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Aftermarket Sheet Metal: GM Licensed and GM Tooling

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Sauron67MM

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
When speaking of repro parts, in this case sheet metal, many seem to be misunderstanding labels that state “Licensed by GM”. A white and blue sticker on a box or part that states “Licensed by GM” does not mean they are made with GM tooling. AMD is licensed by GM, so are others. In fact, if one were to call AMD that info would be provided, and that they do not have GM tooling. Dynacorn is also GM licensed but not GM tooling. Dies are reverse engineered.

Even GM dies that are used are not brand new dies found from 45 years ago. They get reworked. I’ve seen die edge reworking evidence on repro panels. Heartbeat City has fenders made from GM tooling and they are stated as such. For the price they better fit as well as an assembly line take off and not like an NOS fender at the end of tooling life. If I was interested in a purchase I’d be doing thorough research on them.

Misinformation about repro panels perpetuates. Someone will read or hear “GM tooling” and buy parts based on that and the blue licensing label . When all they are buying is a GM licensed part.
 
#2 ·
Dies do wear as they are worked, even though they are heat-treated.
Extruding sheet metal through a set of dies is the same as disc brake pads against a rotor, the pads wear.
 
#3 ·
Everett#2390 said:
Dies do wear as they are worked, even though they are heat-treated.
Extruding sheet metal through a set of dies is the same as disc brake pads against a rotor, the pads wear.
Click to expand...
If you are looking to buy NOS GM parts, just rember that the early run parts had no barcode in the label. The fenders with the barcode were late run and the tooling had alot of wear.I found a pair of 67 RS NOS no barcode fenders for a frend that had been in a attic for over 25 years. The guy wanted $1500. My budy lowballed him and other people found out . The fenders sold for $1800. after two out of state people got in a bidding war over them. And yes GM Licensed doesnt mean alot, not even a good fit.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Everett#2390 said:
Dies do wear as they are worked, even though they are heat-treated.
Extruding sheet metal through a set of dies is the same as disc brake pads against a rotor, the pads wear.
Click to expand...
That's exactly why NOS panels on the end of a die's life, or late stamped NOS panels may not be that great. I've had them that were not as good as assembly line panels. (Sorry Keith, we were writing at the same time.)
 
#5 ·
Words right out of my mouth.
 
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#6 ·
We buy alot of sheetmetal from various suppliers. We have found that some will just repackage another's product. Sometimes they just tape over the box labels!

Regarding fenders, at this point it looks like there are three stampers. Dynacorn, Golden Legion and AMD. Then there are the Classic fenders being made with GM tooling which are pretty nice.

I have seen NOS fenders which do not have crisp lines and edges like earlier originals. For just this reason we used nice originals for one of our COPO's, and now have to modify some NOS one's for a Yenko we are working on.
 
#7 ·
Out of the 3 stampers mentioned who is creating the best stampings? Is there a website or a supplier of the Classic fenders mentioned? Eventually I want to pick up quarters and a tail panel but damn if I'm going to line somebodies pocket for NOS pieces.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Davisalmound said:
Regarding fenders, at this point it looks like there are three stampers. Dynacorn, Golden Legion and AMD. Then there are the Classic fenders being made with GM tooling which are pretty nice.
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Hearbeat City also has fenders stamped in Michigan on GM tooling. They have US stamped taillpanels. Like I said, for the present $795, the fenders should fit like GM take offs at their best. I don't know what they are claiming. If you have used their fenders do you have a detailed report that can be posted in another thread?

69Z28 said:
Out of the 3 stampers mentioned who is creating the best stampings? Is there a website or a supplier of the Classic fenders mentioned? Eventually I want to pick up quarters and a tail panel but damn if I'm going to line somebodies pocket for NOS pieces.
Click to expand...
This crosses into another topic that wiill lead to a lengthy discusssion with numerous thread references. If you buy Hearbeat's USA made tailpanel you'll be dropping similar coin as NOS. Best repro quarters? I'm using AMD now. Had bad experiences with Dcorns and Legion and Goodmark. One left Legion was not horrible but needed mods nonetheless. Repro panels have production inconsistencies; none are perfect. If you are doing your own work and have time to kill, multiple mods may not bother you. Or if you are not concerned with contour accuracy.
 
#10 ·
Scott,

I don't have much feeback regarding the US stamped fenders as I have only one car at the shop wearing them. I think over the past seven years we have sold maybe 3-4 sets of them that I am aware. If the fitment was poor we would have been the first ones to hear of it. Most people will just buy the run of the mill repo stuff from us with the occasional sale of some NOS pieces. Repo fenders have been getting much better since I put my car together over four years ago. I remember tring to point out to guys the flaws to look out for while inspecting a fender and thinking "why the heck weren't they this much better when I selected mine!" I just had novice body guy put a dynacorn fender on a 68 a week ago. He was surpised at first, after I helped him tweak it, the body lines matched up pretty good. Had to do more modifications to those horible fender extensions.
 
#11 ·
Great post Scott. I'm amazed at how many guys think "GM licensed" actually means GM. LOL...... Whenever I see "GM licensed" advertised on a body panel, I immediately become skeptical of the quality.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Davisalmound said:
Scott,

Repo fenders have been getting much better since I put my car together over four years ago.
Click to expand...
Some, not all. I recently sold off the Goodmark fenders that were supplied with a car. The headlight surround was erratic, overly sharp, and edges had voids. Gmark doors were a joke. I have spoken with AMD and their fenders may require 1/2 day for alignment issues. This is not a big deal because panels are not expected to be perfect. But there are many who buy panels and think they will bolt on a need nothing. I'm still more comfortable repairing a quarter sized hole in the bottom of a GM assembly line take off.
 
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Sauron67MM
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