Press molded front end

[Larry F.]

I think I've read all the recent Sermersheim Corvette vs Corvette Image threads here and on CF. Our 30 year old hand laid front repairs on our '66 L72 are becoming apparent and want to replace with the best quality, press molded, jig assembled front end next winter (about 7-8 months from now). If quality and closest to original is the only selection criteria, it appears to be a coin toss. There seems to be many happy customers of both companies in recent history. CI seems to be preferred primarily on delivery responsiveness and Sermersheim maybe has an edge on being nearest to original. But that's just an impression from a new guy reading a bunch of Googled threads. Point is, I have the time to wait on a longer delivery if it's worth while. Thanks in advance.

[William B.]

Re: Press molded front end

Hi Larry, great question you should get a lot of responses, Sermersheims/ Le Bumb is the ONLY way to go. I have had personal bad experience with Corvette Image, very expensive redo costs,

[Douglas L.]

Re: Press molded front end

Larry,

Way back in 1988, I was reworking panels on my 67. At that time, some panels were still available through GM. When all was said and done, I used SERMERSHEIM, even over OEM. In the 29 years since, there have been no issues relating to paint or otherwise. All front end panels were replaced except for the surround and the hood.

[Larry F.]

Re: Press molded front end

Hi Bill, The first thread I wrote had a sentence sorta like, "I called my lifelong friend who's a Corvette expert to ask about the header....". I should have known you frequent here. Thanks

[Joe R.]

Re: Press molded front end

Larry,

If you are not concerned about time, try to find original body panels as they are out there and you won't have problems later with the fiberglass shrinking and ruining a paint job. Had that problem with painting a 66 black after leaving the front end outside one year. Uncured fiberglass is not my favorite panel no matter who makes it!

JR

[Dick W.]

Re: Press molded front end

We replaced all four quarters on a '66 with Shermersheim glass about 25 years ago. Still look good. The car is in a well known private collection. As a foot note, when everyone was going crazy about the lack of lacquer paints, we painted the car with BC/CC PPG. Till this day it looks like a fresh lacquer job.

[William B.]

Re: Press molded front end

Larry, Sermersheims will use an original steel header bar if you provide them with one, then if installation is done correctly it is very hard to detect from original.
The bars they normally use are made of fiberglass, very easy to detect when installed. I have a original bar in the barn I have been saving, if you can not find one let me know and its yours

[Paul Y.]

Re: Press molded front end

Larry, Sermersheims will use an original steel header bar if you provide them with one, then if installation is done correctly it is very hard to detect from original.
The bars they normally use are made of fiberglass, very easy to detect when installed. I have a original bar in the barn I have been saving, if you can not find one let me know and its yours

Are CI not an original looking bar? The ones that I have seen are metal. What is the difference if any? Thanks for your expert opinions. Paul

[David K.]

Re: Press molded front end

First time to post, figured it was time to get my feet wet here. Today, I just pulled the body off my '67 convertible and have a Corvette Image front clip that will be showing up within the next month or so. I would be happy to share my experience with the fit and finish of the front clip. As a body man, I've worked with Sermersheim's in the past and they are top quality pieces.

I spoke to the people at Corvette Image and they have assured me that they've resolved the issues they've had in the past and I felt confident enough to make the investment, so I will let you all know.

Until next time. . . Dave

[Jim D.]

Re: Press molded front end

I've been using Corvette Image panels for many years and have never had a problem with any of them. The problem they had with blistering was solved MANY years ago. I received 4 panels from them a couple of months ago and they a very high quality and fit perfectly.

[William B.]

Re: Press molded front end

I purchased a CI front clip, worked with it for days, even removed side panels to get proper fit, was completely unhappy the way they had molded it together.
Ordered another clip for the same car from sermersheims(long wait) installed in a matter of hours, not days like the CI one, sold the CI clip on ebay, my loss, but have always been happy with the fit and finish of the sermersheims.
Now maybe I just got a bad clip, but did not get far enough to give an opinion on the paint blistering everyone reports?

[Michael H.]

Re: Press molded front end

Back in 1990 I had bubble issue's with Semersheims fiberglass, the fenders were not the problem it was the top surround. The car sat outside for a full year so we could rework the fiberglass, what a pain. I would consider Corvette Image.

Mike

[Larry F.]

Re: Press molded front end

Thanks all. My experience with Bill Bryan and Corvettes started in 1969 when he pulled his newly purchased '64 coupe into my parents driveway. I stood there in stunned silence wondering how he pulled this off. We both were about 16 and he's remained active in the Corvette world since then and has restored MANY vettes. I better take his recommendation lest I lose a lifelong friend. Thanks to all. Sermersheims it is.

Bill, I'll start to look for a header bar. Welcome any suggestions as to where to start the search. But it would be cool to have a part from you on my car. Again, thanks to everyone for your replies.