Im gunna get a new truck soon. My dad used to have an old 79 F250 or a 350 I can never remember, But anyways im looking to get one of those.
But im worried about rusted out panels and what not.
Who makes good restoration parts for these trucks. I can do all the work, i've restored many cars, so thats not the problem.
Just need to find who makes good quality resto parts.

Im looking to put a big lift under it as well, so any reccomendations for that would be much appreciated.
thanks

 

Be real careful about sheet metal suppliers.
Most stuff is coming from China (Asia) and is a thin gauge with big price.

Sometimes a person can live near a sheet metal supplier for Cars/Trucks and never know it.

Near me is a place called 'Fender Mender'..

FTE has about 5 sponsors that deal in parts for these trucks.

Dennis Carpenter has the original tooling for parts In case you're interested.

Lots of cheap parts are just that.. they don't fit properly and are a thin gauge steel

 

**Not bashing any supporters**

So far in my resto-adventure I have found most after market sheet metal to be sub-quality or even down right crap! Poory stamped, poorly formed, paper thin sheet metal

My suggestion is to try a supplier you've heard good reviews about or can even scope out the parts in person before you buy, or source OEM parts either from swap meets, or Ebay, or even in the classifieds on this site. Might even try the "For Sale" thread in your State Chapter And theres nothing wrong with making your own patches from proper guage sheet metal

 

I agree that aftermarket sheet metal parts aren't the greatest. Maybe for a cheap/budget restoration, but why do alot of work and then get subquality parts. I have seen some aftermarket sheet metal fit pretty decent, but very thin and most do not fit well.

OEM parts are expensive, but well worth it in most cases. Fenders, hoods, grills, tailgates can still be bought new. Patch panels are usually aftermarket. Will have to find OEM doors in the classifieds, ebay, salvage yards etc. No longer can get them new from suppliers. Keep your eye out and be patient. I just kept browsing classifieds and ebay and finally found 2 new OEM fenders and Doors.

All sheetmetal fits 73-79 F100, F150, F250, F350, and also the front clips and doors fit from 78-79 Broncos.

 

try http://mtsalvage.com/, mikes a great guy and offers rust free southern body parts as well as frame, suspension etc. all those hard to find parts that you can't get anywhere else..