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Thread: How is the fit and quality of aftermarket windlace/kick panel retainers?

  1. #1
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    How is the fit and quality of aftermarket windlace/kick panel retainers?

    It is generally accepted that original parts fit better than aftermarket equivalents, but does that also hold true when it comes to repro windlace/kick panel retainers? My basket case '57 didn't come with them, and I'm ready to buy a pair, either new or good used. Anyone here have any experience with the repro retainers?
    Also, my '57 will be getting a full custom interior. Will the interior guy still need them?
    Dave, from the old neighborhood in Jersey!

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    Registered Member MP&C's Avatar
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    I'm fresh out..


    But here's what mine looked like...





    Last edited by MP&C; 04-03-2018 at 10:58 AM.
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    I don't think that's the piece he's looking for.

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    Dave, from the old neighborhood in Jersey!

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    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    I have no idea how the aftermarket ones fit and I'm surprised they even make them. My originals fit great.
    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


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    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
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    1962 327/340HP Corvette
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    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

  6. #6
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    Best guess is there's a market for them because people take them off the car when they take it apart. Then lose it, or don't remember what it is or where it came from and throw it away.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bitchin'57 View Post
    It is generally accepted that original parts fit better than aftermarket equivalents, but does that also hold true when it comes to repro windlace/kick panel retainers? My basket case '57 didn't come with them, and I'm ready to buy a pair, either new or good used. Anyone here have any experience with the repro retainers?
    Also, my '57 will be getting a full custom interior. Will the interior guy still need them?
    The retainers were missing on my 56 when I bought it. I purchased aftermarket ones, quite expensive IMO. The driver one fit well (proper contour) and the mounting holes were correctly located. The passenger side is another story. The contour was wrong, they had to be bent to fit, which is a challenge with the retainer, and the mounting holes were off. They had to be drilled in another location. I got it to fit, but it took some effort and time. If I had it to do again, I’d probably try to locate some good used ones.

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    Quote Originally Posted by TrifiveRichard View Post
    The retainers were missing on my 56 when I bought it. I purchased aftermarket ones, quite expensive IMO. The driver one fit well (proper contour) and the mounting holes were correctly located. The passenger side is another story. The contour was wrong, they had to be bent to fit, which is a challenge with the retainer, and the mounting holes were off. They had to be drilled in another location. I got it to fit, but it took some effort and time. If I had it to do again, I’d probably try to locate some good used ones.
    Thank you for your helpful answer!
    Dave, from the old neighborhood in Jersey!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bitchin'57 View Post
    It is generally accepted that original parts fit better than aftermarket equivalents, but does that also hold true when it comes to repro windlace/kick panel retainers? My basket case '57 didn't come with them, and I'm ready to buy a pair, either new or good used. Anyone here have any experience with the repro retainers?
    Also, my '57 will be getting a full custom interior. Will the interior guy still need them?
    Lots of good OEM ones can be found right here in Florida.

  10. #10
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    Florida 57, I have you on my ignore list, so don't waste your time replying to my threads, because I won't read them.
    Dave, from the old neighborhood in Jersey!

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