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I am likewise of the camp that is less concerned with flashy mods that don't fix a problem, than I am with basic replacements for OEM parts that are failing.
I bought my 2000 base model convertible back in late October of last year. The car's previous owner took very good care of it. It belonged to the wife of a local business owner. As it was not the family's primary vehicle, the mileage was relatively low (87K) for being 15 years old. Likewise, it was always parked in their garage, not left outside to the elements.
I've replaced the sun visors (the originals were sun-bleached along the bottom 1 1/2" from being exposed to the sun when the roof was down.) I've also installed a dash cap. Now I want to replace one center-of-dash air vent that has a single broken louver (I found them online - I just need to buy one), and both of my door panels have the infamous 1 1/2" crack.
The only fix among these that the market can't, wont, or simply hasn't accommodated, is the door panel. It's a pity.
If my vehicle is ever in an accident, only then will I likely be concerned with fenders, bumpers, spoilers, hoods, air dams, ground effects, etc. My car is a stock V6. Such parts won't make it faster or more reliable, nor will they correct a problem. The percentage of F-Body owners who will buy those kinds of items merely for their cosmetics is small.
But I've got to think that those who just want basic replacements for parts known to be in universal need of repair/replacement (such as 4th-gen door panels) is larger, and thus more commercially viable.
I've already made one trip to the junkyard for a harmonic balancer, because as common as the 3.8L Series II V6 RWD engine is, there isn't a new-condition unit for sale anywhere on the planet. But things like dash tops and door panels, when they CAN be found in junkyards, are just as likely to have suffered the same ills, to the same or greater degree, than the parts we are trying to replace.
[QUOTE=GMRACER13;17887734]How about an instrument panel blank for installing aftermarket gauges in 1993-1996 Camaro dashboards? You already make them for 1997-2002 Camaros. Hell, if you could make them with the holes
I am likewise of the camp that is less concerned with flashy mods that don't fix a problem, than I am with basic replacements for OEM parts that are failing.
I bought my 2000 base model convertible back in late October of last year. The car's previous owner took very good care of it. It belonged to the wife of a local business owner. As it was not the family's primary vehicle, the mileage was relatively low (87K) for being 15 years old. Likewise, it was always parked in their garage, not left outside to the elements.
I've replaced the sun visors (the originals were sun-bleached along the bottom 1 1/2" from being exposed to the sun when the roof was down.) I've also installed a dash cap. Now I want to replace one center-of-dash air vent that has a single broken louver (I found them online - I just need to buy one), and both of my door panels have the infamous 1 1/2" crack.
The only fix among these that the market can't, wont, or simply hasn't accommodated, is the door panel. It's a pity.
If my vehicle is ever in an accident, only then will I likely be concerned with fenders, bumpers, spoilers, hoods, air dams, ground effects, etc. My car is a stock V6. Such parts won't make it faster or more reliable, nor will they correct a problem. The percentage of F-Body owners who will buy those kinds of items merely for their cosmetics is small.
But I've got to think that those who just want basic replacements for parts known to be in universal need of repair/replacement (such as 4th-gen door panels) is larger, and thus more commercially viable.
I've already made one trip to the junkyard for a harmonic balancer, because as common as the 3.8L Series II V6 RWD engine is, there isn't a new-condition unit for sale anywhere on the planet. But things like dash tops and door panels, when they CAN be found in junkyards, are just as likely to have suffered the same ills, to the same or greater degree, than the parts we are trying to replace.
:: sigh ::
Try Year One. They had a supply over the years but I think they are even dwindling. Just don't remember if they did a lot of V6 parts. Worth a try though.
Try Year One. They had a supply over the years but I think they are even dwindling. Just don't remember if they did a lot of V6 parts. Worth a try though.
Unfortunately, the only items they have for my 2000, are map pockets in a couple of speaker configurations, but not the door panel itself. Though I appreciate the suggestion.
Would like to see very light weight fixed firebird headlight assembly replacement. Something like this (needs to be finished of course). For folks that race but don't want to remove the assembly for legal reasons. Should be able to reuse stock lamps to keep price down or if not keep it cheap and simple.
Last edited by Alex L.; 07-17-2015 at 04:31 PM.
Reason: correction
This should be an easy deal to do:
Have your fiberglass vendor (RKSport) reproduce sets of Firebird W68 GT Spoilers (L/R) that attach to the front numper, sold in a pair of two.
Would like to see very light weight fixed firebird headlight assembly replacement. Something like this (needs to be finished of course). For folks that race but don't want to remove the assembly for legal reasons. Should be able to reuse stock lamps to keep price down or if not keep it cheap and simple.
Is replacement seat foam for either 4th gen a car a possibility? No idea what that entails but after emailing numerous companies such as YearOne, I'm about to rip my hair out.
^^We've tried and tried as well but so far nothing...
I know nothing about working with foam, but I'm assuming it's not something you can make easily by hand? Know anyone with a CNC machine and foam cutting bits?
07-03-2015, 02:51 PM
W68... 
