The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Patch Panels

I'm going to be needing some rocker panels for my '64 at some point in the near future. Any suggestions on whose patch panels fit better, or are they pretty much the same? My local body shop said that one gets what they pay for when it comes to panels.
Thanks guys

The chinese repop stuff is garbage and a crap shoot at best on which ones will be best. Your best source would be to find a solid donar cab and remove the panels you need.

I have had good luck with panels (lower door and lower fender) from Classic Parts http://www.classicparts.com/

That being said I do agree that using OEM sheet metal is the best way to go (if you can find good rust free parts that is).

Alot of this depends on which panels are being replaced. For rockers I wouldn't be to concerned.

For instance it is my understanding that the repro front fenders are miserable in the area of the grill. The factory dies provided sharp - crisp body lines, the aftermarket parts, not so much.

Hope that helps.

John

We just replaced the drivers floor and footwell on our 64. We received the parts from BowtieBits- I'm pretty sure one piece was made overseas ( the floor pan) it took a bit of fitting to get the pieces to work- the holes for the floor, and the footwell don't exactally line up perfectly but I think we can make parts work ok- The lower A pillar and the rockers should go in tonight... The rocker looks like it will fit just fine. I'll let you know if we have any issues...

Ok so now withthe rocker installed ( rocker was not made in USA) I will say that the fit was not close to being perfect- the bends where the rocker met the A abd B posts were pretty far off. we ended up slicing a verticle cut in the rear center of the panel about 4" down in order to be able to hammer and dolley over the flanges to line up- I'll post pictures when I figure that part out. It took a bit of picking at the bends with a hammer to finally get everyting lined up- but now that is is welded in it looks great (IMHO)

Pics would be great. Im glad that your ot having bad fitment issues. Some people have alot of problems and some seem to do well.

http://s1078.photobucket.com/albums/w497/slawnski/1964%20chevy%20c-10%20Montana/

See if that works- more pictures to come as we progress....