I am going to be repainting my 1989 GT Hatchback and one quarter panelhas small rust(2 inches onwheel lip)and the fenders have some dings that will show up on a darker paint color. Has anyone bought the reproduction panels instead of the oem ford ones? If so how do they fit and are they worth it? Also any luck with aftermarket fiberglass cowl hoods as far as fitment and quality? Thanks

 

For body panels, OEM is always best, they are thicker and just generally better quality. There are a number of hood manufacturers out there, some are better than others. I fit my hood myself, although a body shop would have been better.

 

I realize oem will be better but for $400 a fender and only $100 a fender for aftermarket it is getting expensive. I also know I get what I pay for but is there really that big of a difference to where it would be worth the extra 300 a panel?

 

Every repro body panel ive ever come across was a headache to get right. If it uses Ford tooling it should be ok. But many repros (non Ford tooling) have had holes that didnt line up or werent bent quite right. Best bet for a fender is at a yard if you prefer a straight one, should be able to get one for $50-$100. Any dings are an easy fix. For the hatch its cheaper just to use a patch panel from a donor or scrap steel since its just a small section of rust. You dont need an entire new panel for that.

Doing all this yourself? Watch the heat with welding and dont be afraid to use filler if you have to, just keep it to an absolute minimum. Even the pros use a little filler.

 

Yeah, stay with the OEM stuff, its worth the extra dough when it comes to getting the body lines right. If you are looking to replace the quarter, They are very tricky but can be done. You can order a factory stamp or go cut one out of a salvage yard. If you have any experience in body work and the right tools its not that difficult, but tedious. If not then take to a body shop and they will align everything.

 

I am a old bodyman 18 years worth. Lots of ( NOT ALL)today's after market parts fit pretty good might I say even better then OEM in some cases(lots). quarter install is better left to someone that knows what they are doing. Yea I got new Ford fenders for my car but I am just whacked in the head some times. I fought mine forhours to get them to fit the way I wanted (better then factory) so much for OEM fit. any how good luck with your car.