FC Ute Kick Panels

[Ute-opia]

Does anyone have a set of FC ute kick panels?  They're to be painted anyway so colour is of no consequence, just good condition.

Thank you,

[fcvan]

Uteopia.  You can buy new ones for around $30. Plain or carpeted(abit more). Is it worth getting old ones? Then again I guess what condition and cost they are.

Cheers
Miikael

[mcl1959]

There's one more consideration Miikael,  it's called originality!!!
The repro kick panels are not like the originals - If you want to build a show winning car (or just want to do the best you can, even if you dont win) - then you must use good original kick panels.

Ken

[fcvan]

hi ken.  I'm pretty new to this being only 21 and building my first project, ( fc van) but I am trying to learn as much as I can. I wasn't really aware that there was any difference, besides being original and repro.   Could you please advise on the difference/s .  While you're on the subject of originality,what length do some restorers of fe/fc's such as yourself go to when restoring a vehicle. Like getting rubber seals, lenses, panels etc.   Do you use any repro stuff at all or do you use all orig pieces that are mint condition and NOS.   I'm just abit curious as to the lengths some enthusiasts must take to bring back a classic to all its glory.
Thank you
Miikael

[coolaride]

hey there fcvan,

i`ll leave the bit about the kick panels up to Dr Ken.
as to what lengths people go to ..well you`d be surprised.
ken`s last car that won a few trophies at the last nationals was nick-named " the new old stock car "
because it was entirely built with NOS parts.
from what i know people wait and wait and then they wait some more for that certain part that they need .
it`s about experiencing every single emotion you could imagine , believe me as i`m going through it right now .
( damn those red seats )
we all can pay ridiculous prices for parts at times but , where else are we going to get them.

regards

coolaride

[mcl1959]

The original kick panels have a peculiar grainy pattern to them which is not on the repros.

As coolaride says, my last car was built almost entirely of NOS parts.  I purchased the car unfinished from a club member in Perth who had spent over $40,000 on it to that stage and had become disillusioned because he could not find a NOS rear screen - all other glass was NOS.  
Luckily I didn't pay $40k for it
The only repro parts that were used were those that were ABSOLUTELY identical to the original and only if I couldn't get a NOS genuine part.
For example the front floor mat was a repro item.
I never did get a NOS rear screen!!!

Ken

[Rod]

I was lucky enough approximately two years ago to by repo kick panels from a swap meet which did have the grainy appearance Ken is talking about. The same gentleman was also selling repo gloveboxes made of the same material. Maybe this fella is still doing it.

Rod