Anybody know why the parts that GM had made for first generation Camaro's were made to fit and last 30 plus years, when with todays technology a decent part cant be made to exceed the standards of the sixties?
It seems incredable that with all the new processing methods we have today that parts would be made better than the originals. Most of the parts bought today require several modifications to make fit or work witch for what they cost is unacceptable. Any thoughts on this ?
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1967 Camaro SS-RS CONV Alum.head 427
http://www.hometown.aol.com/coporic/images/67convss427.jpg

I think that's a false impression that factory replacement parts were superior 35 years ago. When we rebuild or restore these old cars it's a process more like a hand built car than the assembly line they rolled down back in the day. That means more attention to fit and finish and that restored cars are usually far better built than when they came from the factory.

There are repro parts that are no more than starter parts that require modification to fit properly but some of that is the manufacture has to face copyright issues if they make it exact without GM's permission. Some also cut corners to keep prices down and some are actually better.

I have used many GM boxed replacement parts on my car and have found fit and finish to be very poor. GM bumper guards (the tall ones) for example don't follow the contour of the bumper they mount to and have visible unfinished metal work under the chrome. I checked and they were like that from the factory too... Take a look at new old gm replacement emblems and the chrome has bubbles and pits and the reproduction one don't, they are much nicer.

Then remenber you are bolting these parts on 35 year old substructure. Even a factory part that fit perfect 35 years ago may not just because time has taken it's toll on every part of the vehicle in some way shape of form.

I do agree it would be easier if every part just bolted up but it's never going to be that way.

Dennis, I agree with you regarding the "hard" parts such as body sheet metal and emblems. Perhaps they are at an acceptable level and as Camaro enthusiasts our expectation are very high.

My issue with poor quality parts are more centered around reproduction interior pieces. The reproduction dash housing, Gauge lens, console don't come close to the quality of the originals. Infact I would only use them as a last resort. That's sad... hopefully the quality will improve. Thankfully the prices of these low quality parts are very affordable.

Wow, the part that got me started on this post was a reproduction dash housing for a 68 Camaro. The fit and finish was horrible. I actually sent it back and found an original unbroken one to replace it with.
I have to keep in mind that GM spent - i dont know how much, but more than suppliers are spending today to make the part and tooling,
and today they want to try and keep the price affordable to the buying public, but that dash housing was not even close to any type of quality part I would want on my car.
Hey, I am thrilled they make as many parts as they do. And because they supply so many parts today I can finish a car in a fair amount of time.
Its good and bad and yes many parts are really great today, its just a few need to go back and start over..
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1967 Camaro SS-RS 427 CONV. http://www.hometown.aol.com/coporic/images/67convss427.jpg
1968 Camaro SS-RS 350 CONV
1969 CAMARO Z-28 RS X-Ram JL-8 unrestored
1969 Camaro SS-RS 350
1969 Camaro RS COPO Clone