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

[Bitchin'57]

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?

[MP&C]

I'm fresh out..


But here's what mine looked like...


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/rmccartney/Metalworking/IMG_8560.jpg


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/rmccartney/Metalworking/IMG_8564.jpg

[Rick_L]

I don't think that's the piece he's looking for.

[Bitchin'57]

They look like these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/55-56-57-Chevy-A-Pillar-Kick-Panel-Windlace-Retainers-NEW-Original-Style/310978866256?epid=1692731678&hash=item4867c8ec50:g:wiEAAOxyrx5TkcSB&vxp=mtr

[chevynut]

I have no idea how the aftermarket ones fit and I'm surprised they even make them. My originals fit great. :)

[Rick_L]

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.

[TrifiveRichard]

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.

[Bitchin'57]

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!

[Florida 57]

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.

[Bitchin'57]

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.

[BamaNomad]

you apparently AREN'T ignoring him.... :( yet you made an unnecessary post to his post...

[Bitchin'57]

you apparently AREN'T ignoring him.... :( yet you made an unnecessary post to his post...
I appreciate your concern......😀

[Florida 57]

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.


https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=your+not+in+kansas+anymore+dorothy&&view=detail&mid=212BB9A695E61F37D7A3212BB9A695E61F37D7A3&&FORM=VRDGAR

[TrifiveRichard]

I just noticed your second question about interior guy needing the retainers. Turns out we recently talked with the shop going to do the interior on the 56, and he asked if the retainers were in place. They prefer to have the retainers, although other shops may not care, not sure.

[Bitchin'57]

I just noticed your second question about interior guy needing the retainers. Turns out we recently talked with the shop going to do the interior on the 56, and he asked if the retainers were in place. They prefer to have the retainers, although other shops may not care, not sure.
Good to know, thanks! I just purchased a mint pair of OE retainers.