I have a mid year coupe that I'm going to have re-painted. I brought it to a restoration shop and the guy that was giving me the estimate noted that, due to the fact that front end was crashed and never repaired properly he would have to fix this, patch that up, re-align here and there. All for a considerable amount of money as a lot of labor was going into it. I asked him if it would be faster (translation - cheaper for me) if he just put a whole new nose on. He laughed and said what, an Eckler nose? He further commented that if I did that, I would be taking away the originality of the car. Anybody ever have a whole new nose put on (Eckler's or otherwise) and have any experiences that they would like to share.
-
-
Re: Mid-Year Paint Job
The body guy was right, that it will decrease the future resale value of your car. If it were me, I'd try to salvage whatever is left of the front end, even if you have to have some repro press-molded pieces put on. By the time you purchase the one-piece front end (about $1000) and have it mounted and finished off, you might be in the same place as having yours fixed.
Just my 2 cents, but hope it helps.
Brandon -
Re: Mid-Year Paint Job
A full one piece assembled front is available. Also sold by Ecklers among others.Comment
-
Re: Mid-Year Paint Job
I certainly understanding him saying that about a one peice front end (door to door), but what about the jig fit front end? I know 1k vs. 3k in price , but I also think that is comparing apples to oranges. If there was an incorrect job done on the fiberglass before, do you think there was other shortcuts taken in the repair that may be unknown at this time. I can't offer advice on repair vs. the jig fit front end because the repair cost is unknown, but I would encourage you not to get the one peice. I am in need of a front clip and I have been checking the jig fits out as well as having one built to the car. The only problem I have is body shop and experinece in Oklahoma.Comment
-
Be careful with the glass color.
I have an Eckler rear on my roadster. The glass is the wrong color. - DaveComment
-
Re: Mid-Year Paint Job
Try perusing the Corvette Image website (below) for fiberglass front ends that are supposed to have proper color and bonding strips (I haven't used them so I can't give a testimonial).
Comment
-
Re: Mid-Year Paint Job
Jig Fit - I assume you are referring to the Corvette Image unit. Just like teeth, arms, legs and joints, nothing beats the original. However, my old car consisted of so many misfit pieces there was no chance of reassembling and having anything that looked presentable. I used the Corvette Image product and it is very good, only have trouble fitting lower splash gard.
He is usually at Bloomington with a demo unit. This is the best option if you can't get original. Roger Gibson assembled a front end from components several years back, most of us can't afford what it takes to do that with NOS panels if you can find them.
DaveDavid DawdyComment
-
Re: Mid-Year Paint Job
I can certainly understand the reason behind the money.But,I feel I know where you are coming from because for you, this car will probably be a driver.This is where you need to make a choice.If sometime down the road it is neccesary for you to sell the car, the replacement body panels will probably come back to hurt you.If down the road you feel the urge to show the car in NCRS competition they will probably hurt you again.I am sure you chose your body man due to his reputation and quality of work and he like wise is trying to maintain his good standing.So naturally when you show off your newly finished car he knows his name will be mentioned.If it were my choice,I would stick to the original panels and and maybe take alittle more time getting it back on the road. Again only my 2 cents worth.DaveComment
Comment