Which is cheaper - aftermarket header or finding a donor

olympic · 08-30-2009, 11:28:55 PM

I am planning to put a cowl hood on my car and I also need a new header panel (the top nose piece). I am not a body/paint guy so am hoping some of you can give me some guidance.

I am trying to decide whether to purchase a new header panel from one of the aftermarket manufacturers...looks like it will be about $200 just for that piece. It should come primered and ready for paint.

Now, if I can find a header panel off a parts car that is in good condition, what is generally the cost of getting it ready for paint? Is it pretty quick and easy to spray over an existing header panel that already has paint on it (although a different color)? Or is a lot of prep work needed?

I'm just trying to figure out which is generally less expensive, buying the aftermarket header panel or if I can find a good used header panel for something like $50, would it be better to go that route? I am just not familiar with how much prep goes into donor panels if they are in reasonably good condition.

Thanks for any guidance.

krabben1 · 08-30-2009, 11:32:00 PM

Aftermarket ones are way thinner than the stocker.Same prep,except the older factory one may need some additional work after stripping.

olympic · 08-31-2009, 12:17:17 AM

okay, makes sense. I wasn't sure if the factory one should be stripped or if it can be painted over. I'm sure some of you body/paint guys that are reading this are rolling when I say that. Forgive my ignorance...should it be fully stripped if I go with a factory one? Or, can it be painted over if base original paint on it was in good condition?

Thanks!

victor3ranger · 08-31-2009, 11:34:16 AM

Make double sure if you go and get a aftermarket one that the bottom section of the top header panel is all lined up.
I bought a new one mocked it up, seemed to fit fine, painted it then upon putting the headlights in and the grill found that the passenger side of the header wasn't the same as the original one I took off. Left gaps where I didn't want them

krabben1 · 08-31-2009, 01:07:44 PM

Definetly have to mock up that new metal first.All kinds of ugly stuff rears its ugly head.

olympic · 08-31-2009, 06:15:51 PM

couple more questions:

1) If I go with an aftermarket reproduction part, which should I get? I see goodmark makes these standard header panels and summit shows that they are selling them for $169.95 and they just charge a $9 shipping fee in addition to their standard handling...seems like a fair price what from I've seen out there. but, is the goodmark standard header valance a good one as repro parts go?

2) What is involved in removing this header piece and replacing it? Meaning, do I need to remove the fenders or is this a pretty simple r&r? I searched through the forums and on the web and didn't have any luck finding a guide for removing and replacing this header panel so any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

krabben1 · 08-31-2009, 06:45:55 PM

1. They are all made by the same factory in Tawainapanachina.
2.Under each joint on either side there are two bolts with nuts.And on the bottom under the headlight there is one bolt each side that threads into the fender.And in the middle youll have to detach it from the hood latch and latch support.Also,youll have to remove your headlight assemblies as there are bolts in there.It also bolts to the bottom piece on both sides from the grill to the wheel wells passing thru the bumper brackets in the corners.And of course,the grill will have to come out.If you go the aftermarket route,be sure to test fit it with all the mounting holes first as these usually need to be enlarged,moved,added............

olympic · 08-31-2009, 06:56:23 PM

krabben1, thanks for the detailed reply! it's exactly what I needed to know.