67 Hood Surround Panel?

[Wayne W.]

While we are discussing the press molding of fiberglass panels, I have one for you. I have in my possesion a 67 hood surround panel that at first glance appears to be original. It has most of the features that would make it so. It is hard and dense. It has the characteristic fibers showing both outside and inside. It has mostly molded finished edges. It does not have the mold flaw that is common with reproductions. But, it does not have the wiper vent areas cut and some of the flashing areas are ground and not molded. It is almost certain to have been done on the original mold early enough that the mold flaw was not there yet. But here is the kicker. It has a molded in tag with the words " John`s Automotive " on it. Now this thing aint no label tape, it is molded into the panel. So did GM ever supply these panels to someone other than their own outlets, and who is Johns Automotive? John`s Corvette Care maybe?

http://www.members.aol.com/wombvette/SurroundPanel

[Mike M.]

Re: 67 Hood Surround Panel?

That rough upper edge, the fibers and the couseness of the surface are not consistent with the GM,s that I have seen. I have not heard of "John's", perhaps a local fabricator.
H. a. N. D.

[Roy B.]

Re: 67 Hood Surround Panel?

Fibers show in mine

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 Hood Surround Panel?

Michael, The treatment of some of the flashing is not as good as GM usually is. That is one of the areas that is slightly different from the norm, but believe me, the look of the fibers is consistent with what would be expected on originals. The color, texture, thickness, and the amount of fiberglass in the panel is like originals. It is certainly not any of the aftermarket makers of today, and I still believe it was made on original tooling. I have seen hundreds of originals and reproductions and know them as well as anyone. This one was shipped to me as an original and fooled me for a while until I took a good hard look at it.

[Geoff C.]

Re: 67 Hood Surround Panel?

Wayne

For a few years in the 80'-90's John's Automotive was in Cambridge, NY and he made top surrounds, 63, 64-67 outer heater boxes, 64-67 inner's too, 63, 64-67 tire carriers and 58-62 inner & outer glass heater boxes. Very nice stuff. John told me he went to a school to learn how to use the machinery to make his match molded parts. He made his own tools.

After John's boy and girl graduated from college, he stopped making Corvette parts. A big giant fellow, he was too easy going. He told me the retail customers drove him nuts. I still see sometimes at Corvette Carlisle.

Geoffrey Coenen

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 Hood Surround Panel?

Thanks, Geoffrey

I Would like contact information. He did a nice job on these.