I used from Mid 50s did not fit well at all.Whats with the rounded edges?I could make a sharper bend over the edge of the workbench.


Larry

 

fatbubbafenders ???
bubbafatfenders ???
fatfendersbubba ???

it just don't ring !!!

now.... fat bubba and the fenders ??? could be a '50s rap group

or bubba da bomb !!

DON'T CHANGE YOUR NAME DEwayne... it will diminish your Cool !!

john

ps... there ain't many bubbas in Iowa... most live down here in Alabama with me !!

 

John

Isn't amazing how quickly these threads can deteriorate to nothingness

My father-in-law was named Bubba. He was however imported from down your way.

'fenders