Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikeinnj
Brent, I understand your concern in this matter. The only source for fenders produces a crappy product which you are willing to buy and pass the additional cost on to your customers for transforming the crappy fender into a somewhat acceptable if not correct fender.
If someone cannot do the metalwork themself and are at the mercy of having the work done by a professional Model A Restoration Shop, they will be paying very close to that $1000.00 per fender, or more, after the initial cost of the crappy fitting repro fender ($500.00) and then a whole bunch of hours for labor at $XX.XX per hour, plus paint. So Ron, in answer to your comment, you are spending that $1000.00 per fender now.
I say boycott any manufacturer who produces crappy reproduction parts otherwise you are "rewarding bad behavior". Tell your suppliers you won't buy junk for your Model A. so they will pressure the manufacturers to produce a better quality product.
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I appreciate your perspective. The other thought in this is that there are generally two other viable alternatives. #1 is just to use whatever rough original fender that you can find and fix to the best of your abilities & budget and use it as-is. #2 is if money is really tight and one has few skills, then fiberglass fenders are always an option for that person. While there is fitting to be done, the cost outlay and materials/skills needed to do the work is minimal. To me it is a priorities deal where one must put a $$ value on 'Quality', ...and only the person with the wallet can establish that.
Finally, your comment of
"If someone cannot do the -work themself and are at the mercy of having the work done by a professional ...
" kinda applies to all facits of owning/restoring a Model-A. If you do not have the capability of pouring & machining engine babbit, you are at the mercy of having the work done by a professional. If you cannot sew fabric, you are at the mercy of having the work done by a professional. If you cannot paint, -or plate, -or cut glass, -or "whatever", ...you are at the mercy of having the work done by a professional!