My `68 convertible has Camaro quarter panels, and given my current budget, they'll likely be there for some time. (see picture at the link below, and no, I'm not in the current contest )
I really wish I had the six louvres on my bird, and while the solution is obvious (install Firebird quarter panels), it's also too costly at this time (new panels plus new paint job etc).
I'm wondering if someone has come up with a reasonable solution for the Camaro panels.
Has anyone tried putting the 6 chrome louvres on chevy panels? Given that the panels don't have the indentations, how do they look? Got any pictures you could share?
Has anyone tried something else? Perhaps using something similar in appearance, but flat?
I realize I'm probably SOL on this, but it never hurts to ask...
You could always have the indented portion stitched into the panels you have. I see them listed on Ebay quite frequently.
A quick search shows one listed right now: item 4613762672
I don't think you can mount the chrome pieces directly to a camaro panel as the indented portion of the birds is actually flat compared to the curved surface of a camaro quarter.
68' Firebird 400 convertible, numbers matching, solar red w/ deluxe parchment interior. 66' Pontiac Ventura Hardtop 66' Pontiac Catalina Convertible
Yes, without the indents anything on there that will be raised will not look right IMO. Are you getting a new paint job? If so, save your pennies and either graft the sections on as suggested or get the new bird quarters, either way you'll be happier you did.
David
http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=571 If i don't get this car back on the road soon i'm gonna go postal! On a quest for FGF knowledge 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "S" Convertible *Sold*
I'd leave them Dave until you are ready for a new paint job, just save the dough,buy the full quarters or find some donor patch panels in the meantime and do it right when it is time to paint.Enjoy the car as it is. I'll keep my eyes open for some donor panels in the meantime for you.
David
http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=571 If i don't get this car back on the road soon i'm gonna go postal! On a quest for FGF knowledge 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "S" Convertible *Sold*
I suggest sticking with the camaro quarter over using a reproduction. The truck lid and everything else lines up a lot better with that of the reproduction. It may require some modifications, such as grafting in the louvers, but it is well worth the extra work for the factory style fit.
1967 RA convertible 1968 H.O. coupe - sold 1976 Trans Am - sold 1985 Trans Am - sold
I endorse this when you have an excellent and experienced metal man.
1969 Firebird 350 Coupe, Rust free Texas body, formerly brown, now a TA clone with quality spoiler, latching hood and TA wheel; 1969 GTO Convertible Expresso Brown/Parchment(currently painted red). Both numbers matching. My first love was a Cameo White 67 326 Coupe, bought back in 1983, at the age of 17, for $1,200. Been hooked since on PONTIAC! Working on a 67 400 ragtop for customization-Gulf Turquoise/Parchment/400/4 spd! My winter project!