Body parts hypothesis

[louie1086]

Claim: When restoring the exterior of a dented vehicle, it is often the vehicle owner's best option to source OEM parts from a local wrecking yard. After-market parts from sources such as eBay and other online parts stores may appear to be a better option due to paint concerns, but owners can often remedy this problem by repainting the different-colored part as opposed to compromising quality for convenience.

The purpose of this thread is to obtain opinions of where replacement body parts can be sourced from, whether or not after-market body panels are sufficient in replacing OEM body parts, and whether or not there is concern over different VIN numbers.

It has been rumored that after-market body panels do not fit as well as OEM body panels, nor do they follow some lines of the original body. Based on testimony from this forum's members, the rumor will be either proven or dis proven.

[xet]

I have a replacement after market front bumper, it does not fit the lines perfectly but then again it also was a lot cheaper. Another concern is that it isn't nearly as rigid as the oem bumper either. The original got in an accident and dented inwards but didnt break or anything, I am fairly confident that if I hit something like that with this bumper that it wouldn't bend like the oem one or provide nearly as much protection

[Eye8Pussies]

^ that's one of the main things

I had an aftermarket front bumper as well, and the fitting was not quite right. also, one of the mounting points snapped- still useable, but is a testament to its lack of quality

also, when I got into my accident, the bumper literally shattered into many many pieces because it was plastic instead of the oem urethane

[wtftoy]

So the point is, go oem if you have money.

[J.Vincent]

Some aftermarket parts are a little better. They come in 2 grades. The cheaper ones almost fit. You can ask for CAPA certified parts, which almost fit a little better.In almost all cases you end up tweeking the part to get good fitment. Elongating mounting holes,adding washers or shims to raise a body line or meet the adjoining panel,or even bending the part to get it to fit is common. Sometimes I get better prices from local auto parts,because shipping on large parts is too high.

[ASG14]

I got a Radiator Support Assembly (solid metal) off Ebay. What a pile of useless shit. They gave me my $ back and I went to the dealer and got OEM.

[louie1086]

Based on the testimony thus far, the hypothesis is true. But 5 people is too little a sample size to falsify a claim.

Has anyone had any positive experiences with after-market parts? Please give us your opinions!

[ASG14]

On top of my previous response, I know a lot of other people that have told me the same.

[Eye8Pussies]

well, on a positive side, after my accident, I ordered an ebay headlight support piece and it was fine. it was flimsier than the oem part, but since it isn't a structural, nor load bearing part, it didn't concern me

the fitment was perfect if not the quailty