Replacement front end

[Dan Osborne]

I am doing the body work on a frame off 1969 coupe project. I am also torn between doing many fiberglass repairs on the existing front end or replacing the entire front end. Where can a new one be obtained quickly?

[Greg L.]

Re: Replacement front end

Dan,

I'm pretty sure that most of the major Corvette vendors like Dr Rebuild, Corvette Central, Ecklers and Zip have what you need. What you need to decide is if you want to go with a one piece(as in one molded part) or assembled one piece(as in one piece but assembled from various pieces as the original was). Or depending on where your damage is you might be better off just ordering the panels that you need and keeping as much of the original fiberglass as possible.

[Jim T.]

Re: Replacement front end

What/where is the damage to your 69's front end? If the damage is around and between the headlight openings another front surround either new or from a donor car might be the best long range repair to keep prior damage/repair showing up in the paint a year or two or even less after the repaint.

[Dick W.]

Re: Replacement front end

Unless you get lucky the only repro glass that you can get in a hurry will be the handlaid glass. The two manufacturers that do the correct press molded glass have a several week (month?) backlog. There is still correct GM glass out there but what I seen is rather pricey

[Mark J.]

Re: Replacement front end

Dick,

Who are the companies that manufacture the correct press-molded pieces? I have a friend with a similar need for fiberglass panels.

Mark

[Dick W.]

Re: Replacement front end

Sermershiem's and Corvette Image. I think that you can do a search and find info about both companies.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Replacement front end

You may get lucky and find an original one by looking around. I happened to find one for my 71 in one day just by posting a "Wanted" ad in another forum.

I'd never use a hand laid piece unless there was nothing of significant value to the car and I was just trying to push the POS out the door ASAP.

Patrick

[Jim S.]

Re: Replacement front end

Eckler's advertises press molded glass in their catalog. I don't know if they make it themselves or get it from the same sources you mentioned. Eckler's hand laid glass has been around for years and use to be made here in Florida at their factory/showroom.

I haven't bought anything from Ecklers since Ralph sold out and now their factory/showroom is just a shell of it's former glory. It looks as if they specialize only in trinket items.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Replacement front end

I believe that Eckler's buys their press molded pieces from Corvette Image.

Patrick