The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Recommendation for Replacement Body Parts ?

**Willowrun** · 02-03-2023, 12:05 AM

If it was me and I was going to hold onto the vehicle I'd find rust free factory GM sheet metal. There are a lot of people hitting junkyards in your part of the country and hauling fenders, doors, etc. up here to the rust belt so hopefully there's some parts down there still. Other than finding NOS parts which is getting difficult and expensive when you find them, I always try to find original GM metal. It's a thicker gage in most cases and just fits better. Look on FB marketplace in your area.

I used aftermarket fenders and doors on the first truck I restored in the early 90's (1986 K10...that's how fast they rust here if driven in the winter) and after that I said never again to the repop full body panels. I know there's guys that make aftermarket work for them but OEM is much better in my opinion.

02-03-2023, 12:05 AM	#2
Willowrun Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,022	Re: Recommendation for Replacement Body Parts ? If it was me and I was going to hold onto the vehicle I'd find rust free factory GM sheet metal. There are a lot of people hitting junkyards in your part of the country and hauling fenders, doors, etc. up here to the rust belt so hopefully there's some parts down there still. Other than finding NOS parts which is getting difficult and expensive when you find them, I always try to find original GM metal. It's a thicker gage in most cases and just fits better. Look on FB marketplace in your area. I used aftermarket fenders and doors on the first truck I restored in the early 90's (1986 K10...that's how fast they rust here if driven in the winter) and after that I said never again to the repop full body panels. I know there's guys that make aftermarket work for them but OEM is much better in my opinion.