I have heard that the repo stuff is better becasue the dies are worn out. Is this correct?? Which fits better and looks better?

I can't believe the repro stuff is better,people wouldn't pay the big prices for the GM parts if that were true.I installed GM 1/4s and tailpanel on my Z,I can't imagine the repro parts fitting any better, of course others may disagree.

Some of the repops are off original GM tooling. It's hard to believe they are better than NOS stamped 15 years ago.
It is true for emblems, etc, that the repops are "crisper" than GM due to worn molds.

Depends what part you are talking about. I don't think repro sheetmetal will ever be as good as GM. Not that GM stuff is perfect but repro sheetmetal leaves alot to be desired

The car came with repop 350 emblems on the fenders that look pretty good, I suspect the "vent" moldings in front of the rear wheels are repops, they fit like crap, that could be due to bad body work, I wont know until I dive into the body work.

I dont have any experience with the GM or repop sheetmetal.

I still havent gotten much feedback about the vinyl top situation!

Spend the money on good GM stuff. I learned the hard way. The other stuff is cheaper, but you'll be spending more in the long run to get it to fit right. Just my .02

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Racer#00

Plain Jane 67
76 Trans Am Stock Car
74 Z28 (Basket case)

Everything else being equal, repro sheet metal is made of Asian steel in most cases and contains alloys not used in the American sheet metal. The parts are generally a bit thinner which will pick up die flaws more readily than a thicker panel, even if the original dies are used.
In some cases, repro parts can't be differentiated from OEM parts, even to a trained eye. At other times, you can see the differences from a mile away. It's kind of a crap shoot.

Within the last 8 months I have been restoring a 69. I bought repro's (Qtrs, full door shell, door skin, header panl, cowl vent, inner fender wells, rad suppt, grill, fenders, bumpers, front valance, all the chrome and more) from D&R classics out of Chicago. I have been waiting to tell my story so here it goes. The qtrs fit well but were thin, they were the 80% and went on easily. the door skin was crap but the door shell was well worth it but be ready to fight with lining up the holes for the door handles. The fenders were thicker but I am still trying to shim them to match the door and cowl vent seems. the grill has a 1/8 in space between the fender and the sides next to the headlights. the cowl panel was OK, the header and valance were suprisingly nice. the bumpers were good but the front one is pretty light. the chrome i.e. qtr louvers, style trim is light gauge but OK for a weekend driver(nice and shinny). The door sills were as thin as paper, spend a few extra dollars and get the good ones. My BIG complaint is the fender wells and rad. suppt. not ONE bolt hole lined up correctly. not the battery tray, not the hood latch, not even the horn relay. every hole on the inner fender well had to be modified. I am over all pleased with the repops concidering $$ value but this was a resto to my high school cruiser, it is a beautiful car now but by no means a super chevy show winner.

Hope this helps.

69 Lemans blue
396/ white int.

It sounds like the originals are the better route to go. I really want a nice piece when Im done.

My only concern is converting to the RS front end, I have never had and RS and cant use the disassembly as a guide to go by. I guess someplace I can find a diagram?

Obviously there are TONS of repo catalogs. Is there a GM catalog available for 1st gen parts?

Thanks!

Yes, there are two good ones, Ebay and Hemmings...

My recent experience with my '69:

1. core support - Bought repro first and returned for GM. GM panel was MUCH heavier than repro. The area aroung the frame mounting tabs had more reinforcement on the GM version. Everything bolted on just fine. Verdict: GM

2. front lower valence - Bought repro first and returned for GM. Again, GM panel MUCH heavier than repro. GM panel weighed 12 lbs vs repro's 9 lbs. Area around turn signals were wavy on repro and there was no mounting lip on the bottom for the front spoiler. GM panel looked great and bolted right up. Verdict: GM

3. bumpers - looked at repro but didn't buy. Repros are a lighter gauge metal - I would think that there would be DOT problems with these. I paid $189 per bumper to have my originals rechromed and they look better than any repro ever will. Verdict: original GM

4. front header panel - Bought and used repro. GM panel heavier than repro. Repro panel bolt holed didn't line up. Would have used GM if painter had trial fit panel before painting it. Verdict: GM

5. trunk lid - Goodmark repro is VERY good. Appears to have sound insulation between inner and outer panels because lid doesn't "ring" when you tap it like an original does. Repro also heavier than GM. Only problem was that repro was 1/8 narrower than my original lid, so panel gaps were at the outer limits of those suggested in the assembly manual. Goodmark says they are using the original tooling - I guess it must have shrunk while sitting all of those years. Verdict: much harder, but nod goes to original GM because of gap issue.

6. cowl induction hood - didn't even bother with repros - went straight for the GM part.

7. Quarter panel "vent" chrome trim - repro purchased from Rick's was excellent. Can't remember name of manufacturer. VERY close to original, but lines were not as crisp. Bolted right into original holes with no problems. Wanted to use originals, but too many rock dings. Verdict: repro

These are some of the more expensive items I bought. There are many others I could comment on.

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Pearl blue & white 69 Camaro with supercharged 350, Tremec TKO, and 3.73 12-bolt

See my website updated 4/16/01 at:

www.geocities.com/gheatly (http://www.geocities.com/gheatly)

Good feedback. I have a repro inner fender and radiator core support. Both from Rick's and I am very pleased. Fit, etc was excellant. The core was the same weight and stamping although the top had some very slight waviness from the stamping - not enough to bother me. The inner fender was a bit thinner but the fit was excellant and the gauge acceptable, not flimsy at all. I think it was 3-4 pounds lighter but, hey, that's our modern version of acid-dipping!

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's