any input on who has the best sheet metal? fender aprons, radiator support? also complete front end suspension rebuild kits?

 

i'm buying my inner fender aprons/strut towers and stuff from NPD since they are local to me - you could try them?

 

Most of this new metal is made by the same manufacturer. It's mostly find the distrubtor that you like the most and have the parts for the cheapest. The differences are in the tooling. You can get the basic reproduction parts (cheapest/most common/more than good enough and stronger than the factory), Ford tooling part where they used Ford's originals to make the new one (mid price range/easier to fit most of the time), or some places actually sell original metal that was leftover in warehouses (expensive/don't bother unless you are building a completely correct show car)

 

Most of the vendors carry the same parts from the same manufacturers.
Prices are all pretty close too.

Shipping however can vary wildly.
Right now some vendors are charging ~$120-150 to ship a $99 quarter panel skin!
Don't be afraid to call and ask about shipping charges.
With $100 a barrel oil shipping charges are only going to rise.

 

NPD has great customer service and I have always got good parts are good prices.

 

I have found that the thickness of the metal can vary greatly. The best advice I have received it to put your hands on it before you buy it or to make sure that the vender indicate the gauge of steel.

 

What is the gauge of the body steel on the 1970 Mustang?

 

you get what you pay for, and the thicker the better, 18 gauge is a good target, most after market is the thinner 20 gauge. The thinner 20 gauge warps easier and blows through easier when welding. working with 20 gauge, you have to slow down because its very easy to over heat the panel. 18 gauge forms better, and provides plenty of material to provide a good solid weld, and doesn't heat up as quickly as 20 gauge. night and day difference.

 

dynacorn is the only mfg you will probably find . they make standard thickness which is thinner than stock and they make some parts in a thicker version.

tell us exactly what you want out of your suspension . there are many different "kits".

is often better to but parts separately.
.

 

I really want to do the restoration once, want the best parts available at the time of installation, I would appreciate any of your help and suggestions. I have a 1970 Mustang Fastback Deluxe version. Car is original and in real need of restoration. Most body panels to be replaced. Car has always run since new. I am driving it now and learning all I can before I start the full restoration. Thanks for any help anyone can provide, ie, who not to use, parts to avoid, mistakes in restoration, etc. Thanks, Craig