I need some patch panels for the rear lower quarter panels (both sides), and driver's side door post. These are for my 1985 Ford F150 Lariat restoration project.

Now, I want the very BEST patch panels I can get for these repairs. I don't have any experience whatsoever in body repair, so I have no idea what I should be looking for.

What brand, maker, or vendor have you had good experience with? What should I look for in buying repair patch panels?

 

I bought my panels from LMC and Dennis Carpenter. Both were decent. Just keep in mind that whoever yu get them from that most after market panels will usually need some tweeking of sorts. If you can find NOS (new old stock) then you will be in great shape, or you might try salvage yards. Most yards are crushing anything older than than the 90"s

Vern

 

I tried LMC a couple of times in the past, and ended up just sending it back to them. The items were clearly cheap, overseas knock offs that didn't fit right. I won't buy from them again.

Although pricey, Dennis Carpenter is good, but I do not see patch panels in their catalog, only the whole panels.

 

Check with an auto body shop. They have access to suppliers you never hear about. I've got one supplier somewhere in this mess I call a desk, if I can find it I'll post them for you. Chaosracing does this for a living, maybe he'll see this and suggest someone.

 

Thanks, gfw1985....I would really appreciate that!

 

I have used patch panels made by Tabco with good results. I usually get them thru my local auto body supply shop. But like with any aftermarket sheet metal, some tweeking might be involved.

 

I need both sides of the bed panels; left and right and a tailgate...I found a identical truck for $350 and the bed is in considerably better shape than mine, heck it doesnt have any holes other than a spot over each wheel the size of a silver dollar, is that an EASY fix?

-Wes

 

It can be an easy fix if that is truly all there is. I would really check out the whole area under the bed first. If the rust is contained to those 2 spots, then the $350 is worht it for the bed. A small amount of steel and a welder and those spots are easily fixed.

 

Used parts - much like aftermarket's - area trade-off. With used you have to factor in the removal of whatever pieces you want, plus clean up (rust, damage, etc). At least you know the part is EXACTLY like the one you are replacing.

With aftermarkets, as was said, you have to tweak, sometimes MORE than less, but they are CLEAN & e-coated.