Reproduction 72 rocker moldings vs NOS service replacements?

[Joseph H.]

My 1972 LT1 had rocker moldings without the tab when I purchased the car. I have since replaced them with original rocker moldings with the tab, but they are not in the best of condition(driver), but some point I will send them out to have them refurbished.

My question is how do I know if the rocker panels I have without the tab are GM service replacements or if the are reproduction rocker panels? I thought they may have a part number on them somewhere?

Thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: Reproduction 72 rocker moldings vs NOS service replacements?

Never seen a part number on the molding. I have a couple of the NOS replacement moldings and a few used with the tab. Sold quite a few of them new when I had the parts business and the only number was on the wrapper.

[Alan S.]

Re: Reproduction 72 rocker moldings vs NOS service replacements?

Hi Joe,
One way to determine a service replacement from the reproduction may be by closely looking at the ends of the moulding.
The reproduction mouldings are quite poorly formed and the metal has been kinked to arrive at the approximate shape it should be. The original and service replacements are more evenly formed.
Here's a picture of the rear of a reproduction panel. You can see the bottom of the lower corner was allowed to kink in order to form the rear lip on the panel.
Then a picture of an original w/tab, showing the same area is much more cleanly defined and formed.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Alan

[Joseph H.]

Re: Reproduction 72 rocker moldings vs NOS service replacements?

Thanks, the pics help.

Joe