69 front clip replacement

[Daniel T.]

I am restoring my 69 for judging slowly but surely. I have noticed that the front clip is one piece without bonding strips. My question is will a good quality press molded and jig assembled front clip pass NCRS judging? 🤔.
Maybe this is a deal breaker. I don't think there are many original 69 front clips available there any more. I'm assuming that judges would be able to distinguish even the best quality reproductions. What kind of point deduction might there be for this type of replacement? Any advice here much appreciated. 🙏

[Stewart L.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Non OEM body panels are subject to a 5% per panel standard deduction with a maximum of 4 panels, so you would get a 20% deduction of total body points for the 4 non OEM body panels. There are original panels, new and used out there so that would be an option.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Thanks for the info Stewart 👍

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

This is assuming it was discovered.

Note that Coffman Corvettes bought out Corvette Image, and their new products might be better than what was before.
You may want to check with them.

The reproduction press molded panels are quite good in general, and I would not hesitate to use them.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Thanks Patrick, I was considering them or Sermersheim. I know they have changed hands as well. I lived in Portland near Corvette Image. Always heard they were very good.

[Dan M.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Daniel
did you manage to contact either Lee bumb Composites (dba sermershiems) or Coffmans? I have to replace my damaged front clip on my 66 and had previously contacted Lee bumb successfully (last July) to order one but have not been able to reach them in the last couple mths to confirm its still on order. Might have to head in a different direction if I can't speak to them. I found initially Jessica at Lee Bumb was great and very responsive. Their website is still up so I'm guessing they are still active in the business. Strange thought I can't get an email response of a phone call.
Just curious what direction you were able to head with yours.
Tks
Dan

[Daniel T.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Hi Dan, I have been trying to find an original front clip and have not yet tried to contact either one. Maybe they just kinda shut down during the holidays 🤔

[Dan M.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Perhaps but I've tried since mid November. I sent another message today and will phone next week sometime. Not giving up on them yet but.....
Let me know how you make out and I will do the same.
Tks Daniel

[Michael L.]

Re: 69 front clip replacement

Daniel I'm not sure what you mean by the "front clip" I had nose damage on my 69 prior to my recent restoration and the clip I purchased for that is what is called a hood surround. I got mine from Ecklers IIRC and it worked out well. See this link and pic below. General Motors Gm 1968-1972 Corvette Hood Surround Press Molded | Chevrolet | Stingray (ecklerscorvette.com)

In my process of deciding how to address my nose damage I was told that anything other than a full hood surround will be easily detected and will also not likely work out well or last very long. Just FYI.

Mike

hood surround.jpg