Original vs. Reproduction
 

I am trying to decide on repro or original parts when it comes to the crome pieces for my stang...i.e. brake light housings, back-up housings. Can anybody tell me the main differences between the both?..Also I'm going to install a new carpet with jute pads, and sound deadners..should I keep the old insulation too,or scap altogether..any pointers on installing carpet would be much appreciated.

I am sure this will generate some heat and some varied opinions, but my take is that repo = cheap, money wise and quality wise. Original = expensive, but good fit and qualtity. Now it depends what you are going to do. I have been plenty happy with some of my repo parts for my driver.

repro stuff sucks, there are waves all in the body pieces and some of the chrome peices that i have got from well respected companies were terrible so if you can find the original peices pay the extra money.

Try and find as much original stuff as you can. Even if you have to rechrome it or rebuild it the quality is usually better.

But, there are those parts out there that you won't find NOS or even used [in usable shape]. Then buy the best repro you can find and be choosy on how it looks.

I couldn't find a "good" hood for a 68 I was doing [plain no lights] I bought a repro hood and went though 4 or 5 till I found one that was acceptable. Still had alot of fitting and all. But, if that's all that is out there, what can you do.

[This message has been edited by Gearhead999 (edited 08-26-2001).]

Although I can see where you gents are coming from I have to disagree a little. While personal taste is involved with your selection of what to do to your car, I believe the only true reason to shell out the extra cash for original parts is if you are doing a show car or if you personally can't live with repro. I have seen excellent quality repro that is cheaper simply because it is not original. For myself and my car, I don't plan on showing it as a restored classic so there is no reason for me to pay 3-4 times more for the same part.

Personal preference does come into play though. Either way, make it fun to restore your car, becuase when its not fun the interest is gone. Do what you think is best.

buying original peices has no part of making it an original car but all the repo body parts that i have found sucks so why not shell out more money up front instead of have to pay your body man to fix it. And when he gets through with it you might have some bondo on it.

We have tried many repro trim pieces and found that they just dont fit. Go with NOS whenever possible....Fastback Pony

before i gave my 69 grande to my son i bought repro chrome hood peice for the nose it sucked it was 1 inch too short half inch on each end & had cheap clip's which rusted in a week so look at what your getting first miss my 69 but my boy was going to get it soon anyway i have a 2000 gt to pay for now good luck but check the aftermarket crap before you buy it

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I have had lots of experience with repro parts, most of it negative. Good used or nos will always be my first choice

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1965 K code coupe - numbers matching - restoration ongoing. 1987 LX notch, 5 spd, stock heads (minor porting) and intake, 65mmTB, 3.55's, ram air, pulleys, shorty's, 2.5" exhaust with cats 13.89@100.25