After market body parts; God is testing me!!!
#1
After market body parts; God is testing me!!!
My 97 Bonneville SSE was just totaled out by my insurance company…well actually my wife….but I cant believe it because it appears to be front end damage only; the unibody seems OK. The bumper is shot as are the hood, radiator support and drivers headlight. Anyways…I’m buying the car from the insurance company for $300 and I’m gonna fix it myself. In my quest for parts, I see a lot of aftermarket bumper covers, hoods, radiator supports, etc… Does anyone have experience with the fit and quality of these parts? Any store recommendation? This is a cherry, rust-free Florida car that I installed a brand spankin new GM crate engine into last summer. I POR 15’ed the floor and underbody in addition to sealing all the sheet metal seems for corrosion resistance. I gotta save it!!
#2
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Im sorry about your car....I am an auto body tech....my experience with aftermarket parts is not good.....fit and finish is usually terrible...although some capa certified parts fit ok....I would try to find good used parts first.....good luck with your repair....
#3
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You don't list your location, but in Minneapolis/St Paul there is a company called CertaFit. Only use their parts if you feel like fabricating an additional 1"-2" of fender to meet the door. Aftermarket body parts rarely fit properly.
#4
I live in a suburb just south of Cleveland, Ohio. As far as external body parts, I think that I'll just need a hood and bumper. The fenders may be OK. The radiator support is caved in but not far enough for the fans to contact the engine. I did notice that some of the aftermarket parts advertise capa certified part. I'll try to take a few photos tonight or tomorrow to show you what $6000+ worth of damage is. Thanks for your replies!
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