Need advice on who makes the best Quality Reproduction Armrest backing plates, for my 70 GS Stage-1 Convertible. I am finally getting closer to completing this Decades long Frame-Off Restoration. I see OPGI and The Parts Place now sells them. Legendary Auto Interiors only sells the small size for 4 door cars. Any advice on other Vendors or which Company may have better Quality choices.?
Here's the link > https://www.stage1restoration.com/product/backing-plates-1970/ $79.00 for the Pair . . . . . .
Thank You for your help...I just wasn't sure. I haven't kept up with all the updates in Products and Materials over the last 15 or so years. Now that I am getting closer to the end of this Stock Restoration, I want to make sure I get it RIGHT. Jim Jaeger
Thank You... I am getting anxious to complete this Monster. I have Someone painting it for me. WHEN he is done I can put it all together and Enjoy it. Also my Wife wants to get some more car parts out from under our Bed..!!! Jim Jaeger
I've been around the Buick Community for 30 + years. You can learn a bit more about me and my Company here > https://www.stage1restoration.com/about/ I have a Restorations Link on my site as well. That gives some insight on my background also. Thanks! Let me know if I can help!
First, I think what Todd is doing with the detail items and trying to weed through and sell the better repro parts is great. I support/have purchased from him and plan on buying a lot more stuff from him. That said, I'm not a big fan of repro parts - We all, including Todd, know the issues w/fitment, etc. Is there a reason, other than maybe cost & lead time, why I wouldn't just get an original set re-chromed? Just curious/asking? I'm almost reflexively inclined to use/refurbish original parts whenever possible. In this case, are the repros that good/better?
Here's my take on Aftermarket parts . . . . There are 3 Categories in my opinion : Good parts you can take out of the box - install and walk away with a smile on your face (We need more parts like this!!!) Decent parts that work but may need some experience or TLC to mount and function properly. Parts that will work when nothing else is available . . . Parts that shouldn't even be on the market. (These are parts I typically won't stock, sell or install on our Restorations) I ALWAYS try and use original OE parts when possible but getting a 50 year old part to function or look proper on a complete Frame Off Restored car can be a challenge! In regards to the Backing Plates, . . . . I think the re-pops are just fine. IF you want OE quality or Perfect Chrome then you need to spend 2 or 3 times the asking price for the re-pops and send out an OE pair to have re-chromed. Some guys will spend the $$$ and go for a re-chrome. . . . . . Other guys will be just fine with the re-pops.
Thanks for your honest take on all this Todd! I've never looked at the cost of getting the OE backing plates re-chromed.