Restoration design Inc. sheet metal feedback

RDInorm · 08:50 AM

hey guys/girls
My name is Norm and I currently make all the parts that Restoration Design Inc. produces. From the stamping process to trimming. I just wanted to know if you had and comments/questions about any of our parts for the 911/912/356/914. Maybe some input on how to make our parts install smoother into your cars. I care about my work as much you do about your cars!

kycarguy 935 · 10-27-2011, 09:11 AM

2 thumbs up for caring. Keep up the good work.

HawgRyder · HawgRyder's Garage

Pride in workmanship is always appreciated .... thank you for asking.
Bob

CCM911 · 10-27-2011, 09:16 AM

I am trying to determine which panel I will need, but it is really hard to do with the drawings provided on the site. Is there any way I can get more detailed images?

wayner · 10-27-2011, 09:34 AM

I don't think there is a good fitting outer rocker panel on the market is there?

The ones on my car came form someone else I think, and needed a lot of work.

There is an opportunity for you if yours fit well.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Very pleased with your work, we have used your early 911 panels, and most recently, some replacement panels for our 914-6.

RDInorm · 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCM911

I am trying to determine which panel I will need, but it is really hard to do with the drawings provided on the site. Is there any way I can get more detailed images?

If you look further down the page, each part has a details/image button. Click on that link and you can see the actual part. I personally do not deal with the website. But peter Or alexander will be more the happy to help you search for your part. give them a call 519-836-3555

cnielsen · 10-27-2011, 11:02 AM

Yes, outer rocker panels do not fit very well. I have resorted to using factory peices from a 964 and filling the deco trim mounts. I'm mostly referring to where they fit around the jack post.

Also, I've heard from many people that the front suspension pan is a little off where the front A-arm mounts are located. There has been discussion about this on the board.

Otherwise, thanks for providing your services/products.

RDInorm · 10-27-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayner

I don't think there is a good fitting outer rocker panel on the market is there?

The ones on my car came form someone else I think, and needed a lot of work.

There is an opportunity for you if yours fit well.

We have the CAD data for this part taken from an NOS piece and will be making a die for it eventually.

RDInorm · 10-27-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnielsen

Yes, outer rocker panels do not fit very well. I have resorted to using factory peices from a 964 and filling the deco trim mounts. I'm mostly referring to where they fit around the jack post.

Also, I've heard from many people that the front suspension pan is a little off where the front A-arm mounts are located. There has been discussion about this on the board.

Otherwise, thanks for providing your services/products.

I have been searching for this and have found many discussions, but none about the A-arm mounts. Can you point me in the right direction. thanks

DG624 · 10-27-2011, 12:46 PM

Norm I have used your 911 parts and the body shop liked them...lower front panel, gas tank support, front windshield cowl and rocker panels. The body shop didn't need the entire part for the rocker or the door sill they cut it down to fit. It would be nice to sell only part sections if that is all that is needed and to work with the body shop to determine the required parts. I ordered several parts that were sent back.

Quality seems good and the gauge of the metal. I would buy again. DO you sell VW parts such as MK1, 2 hoods, hatches, rockers, fenders and associated parts that rust? These parts are in demand for restoration of VWs.

javadog · 10-27-2011, 01:23 PM

Hey Norm,

One question that I always wanted to ask was this; could a few parts be run using aluminum sheet, instead of steel? I know the metals have differrent characteristics, like springback, but anything would be a better starting point than making a panel from scratch. I would be talking about the outer panels, like door skins, rocker covers, valences, etc. for an impact bumper-era 911.

Thanks,
Jeff

RDInorm · 10-27-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DG624

Norm I have used your 911 parts and the body shop liked them...lower front panel, gas tank support, front windshield cowl and rocker panels. The body shop didn't need the entire part for the rocker or the door sill they cut it down to fit. It would be nice to sell only part sections if that is all that is needed and to work with the body shop to determine the required parts. I ordered several parts that were sent back.

