are the goodmark panels the same guage as o.e.m.? who provides the best replacement panels on the market?

I've been reading a lot about aftermarket panels vs. Oem. The CAPA certification sounds a bit like it may be a insurance industry hype. Is it?

There are obviously some professional body men at this site - would you please voice opinions/experiences - and PLEASE - let's not start a flamethrowing contest.

My current (Shadetree) assessment is that the order of choise would be :

1 - OEM
2 - CAPA certified replacement
3 - other replacement
4 - Dynomite or gasoline & a match - this might arguably be the #3 choise - ahead of SOME (very)poorly fitting aftermarket panels.

Some of the CAPA informatiom might lead a novice to believe that CAPA's ("meets OR EXCEEDS OEM specs...") would be preferable to OEM - what do you pro's say...?

Bob

in researching all the different suppliers, that the prices seem to be about the same. It makes me wonder who's getting what from where.

Since you guys are pretty new have ya tried the search function? Its in the upper right hand corner. Click on that and type in Goodmark, aftermarket, whatever, theres TONS of info graemlins/thumbsup.gif

After sifting through about a half a ton of search info, it sounds as though I may find what I want. Perhaps I can get it done quicker by offering a trade - I have a LF fender and hood from a '65 Chevelle wagon - both original and in very good shape - (from a lifelong Colorado car). I bought the '65 for a parts car from the original owner - who bought it from Luby Chevrolet in Denver. As I'm looking to renovate my '64 I'd entertain a trade for original '64 body parts. I'd ever consider a (near) full body swap. The only thing missing from my '65 is the right front fender, which I sold soon after buying the wagon, - to a friend in need ('65 Camino). As I already have a couple of sets of '64 fenders, I'd settle for '64-'65 Camino cab & bed in good shape. I know, sounds far fetched, but the '65 wagon is in good shape...

Should this be taken to the classifieds?

In looking at all the websites, I'm starting to think that all the replacement full Quarters come from the same place. So that's why I ask. Isaw some from goodmark, seemed to be a little thin. Would ground-up or gm be any better?

Originally posted by sevt_chevelle:
Since you guys are pretty new have ya tried the search function? Its in the upper right hand corner. Click on that and type in Goodmark, aftermarket, whatever, theres TONS of info graemlins/thumbsup.gif I've now spent several hours using the search function. Post after post of MOSTLY irrelevant information containing the target word. An occaisional glimmer, and an even rarer nugget... I have been sleeping better though...

All repro parts are thinner dont amtter if yo buy from year one or ground up all supply the same parts.

Ive got an entire 70 chevelle FULL of goodmark parts, fenders, door skins, quarters etc, am very happy with each and every panel. Ive got a pair of fenders that fit like a dream, Id bet anyone 100 bucks that they COULD NOT tell they are goodmark fenders.

Yes GM parts are the best, but #1 can you find it? #2 if you do find it can you afford it? What you plan on dong with car, number matching show car graemlins/boring.gif nice driver or drag car, all makes a difference. Yeah for a numbers car GM is the only way to go but for sunday driver?

I dont care if the part is NOS, used or repro some tweaking will be needed for proper fit to YOUR car.

Ive seen differnces in panels, so it makes me believe that there is more then one company stamping parts. Dyancorn released full 66-67 quarters minus half the sail panel 2 years before goodmark released theirs, same with the 70-72. I tried to fit some dyancorn fenders on the 70, got goodmarks instead fit like a glove.
See the same with truck parts, call goodmark for boxsides for a 67-72 shortbed they have them, call dynacorn they dont, even thou they sell truck parts :confused:
Bought some inner fenders, stamped by hugger :confused: what a piece of crap that was. Bought goodmarks the metal was a tad thinner but the fit was great.

SO yeah if you want the best repro part get goodmark, if you want the BEST period get GM. Just coming from someone who has about the same amount of goodmark panels as the goodmark giveaway car, they fit great , just be happy that replacement parts are avaible...Eric

Thanks Eric,

Glad I didn't come across too grumpy ( I was). For now, what I really need is partial rear quarters - around and behind the wheel wells. I'm set for fenders - 2 sets of originals. I kind of hate to chop up a nice, original '65 wagon - would rather trade it to a good home. I don't see going for the numbers - more like a nice driver - pretty much like it was back in the day - a little souped up "looker".

Lately I've considered putting the wagon back together first & maybe go half breed (65 rear/64 front),'til I can get the Camino rear done. I beat it up a bit & that might take a while.

Thanks again for responding. I'll check with Goodmark/others. By the way, my 'Camino came from Grinnell!

Bob

I just cutout my old rusted quarters and welded in my new Goodmark skins. They are diffinitly thinner metal, but don't get the impression that they are so thin they are chincey! I am VERY happey with the fit of these quarters and I plan on ordering a lot more from goodmark. Also, Goodmark did standby their product when I had a problem during the delievry of these quarters. I would recommend Goodmark parts and service to anyone.
However, if you have access to good originals, then go with those. There is nothing better than the original!