[Rich02]

If you are considering using lower front fender patch panels for your 66 or 67 Chevelle don't bother, you will waste your time and money. I had a pair butt welded and they look horrible.
Rich02

 

[baddbob71]

I've done quite a few and they've always looked good. What is the problem? Warpage?

 

[eduardo69chevelle]

I've done one on a 72 and one on a 69 and agree with Rich, the quality of these parts were crap. The metal was too thin compared to stock and the shapes were poorly done.

On my 69 I ended up tearing it out and fabricating one. I purchased a 4' x 8' sheet of 18 gauge for around $25 new and have 10 times what I will ever need for other projects as well.

Ed

 

[Rich02]

Hi Badbob, I would say the stamping contour is not good, I had a professional welder who builds chassis and does sheet metal fabrication for Moroso here in CT. do all the welding and I dont think it's warpage. Plus the edge that faces the door has too much return creating a bigger gap at the bottom, I would like the other membersto be aware of my problem so they can make a wiser decision than I made.
Thanks Rich

 

[baddbob71]

I always modify the patches for fit, all patch panels that I've ever used reguardless of make model or supplier were never stamped as a perfect piece. It's up to the installer to make the part fit and properly install it. I also agree that many available are of thinner guage than original but I've also seen many that are thicker than original. I guess I'm just not in agreement with what was said: If you are considering using lower front fender patch panels for your 66 or 67 Chevelle don't bother, you will waste your time and money.

I'd take a properly patched original fender over a poorly fitting, poorly stamped, identifiable, repo fender any day of the week!

 

[eduardo69chevelle]

Baddbob, after replacing my 69 front passenger with a repro (foolishly) I would have to agree with that statement 100%. It amazed me after I had already installed it how many things were not right about that fender. Probably the worst of the bunch is the quality of the steel, very soft and hard to straighten. I had a small ding and could not work it out the way we would expect with GM steel, in fact if it ever gets any significant damage on that fender it will get replaced with a GM part.

On the driver's side I used a patch panel that I fabricated after fighting the purchased one. To me, it seems less work if you have a decent sheetmetal brake. The poorly shaped edges are my biggest gripe.

Ed

 

[Chevl_Steve]

I was at a swap meet and talked to a guy selling sheet metal and patches. He said he stopped carrying a certain brand name ( popular name but name escapes me) due to them not having crisp edges like they used to. He showed me a sample and it did look bad.

He recommended I find a dealer that sells patches made by "Parts Duplicators" out of Colorado. They only sell wholesale though.

I tried to call Parts Duplicators this week, and either I got them on a bad day, or they weren't open yet, or their web site is wrong ...or sumthin! I couldn't get ahold of them!

Anyone know anything about that company or their quality?

Steve

 

[Super70]

I agree with the original statement. Purchased a patch for my lower front fender from **** an the quality is BAD! Wasted $30+ dollars. I wound up finding a used fender that needed little work and all is good.

One can try to "work" the patch, however its not worth the time and effort involved (in my opinion).