Quality seems good and the gauge of the metal. I would buy again. DO you sell VW parts such as MK1, 2 hoods, hatches, rockers, fenders and associated parts that rust? These parts are in demand for restoration of VWs.

Nice to hear. It is difficult to sell partial parts due the fact that dies/jigs/bucks require the full part to do thier job correctly. If you only need a section of the part let us kno and we will cut it down to whatever you need. This will save you on shipping costs. Currently we are not making VW parts but are looking into it. We have our plate full still with needed porsche parts. Thanks for the input

RDInorm · 10-27-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

Hey Norm,

One question that I always wanted to ask was this; could a few parts be run using aluminum sheet, instead of steel? I know the metals have differrent characteristics, like springback, but anything would be a better starting point than making a panel from scratch. I would be talking about the outer panels, like door skins, rocker covers, valences, etc. for an impact bumper-era 911.

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff,

We have had other questions about this topic. Specifically for the 356 bumpers, I tried with no success. Like you said the aluminum acted much differently than the steel. Have not tried recently though, we have been very busy. Keep an eye out on the website, its always being updated. I will take note of those parts you are interested in and pass them on to Mike.

thanks,
Norm

gtihop · gtihop's Garage

I haven't used any parts yet, but probably will in the near future. As far as VW parts goes, there is a good market in the MK1 and MK2 era. There are alot of the younger gereration restoring these and heavily modifying them. Might be something to look into soon as parts for these are gettting very hard to find.

Prairie Lizard · 07:47 PM

Norm,

This is my first post in this forum and I think it is awesome that you are asking for feedback. I've been lurking for awhile trying to learn as much as I can and it is obvious there are a lot of people here who care and are willing to help out newbies like me.

My garage contains my 1973.5 T which has been in my barn for 6 years and in another guys barn before that since 1989. Started tearing it down two weeks ago. So far most of the problems are in the front end and rockers. still have a lot to take to bare metal though.

I've had your site bookmarked for a couple years waiting to start the ordering process.

One comment I remember reading in one of the project posts was RD was inconsistent with delivery times. It may have been an old post, but it made me curious. Do you have typical delivery estimates for a 73 911 front suspension pan and outer rockers?

Again, awesome you are asking for feedback.

Evans, Marv · 10-27-2011, 07:56 PM

Hey, Prairie Lizard - WELCOME!

Prairie Lizard · 10-27-2011, 08:07 PM

Thanks Marv,

It like being a kid again. My wife thinks I've totally lost it. Working in the garage, then logging on this site to look stuff up. It's blast.

Rick

SP2 · 10-27-2011, 09:26 PM

Hey Rick,
I'm from Wichita too. Nice to hear from a fellow Kansan!

RDInorm · 10-28-2011, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairie Lizard

Norm,

This is my first post in this forum and I think it is awesome that you are asking for feedback. I've been lurking for awhile trying to learn as much as I can and it is obvious there are a lot of people here who care and are willing to help out newbies like me.

My garage contains my 1973.5 T which has been in my barn for 6 years and in another guys barn before that since 1989. Started tearing it down two weeks ago. So far most of the problems are in the front end and rockers. still have a lot to take to bare metal though.

I've had your site bookmarked for a couple years waiting to start the ordering process.

One comment I remember reading in one of the project posts was RD was inconsistent with delivery times. It may have been an old post, but it made me curious. Do you have typical delivery estimates for a 73 911 front suspension pan and outer rockers?

Again, awesome you are asking for feedback.

Look forward to seeing the progress on your car. Make sure you post pictures!

We do a consolidated shipment once a week on Tuesdays. This saves you money! The deliveries usually arrive within that same week of delivery( if in the U.S.A). Those comments you read maybe in regards to the old management. Mike Dejonge took over this business about three years ago and has been dedicated in changing this company's reputation. Look forward to hearing from you soon!