The bucket seat plastics on my 70 were looking a little worn out. They were faded to an almost gray and the chrome piping wasnt chrome anymore. I took them off and redyed them black. They came out good. At least theyre all one color now. Anyway, I wanted to replace the piping. Ive seen the door edge guard stuff that comes in a roll and I didnt care for it. After some research, i discovered Ames performance makes a set of correct molded piping. So I took a chance and ordered a set. It was 85.00. Upon first examination, I was impressed. it actually looked like the originals. As you guys all know, its very rare for an "exact reproduction" to actually look like the part your replacing. The contour and shape were right on and it had that perfect chrome sheen to it that mimicked how the original probably looked when new. The cross section looks like they'e clear with the chrome on the inside. If you have the old style door edge guard type, upgrade yourself to these. Money well spent. On installing them, theyre cut a little longer than required so a very sharp utility knife and some patience is required. The molded shape is right on as well and they snap on just like the originals do. I have to say that they looks pretty damn good. What a difference. I cant wait to install these back in the car. I also picked up a set of Ames door sills. These are made left and right like GM made them unlike some of the chaper repros. They also have the riveted Fisher body tag like original. They look very nice and they were only $40. Ive seen lesser repros sell for more. I also have to hand it to Ames on the shipping. They packaged them well and even taped them to a piece of wood so the edges would get damaged. Here are a few pics of the piping. Once I install the door sills, I'll post up a side by side comparison with my 43 year old originals
I've been dealing with Ames for many years and they have always been a standup company. One of the benefits is they put out a very nice catalog and they give honest descriptions of their reproduction products. If it doesn't fit, they'll tell you, and in many cases they offer good and better of the same items. I've used that seat piping many times and have always been very happy with it, and I can't ever remember having any complaints about the company. I know it's mainly Pontiac parts but a lot of this stuff interchanges with our Buicks, so guys, if you need parts and can't find them anywhere else, try www.amesperf.com
Yup, Ames...best place to do biz' located about 12 miles from my house! I started using them in the mid-80's for my GTO, then used them for my 442, and now for my GS cars. The piping is excellent. They are REALLY good at taking returns, also. Steve Ames actually sold the biz' a few years ago, he's still involved in R+D for them. He has a massive low mile (most under 10k) car collection, and a humongous warehouse full of NOS parts. I viewed both of them last winter. He has a few really low mile Buicks including a 4K 1972 GS455 and an early Riv. It's an eclectic collection with Shelbys, Lambos, GTO's, hemi cars, Porsches, even a Pinto. If it's low mile he will buy it. He DOES have NOS Buick parts, but really doesn't know what he has, because there is no inventory and there are just pallets of NOS stuff. He has been selling on ebay under I think it's TRAMPAS205 and TRAMPAS 206 ID's. He had an NOS set of 70-72 doorguards a few months ago and an NOS remote mirror a few days ago. It's a good place to do biz' with!
I looked for this stuff in the Ames catalog and didn't find it, only the generic door edge guard. Parts Place does now appear to have this, though. Same description, same price.
Last month I bought the bucket seat chrome piping from OPGI, along with the chrome end caps and they look beautiful installed......just like the originals. I bought the set like Jason posted, theyre molded and made for the original plastic bucket seat backs. The pointed chrome tips (12 pcs) are $26.99 extra, but really finishes off the trim nicely. <o></o>
I just got the new Ames catalog a few days ago. It's in there... Catalog G30 pg.31, 68-72 A132 85.00. Now making 73-77 also. Killer product, highly recommended. Ames was the first to repro it, get it there.
