Radiator top panel
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Are the reproductions that bad?
I have one PM me if interested.
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Yes, most reproduction parts are that bad. I have been doing this for a long time and have been frustrated with practically every reproduction part I have bought. It all comes down to just how nice and how original you want your car to be. I have found that either the fit is bad and you have to spend time modifying the crappy part, or the part dimensions are not like the original.
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Is your panel a four bolt panel? If so, what does it measure across? Also, does it look like this panel where I have pointed to in the photos?
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I have a 68 big block factory A/C car. When I got my car I added some chrome trim under the hood including a $40 dollar chrome top plate from ebay. I almost threw away the original and that was back on 2005. 2 weeks ago, I decided to renovate my engine compartment and have the original top plate powder coated and use it. I'm glad I kept it. Sounds like they're hard to source.
Yes, 4 bolts. The chrome one has all of those cutouts and the black one only has the front ones. Not sure what any of them are for but I guess it you could always grind them in yourself if you really wanted them in there.
PANEL, Radiator Mounting, Upper, 4-bolt design, 31 1/8 inch length x 5 3/4 inch width, 20 gauge steel, incl bolts, black painted finish, OE-style repro - #C-1270-117AB - National Parts Depot
Buy part #C-1270-117AB PANEL, Radiator Mounting, Upper, 4-bolt design, 31 1/8 inch length x 5 3/4 inch width, 20 gauge steel, incl bolts, black painted finish, OE-style repro for your classic 1968-1977 Chevelle from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery &...
www.npdlink.com
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5,186 Posts
I find many parts from AMD fit just fine. Trim Parts are in most cases better than original.Reproduction parts are certainly improving. My trunk floor and deck is perfect. I do think many panels are damaged in shipping the creates a lot of repair work though. I bought brand new quarter panel for my 69 in 1977 and the GM panel was over a 1/2 inch off. All you have to do is look at your assembly manual and you will see many comments if it doesn't fit grab another in so many words. We don't have that option.
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Bill, I really appreciate your input, but I believe that the '68 panel might just be a one year only panel for the heavy duty radiator in the SS model with A/C. The features pointed out in the photos I supplied should not be there on a '68 panel and it should measure 31 3/8" long. I haven't found any aftermarket panels out there fitting that description.Yes, 4 bolts. The chrome one has all of those cutouts and the black one only has the front ones. Not sure what any of them are for but I guess it you could always grind them in yourself if you really wanted them in there.
PANEL, Radiator Mounting, Upper, 4-bolt design, 31 1/8 inch length x 5 3/4 inch width, 20 gauge steel, incl bolts, black painted finish, OE-style repro - #C-1270-117AB - National Parts Depot
Buy part #C-1270-117AB PANEL, Radiator Mounting, Upper, 4-bolt design, 31 1/8 inch length x 5 3/4 inch width, 20 gauge steel, incl bolts, black painted finish, OE-style repro for your classic 1968-1977 Chevelle from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery &...
Steve
1970 Black Cherry LS5 / M22 Convertible and 1970 Cranberry Red L34 / TH400 Convertible
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Referring to the photos...I've seen original HD top panels with those notches (not as prominent as those in the photo) but, you could tell notches were there...I believe those top panel HD are later versions of the original stamped covers (I could be wrong) . I have two BB 1970 Chevelle's 454/396 cars with the HD top plates and the left side has no indication of notches...one car is a Sep 69 Kansas build and the other is a May 70 Baltimore build.
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Hey Steve
I just went out and measured mine and it is 31 3/8 and has no cut outs or the odd looking slot on the side.
I am using it but wanted to confirm your suspicions!
Guessing when they make the repros they are made to fit several applications. Much like the dash I bought that had that huge hole next to the glove box...great if you have an AC car not so much if you don't.
I just went out and measured mine and it is 31 3/8 and has no cut outs or the odd looking slot on the side.
I am using it but wanted to confirm your suspicions!
Guessing when they make the repros they are made to fit several applications. Much like the dash I bought that had that huge hole next to the glove box...great if you have an AC car not so much if you don't.
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Well, it looks like I'm going to have to ship my original panel off to a chrome shop somewhere in order to have the chrome stripped off that I had done back around 1991. Then I will find a powder coat shop to have it done in trim black.
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If you can find a place where you can sand blast it yourself... it will remove the chrome and ready it for powder coating.
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3 or 4 bolt Thanks Sloan
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4 bolt
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The 4 bolt HD tops Inline Tube sell are very nice.
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Yes, they look nice, but it is not correct for the '68 model year.
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