I have the chance to buy an original rust free 69 GM radiator support and both inner fenderwells. The guys asking $500 and all they need is to be cleaned up but they are in very good shape. Are these a worth while investment for my X-66 car or are the repops just as good. I've used plenty of repops over the years and they all fit well but from a value standpoint, will buying/using the original GM stuff be worth it in the end.

I guess what I'm asking is do people really care to see original rad supports and fender wells over the repops and are they worth the extra cash ??? I already sprung for the GM fenders so I guess a complete original nose is a plus.

Thanks much..........





bob

Bob -

I have not seen the repro core support, but have used the inner fenders, which were close enough. However, with the cost of repro inner fenders ($100 each for non-RS) and the "original tooling" radiator support ($300 vs. $100 for the "quality import") plus any shipping, if the GM parts were within pickup distance, I wouldn't hesitate to buy them if they are straight and solid. The core support affects the alignment of all the front sheetmetal, so I would hesitate to use an imported repro, if the core supports are like all the other sheetmetal parts.

I replaced both my core support and inner fenders with aftermarket parts and while they fit relatively fine, I do have various alignment issues. I also replaced the lower valance. Basically, all of these parts fit together and when something does not fit, you don't know whats off, so having original parts leaves fewer things to go wrong. I also would bet the original inner fenders are heavier as mine seemed to be (maybe it was the dirt ?). Would be curious if someone did a weight difference.

I would jump all over those parts for $500 as that is probably only $100 more than repro's.

-Kevin

$500 is a good price for the set. The repo inner fenders are pretty decent. There is a noticeable visual difference with the repo core support, it's flatter/smoother on the top side than the originals which have wrinkles/stamp marks.

Thanks for the replies guys. I picked up the parts last night and there off to be blasted. I am aiming for a perfect grill & light fitment on this car so I guess it doesnt even pay to play with the repop stuff. I agree that when something doesnt fit "just right" its a pain trying to figure out why, and making it work. Hopefull using real GM stuff might eliminate alot of that :confused: I've been throwing wadds of cash at this thing lately and I just needed a little push to spring for this stuff . I'm still getting over the big hit for the GM fenders/hood.



Thanks............




bob

You'll be glad you did. :)