Patch panels

57larry · July 20, 2010, 06:10:44 PM

I'm starting a new project, a 72 Chevy C-10 pickup. It's going to need rockers and some floor patch panels. I want to use 19 gauge panels. Who sells the best panels? ABP, Sherman? thanks

chris spokes · July 20, 2010, 08:59:48 PM

no expert but you could start here

http://www.lmctruck.com/

Digger · July 20, 2010, 10:03:35 PM

OK heres my 2 cents worth. I've been doing this stuff for more years than i'd like to count and I have come to the conclusion that all patch panels are crap and some are just worse than others. Stay away from anything that says Schott on it and don't expect anything to fit right off the bat.
I have bought from the discount people,swap meet guys and big name places and have come to believe it all comes from the same place in China.

Digger

57larry · July 21, 2010, 12:29:05 PM

I was thinking it all came from Sherman from China

enjenjo · July 21, 2010, 01:13:55 PM

Source countries vary. Some Tiawan, some China, some Italy, Some Canada, and some even US made. The best are from Canada.

Digger · July 21, 2010, 06:30:36 PM

I guess I should have qualified that statement, there are actually a lot of panels for 30s and 40s cars that are quality made. I was pretty much referring to the stuff you get for late 50s on up cars and trucks. I'm sure I have not tried every one on the market but I have used a lot of different ones and the quality in general sucks. For floors and some corners I usually fabricate them myself.

UGLY OLDS · July 21, 2010, 09:10:29 PM

Look at these folks ..I have had decent luck with their panels ...As has been said before ,very few older vehicle body's were straight to begin with ..... My son's '37 Dodge had a 3/8" difference in door openings from side to side ...From the factory...

http://www.emsautomotive.com/

Bob.......

Digger · July 22, 2010, 09:42:21 AM

Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"Look at these folks ..I have had decent luck with their panels ...As has been said before ,very few older vehicle body's were straight to begin with ..... My son's '37 Dodge had a 3/8" difference in door openings from side to side ...From the factory...

http://www.emsautomotive.com/

Bob ......

He is looking for parts for a 1972 pickup, EMS only goes to 1954

UGLY OLDS · July 22, 2010, 06:30:31 PM

QuoteHe is looking for parts for a 1972 pickup, EMS only goes to 1954

[/quote]

And you thought keeping my "First Member of Team Smart" title was easy ,huh :?:

Bob........

Crosley.In.AZ · July 23, 2010, 12:45:33 AM

I hope the 67 - 72 rocker panels built today are better than the stuff I used 15 - 18 yrs ago... was poor quality.