Aftermarket patch panels

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Jan 28, 2007 | 10:47 AM

Talltruck

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: SW Florida

Aftermarket patch panels

Has anyone used aftermarket patch panels that you're happy with? The stuff I've received bears a resemblence to the rusty parts I'm trying to fix, but the fit is nowhere close to a reasonably close match.

The parts I've replaced are floor pans, cab mounts, and rear cab sheetmetal. I need a few other things, but if everything aftermarket fits this bad, I'll be scouring the junkyards for OEM stuff.

Jan 28, 2007 | 04:03 PM

ubereal2

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 9,111

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From: Lexington Mo

I know we really should push sponser parts like blue oval, but I havent used there parts. I've had better luck with certifit more than anyother aftermarket panel I've used.

Bob

Jan 28, 2007 | 06:34 PM

Dave Severson

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Madison, SD

Well, in defense of the aftermarket companies the factories didn't have real tight tolerance or adherance to them when they built these trucks. Got to remeber, when these trucks were built they were designed for work and not necessarily to compare to the cars of the day for fit and finish...

That said, I've had good luck with Blue Oval parts, and NPD also... I don't believe I've ever had anything line up and go together right out of the box with no trimming or modifications.... Thing is, I was building hot rods when there were no patch panels of any quality available for them. Everything you needed you fabricated yourself with a sheet metal brake, leather mallets, sand bags, and a good set of body hammers and dollies!!!! Guess I don't mind doing a little pinging and dinging on the panels available today...... Heck, if it was easy everybody would be doing it!!!!

Jan 28, 2007 | 09:23 PM

SAlexander

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 321

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From: Las Vegas, NV

Had good results with Denis Carpenter floor pan and cab mount. Is it bad to mention company names here?

Jan 29, 2007 | 05:21 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAlexander

Had good results with Denis Carpenter floor pan and cab mount. Is it bad to mention company names here?

Depends. It will be hard to stop all references to companies, your's to DC (a long time supplier of parts for this group trucks) is middle of the road and allowed to stand. The personal vendettas and attacts on a company are not allowed. There is a user guideline around this site somewhere that has all of that info in it.

John

Jan 29, 2007 | 03:01 PM

fastmover

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Vallejo, CA

I appreciate all your opinions on this. I've looked at BOTP and find they have a great selection and prices as does DC. I found Vintage Ford in Sacramento, CA has lots of stuff, but am wondering if anyone has had luck with them? I live about 60 miles from there and can save lots on shipping by picking them up.

Jan 29, 2007 | 08:56 PM

Talltruck

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 473

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From: SW Florida

I hear everybody, I know something being available is better than nothing. Alternatively, I'm working on a '68 cab, and I've cut some of the decent parts off a '72 parts cab, and they line up almost perfectly, body lines and everything despite 4 years of production variances.

The aftermarket stuff from NPD is so far off as far as body lines it's like it's for a different truck.