I have recently purchased a 67 SS396, which is a prime candidate for a restoration project. I have been out of the Muscle Car game for 10+ years(owned 2 SS396 in past years) and have a question for you more up-to-date motorheads.

Is the quality of reproduction parts good enough for a quality restoration, or should I seek out NOS parts exclusively????

All input/advice is appreciated!!

califgman(gee, I wish you had posted you name at the end of your post) I think that the concensus is that the aftermarket parts sometimes leave a lot to be desired, some are great and others aren't fit to be used at all.

OOPS! Pardon my manners and WELCOME to the BEST site on the net!!!!

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
progress has little to do with speed, but lots to do with direction.
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)

[This message has been edited by chev64 (edited 06-14-2002).]

Be careful about even "NOS" parts. Many of these from big name suppliers are still available from through GM dealers and are a lot less expensive. While I'm not into the restoration side, I've found many trim pieces are acceptable but most will agree that body panels need a lot of work. I think most interior pieces (door panels, seat covers, etc.) are pretty good from most suppliers.

Welcome to Team Chevelle and probably the smartest guys on the planet about Chevelles. You'll find that certain expertise tends to "hang out" in particular forums whether it be the Paint and Body, Brakes and Suspension, or Engine and Transmission. Just human nature to concentrate on your interested field. I'd post specific questions in the proper forum for the best results (lest it be moved there anyway).

I'm a 67 fan myself and have a site specific to them, Team67 (http://www.team67.com). Anything I can attempt to help with, give it a vist or drop me a line.

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TC Gold #92/ACES #1709
67 SS & 67 Elky
GR8PMKN (http://www.team67.com/mychevelle/p000867.jpg)

Dale's Place (http://www.dalesplace.com) Team 67 (http://www.team67.com)
Midwest Chevelle Regional Governing Council (http://www.midwestchevelles.com)
Integrity: If you have it, it doesn't matter - If you don't have it, it doesn't matter.

For the most part, aftermarket parts are "acceptable" for a street restoration but don't even play in the same field for a concourse restoration. In addition to Dale's comments, also be very carefull of the misuse of the word "NOS". Many parts that are sold as NOS are indeed new old stock but they are the superceded GM parts in the late model GM boxes and are sometimes not acceptable to a concourse restoration.

Case in point, the SS427 rear trunk emblem form the '68 Impala SS427 is likely one of the most abused items out there. They are routinely sold as NOS and Baldwin Motion only parts and are quite available through the reproduction and GM re-release parts houses. They are a dime a dozen and I very often see these pieces bid into orbit.

If you are not restoring this car to a a "points" class car then just be cautious but not overly concerned. When in doubt, ask us at Team Chevelle.

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ACES #5032
TC #1074