Here we go again....

repop fenders verses OEM (used)....how do they really fit from OPG, goodmark, etc... verses OEM. I know where there is a set of Malibu fenders that need a bit of work in the usual spot down low. Same price as repops...$275 each. Which do I buy? I would need to remove the chrome on the top of the malibu fender and fill the holes too....as well as patch. How do repops fit against original chevelle doors ? would these old malibu ones be better? Also, how are the hoods from goodmark, opg, etc...... Do they fit decent?

Thoughts

Thanks

REPOP vs Real fenders, I recently purchased 66 convertible that had repop fenders, the previous owner had purchased. The repop's fitment was awful !!!, for some reason he kept the originals with the rusty bottoms, I proceeded to fix the old ones with the patch panels, that was also included with the sale. Fitment great with the OEM's. Moral of the story is if you want it RIGHT stick to the originals, in the long run the OEM'S will be cheaper. If I sell my Convertible at some point in time I can say all original sheet metal which means a lot to many car nut's. just my opinion

I also went with my originals even though my car came with aftermrket. Made my own patches to fix the rusted area's. I ended up buying a cowl induction hood (repop) since my original was in such bad shape. I was suprise to find it fit very well, only need a minor adjustment to make it fit correctly. Right side was a little high. I also had to adjust the flapper to get it to fit flush. Also if you do a search you will find pages on this subject.
Ray

Thanks guys....I think I will take your advice anbd get the malibu fenders. I can fix the small area on the bottom. What did you use....a patch panel from one of the repop companies...cutout the old and weld in the new?

How much more is a gm hood worth than a repop?

Thanks again........

Gee, I must have gotten lucky, Ive installed two pairs of goodmark fenders for my 70 chevelles and they all fit BETTER then the OEM fenders that I removed.

GM parts are not perfect so dont think that by buying a GM fender, hood or whatever means you wont have to tweak or modify the part in someway to make it fit to YOUR car.

Reproduction parts are not perfect and either is GM parts.

Don't bother with the lower fender patch panels, they are terrible to say the least. Get some metal of the same thickness and make a pattern with some heavy paper. Lay the paper pattern on the new metal blank and cut out the new metal. Lay new metal over area and begin forming it to the shape of the original fender. If you still have most of the bottom contour, it will provide the shape. Once it fits, trace around it onto the fender. Use a 1/32" cutoff wheel and trim the outline. Keep as much of the back and front sections as possible as these areas provide rigidity to the new patch.

It's easy, just try it.