Fiberglass part - how much should I replace using Sermersheim

[Donald H.]

I need some advice on what parts to replace on my 1960 project car. Left front fender and side fender were replaced at some point with very poor quality panels and need to be replaced again. The fender was cut it from the hood corner to just in front of the dash. There are a number of other front end pieces that have some nasty patches and need either a lot of repair or could be replaced.

I plan to do the destruction myself, but have a vette glass specialist/painter that will help with installing replacement panels at $50 per hour and eventually paint the car. I am thinking that it may be cost effective just to buy a complete front end from Sermersheim that is already assembled given that it will probably cost me nearly as much by the time I pay the specialist to make the individual panels fit and glue them together.

What do you Think? Also, has anyone used one of these C1 complete assembled front ends from Sermersheim and how much tweaking was needed?

I found one thread where the person was having a lot of trouble getting the Sermersheim hood surround piece to fit. The hood surround include upper dash and apparently the person was having trouble getting everything to line up.

Thanks,

Don

[Timothy B.]

Re: Fiberglass part - how much should I replace using Sermersheim

Donald,

Short of finding a very nice used front, I think the complete replacement front is good thinking. Take you time with it and line everything before you glue.

If you are not sure get some help from someone that knows these cars to help glue it on. Take the car to a pro, you can sand and prime yourself but mounting the front if you get it wrong..

[Donald H.]

Re: Fiberglass part - how much should I replace using Sermersheim

I have a 25 year plus Corvette body man helping me, but I am doing as much as I can myself.

[Edward M.]

Re: Fiberglass part - how much should I replace using Sermersheim

My Corvette body man, who has been doing this since 1958 (when he replaced the fender on a 57 Corvette) has used both Corvette Image and Sermersheim complete front ends, as well as individual parts.

One thing he says over and over about the assembled front ends, regardless of the supplier. Order them with the side panels separate from the upper suppound.

He has had to separate and reposition more of these side panels than he cares to discuss. He says it will be money better spent to let your body man fit the upper surround, and then fit the side panels separately.

Both suppliers mentioned can and do supply the front ends without the side panels attached, and supplied separately.

[Donald H.]

Re: Fiberglass part - how much should I replace using Sermersheim

My Corvette body man, who has been doing this since 1958 (when he replaced the fender on a 57 Corvette) has used both Corvette Image and Sermersheim complete front ends, as well as individual parts.

One thing he says over and over about the assembled front ends, regardless of the supplier. Order them with the side panels separate from the upper suppound.

He has had to separate and reposition more of these side panels than he cares to discuss. He says it will be money better spent to let your body man fit the upper surround, and then fit the side panels separately.

Both suppliers mentioned can and do supply the front ends without the side panels attached, and supplied separately.

Thanks, this is good confirmation. My body man said the same, i.e., have them leave the side panels separate and fit them as we put the front end on the car.

Do you know if there was any problem with fitting the upper dash area? I read a old thread where this was a real problem.

Thanks,
Don

[Edward M.]

Re: Fiberglass part - how much should I replace using Sermersheim

I am not aware of this issue, and I never thought to ask my body man about it.

Others may know more on this subject than I do.