'Show Quality' reproduction parts

[Tom K.]

Hi all - a question from a newbie...
I have found major vendors of Corvette parts that offer 'show quality' reproduction parts as well as 'driver quality' reproduction parts. I am doing work on my car involving a new fan shroud (73 coupe LS4 AC & automatic, fan shroud P/N 339175), and I want to do the best possible work I can. I really dont want to do it twice. My question is: If I go with parts like 'show quality' reproductions (supposedly made from original tooling - marked GM restoration parts) and I decide later to go all out with a restoration, would this 'show quality' reproduction part need to be replaced by NOS parts or a used part in good condition? I am also curious about preserving the raw materials under the hood like cast iron exhaust manifolds, stamped steel control arms, brass pieces, aluminum pieces, steel linkages etc, all with the same do it once intent.
Any advice is truly appreciated.

[Edward J.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

Tom, that's a catch 22 question,when judges parts they should appear as new from the factory, show quality to me sounds like something that may be over-restored. Some repro parts will pass the judging others not so. and NOS parts sometimes vary from the factory but not alway's. when restoring a car for judging it best to restoring the original parts that your able to. some are as easy as repainting, some need re-plating, re-chorme etc. do what you can yourself and send out the others.

[Tom K.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

Hi Edward,

Thanks for the reply - I dont think I worded my question very well. I probably should have asked if anyone had experience with parts labelled 'show quality', driver quality' or 'GM restoration parts', and was their experience good or bad. Also, any advice on the raw materials question? I have found some threads that recommend satin clear as a finish over these materials to provide some corrosion protection. Others on the forum didnt like the idea at all. It seems to me if it preserves the look of the as-delivered part, and it is the actual part, thats a good thing. That is the direction I will be taking on most unfinished parts.
Again thanks for your time

Tom

[Joe R.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

Hi Tom,

I don't think your question can be answered easily in its current form. I think you will find that it is best to take it on a part by part basis. Show us pictures of what you have, ask questions and go from there. Try to restore your original, assembly line parts as much as possible. Most reproduction parts come with issues.

Joe

[Tom K.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

Ok Joe Thanks for the reply

Tom

[Edward J.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

Tom, putting a satin clear over parts is your right, and I can say that there are many that do this, along with myself. sometimes when judges detect this its a slight deduct for those that have there car judged, lets face it, the amount of money that it costs to restore these cars is mind boggling.

[David H.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

..... I have found some threads that recommend satin clear as a finish over these materials to provide some corrosion protection. Others on the forum didnt like the idea at all. It seems to me if it preserves ...

Tom,

Plan for car to be judged? If so, most likely “clear” finish will result in scoring deduction. First, familiarize yourself (judging schools, Observer Judge, etc) with NCRS’s judging process/criteria. In particular, Standard Deductions and our C.D.C.I.F. Matrix scoring methods.

C.D.C.I.F. is for Configuration, Date, Completeness, Installation, and Finish.

NCRS Flight Judging considers both appearance of Originality and Condition. Sometimes, by improving Condition of a part, you end up changing it’s Originality (“chase your tail” / some things are better left alone, etc). Hence my suggestion to familarize yourself with Judging process before you start “fixing” things.

Good advice above on restoring original part vs new reproductions.

Dave

[Peter G.]

Re: 'Show Quality' reproduction parts

I always prefer original part over reproduction part however you probably need to have the part to be in working order. Reproduction part vs. original question depends on is there original part available at a reasonable price? How good is the reproduction part for judging? How many points needed for the cost of the part.

As you can see it's not an easy direction to go....Original part or Reproduction part?

On my road to NCRS Top Flight on my car...the last items to be addressed were the most expensive and the most labor intensive ones.