Where do we turn for reproduction parts & panels?

[Hearsesrock427]

I'm betting most of us think it's high time our boxes get something resembling aftermarket support. They've more than earned it!

Who do we throw money at to reproduce the commonly needed fiberglass, molded plastic or "soft" parts like Header panels, bumper filler panels, grilles, tail lights bezels/panels? There are some local plastic companies I can inquire about it, but I don't know anything about plastic molding or what have you so I have no idea if they'd even be able to help. Nice low hanging fruit, though.

Who do we turn to for "hard" parts like fenders, doors, rocker panels (inner + outer, aka complete panel), wagon tailgates, floors (trunk, toe boards)? Off the top of my head, there's AMD. I've read mostly good things about the stuff they make, though it can add up really quick. Imagine this'll cost substantially more to get going than a batch soft parts would too.

Either way, figured it was something worth researching ahead of time before I start setting aside money for it next year. At the very least I'd love to see a run of say, 50 various soft parts made. A small run of ~20 hard parts would be nice to have too, but I'm guessing that'll be like, 4 grand just to start it up. But if I can get an accurate quote/estimate from whatever company is best suited to the job, that's something to work toward the following year. Let me know what you're all thinking, if there's some sorely sought after items I missed from either the soft parts of the hard parts lists.

[Tiggie]

I hate to be the one saying this, but I doubt anyone is going to repop anything for these cars unless it’s shared with the Mustang. I wish I had different news, but the demand volume just isn’t there.

Best bet at this point is to hoard parts.

My idea. Play Mega Millions. Win. Take home a Lump sum of 200ish million out of 493 (taxes of course). Buy a huge warehouse and stuff it full of every sub-$1000 Box we find... and aero and whale too just because.

[phayzer5]

1. Buy your own parts cars
2. Save what you want
3. Save what others might want
4. Haul the rest to the junkyard
5. Profit

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Unfortunately I don’t think most people outside of enthusiasts (like us ) would pay for those reproduction parts. Not too many view certain ‘80s cars as super collectible, especially a once-upon-a-time regular sedan.

I grab what parts I can, especially unobtainium or hard to get stuff when possible. I also try to utilize members and friends for a parts network. IMO, two door, wagon, and Lincoln owners get it the worst for certain parts available.

[JeffBoudah]

1. Buy your own parts cars
2. Save what you want
3. Save what others might want
4. Haul the rest to the junkyard
5. Profit

All of that works except #5. lol

[nfldfordltd]

I would have paid a lot of money for a new trunk floor for my box Lincoln about three years ago.
Just saying...

[phayzer5]

If I can sell some of the Mark 6 specific trim, interior, and other bits from the coupe shell I scrapped, I'd be ahead.

Maybe not "profit" per se... but at least the rust-free doors and fenders I bought it for would have cost me far less than market rates for them. So, at then-current scrap rates, I paid $250 for the lot of it

[kishy]

There was a time when you could get the Chinese re-pop fenders for even a Ford Tempo, which was surely a smaller market than for our cars (cop cars and taxis see fender benders regularly). The supply on those has completely dried up though, because the time period where there was reasonable demand for them was immediately after the Ford original parts became unavailable. We likely missed the boat by 20 years on this.

Most likely the answer is or was in China - let's skip the rhetoric surrounding that buzzword - we all know it'd be half the cost and that'd be the key to it being a successful venture.

Otherwise, indeed, the only option is for someone with too much money, space and time to start hoarding parts cars.

Another thought, Sherman Parts makes things like floor pans (though not for our cars, as nobody does). Couldn't hurt to ask how that process gets started.

[87gtVIC]

If you need parts get a plane ticket and fly south to the deserts. Rent a car and buy a set of tools. Get what you want and drive back home.

I flew out to Arizona a few years back (for work) and squirreled away two mint fenders in case I ever need them again. Just so many good parts in these dry lands.

[87gtVIC]

If you need parts get a plane ticket and fly south to the deserts. Rent a car and buy a set of tools. Get what you want and drive back home.

I flew out to Arizona a few years back (for work) and squirreled away two mint fenders in case I ever need them again. Just so many good parts in these dry lands.

[gadget73]

I'd honestly be even more interested in interior parts. Dash pads, door panels, seat skins, that sort of thing.