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E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction

Posted By: cataclysm80

E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/17/09 09:57 PM

It just occured to me that I don't have either of the two plastic seatbacks for my 70 Challenger.

Has anyone used the Palco (Dashtop) Reproduction seatbacks? I'm looking for some feedback. How do they fit/function. Are they more durable than original?

I need a pair of black ones for my 70 Challenger. (the style only used in 70 on challengers and barracudas)

Thanks
Tav
Posted By: screamindriver

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/18/09 11:36 PM

I've used them on restos...They'll fit and function ok...Do they look close to original ??? No...Not even close... Grain is different,lines are not as defined as OEM....Pretty much like the palco door panels...Have'nt had the opportunity to beat any around although I felt like it... But they seem like they should hold up well..Another case of better than a beat up or missing piece but it's not going to win any points... ... On that note I just installed a set of dashtop{palco} 71-4 B-body front door armrest pads...They look nice but they're short by about a 1/4 inch !!! Why make the part then miss an elementary measurement ??? ...Man, am I ready for someone to step up and make some quality parts as a good option...
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/18/09 11:55 PM

Thanks for responding. I was thinking the ABS might be more scratch resistant than the softer original plastic material. People always seem to hit those getting in and out of the back seat.

I'm working on installing Palco door panels in the car now. They are workable. It's hard to find good challenger power window door panels. (window switches on doors are located differently from where the manual crank would be, so I can't just drill out the hole bigger.)

The Palco rear panels are another story though. They don't have recessed screw holes like originals (or any screw holes for that matter). I was thinking maybe I could get something hot to soften the plastic and press in where the recessed screw holes should be, then I saw that the rear panels are about 1/2 inch shallower than the door panels. (rear panels don't stick out as far into the car as the door panels) I'll probably end up using original rear panels. Luckily the power window switch is located the same as the crank in the back seat, so I can just drill it out to fit the switch.

Tav
Posted By: jrwoodjoe

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/18/09 11:58 PM

I think you are going to be better off looking for a nice used set. Seems like anytime someone mentions Palco, the feedback is less than desirable.

Joe
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/19/09 12:13 AM

Yes, Palcos can be a lot of work to install. They Are getting better than they used to be. (I've installed more than one set.) They are the best reproduction panel currently available. (better than Acuform) Of course, original is still better.

I guess if anyone knows where I can get a nice original set of black power window door panels for a Challenger, let me know. (I'm gonna drive it, it's not an OE show car.) Till then I've got Palco.

Tav
Posted By: wingman

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/19/09 03:18 AM

I got a set of WHITE Palco b-body seatbacks for the RR 5 years ago and they still look good. (And I have 4 small kids riding in that back seat regularly.)

My car is far from correct, so I can't comment on that. I do know they look a heck of a lot better than the gouged-up, yellowed, cracked, trashed originals.

And the price was right.
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/20/09 01:13 AM

Quote:

It just occured to me that I don't have either of the two plastic seatbacks for my 70 Challenger.

Has anyone used the Palco (Dashtop) Reproduction seatbacks? I'm looking for some feedback. How do they fit/function. Are they more durable than original?








I just got a pair of Dashtop "deluxe" E body seat back panels in from Legendary, the grain is much nicer than the last set I got,......I found out later if you don't specify "deluxe" when ordering the panel you get that crappy feeling, pebbled grain crap,.........the Deluxe panel is very close to the original in texture, the fit was surprising well, just a little triming around the release push button, screw holes lined up pretty good too........not OEM Gold certified but very close to the originals,.....and their only $10 each more than the "standard" panel
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/20/09 01:53 AM

I wonder if they offer "Deluxe" interior panels?

Tav
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/20/09 09:03 PM

Quote:

I wonder if they offer "Deluxe" interior panels?

Tav









Yes Tavis, they do, the grain is much more like the originals, the "standard" E body door panel has that stinkin pebble finish, and thin ABS shell construction,.....The Deluxe panels are slightly thicker than the "standard" one,.....they still have some fitment problems, they're not a direct "screw-on",......most people just don't take the time to fit them, a dremel, a little patience, and only taking a little off the lower corners, from the BACKSIDE of the panel will get it to draw over the door frame,....granted you'll be fiting them several times to get them right,.....some people expect them to drop into place?......the "deluxe" door panels are about $50 a pair more........front or rear, Cuda or Challenger...........Their deluxe door panel has nothing to do with the SE panels,door trim/carpet, etc,.. just a higher grade finish and sturdier panel,.......I got mine thru Legendary, along with a new repro dashpad,.....everything looks great, and fit with a "little" work,......I was pleasantly surprised, now I just need to get those "standard" panels out of my other car!....there HORRIBLE! in comparison.........when I ask one of the guys at Legendary why even bother selling those "standard" E body seat and door panels?....there Horrible!

His reply was, the "standard" panels were the first repros, everybody complained, so retooling was done,.....and they got "marketed" under "deluxe" rather than "new and improved"......and I hate to say it, but when I recommend the deluxe panels for a "showcar".....Mopar guys are cheap, they want the cheap panels


I usualy only buy from Legendary, and they know I have no problem ante'ing up for an interior, I usually drop $2-$4000K on a cars interior, and order EVERYTHING new,....not one mention of "deluxe" panels,.....I found out on my own starting with a new set of seatbacks I picked up at a show,....live and learn, I think this is why in past threads regarding these panels, some guys said they were great, some guys said they were junk,.....IMHO, I'd rather have nice originals, but thats a slim chance......for what it's worth the E body repro dash pads are the same deal, some crappy cheap repros, and some nicer repros, not just on the outside, but underneath also....guess you get what you pay for?
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/20/09 10:18 PM

That's Interesting, Thanks.

Are the standard panels Acuform, while the deluxe are Palco, or are both standard & deluxe made by Palco?

I got my most recent set from Dante. Because they're for power windows they had to be special ordered, so I think I got the newest tooling at the time. Dante said they had made some improvements to them. Sure would be nice if the rear panels had screw holes though.

Tav
Posted By: aar1

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/20/09 11:40 PM

DAYCLONA,
Any freak chance you can get some close up shots of the deluxe panels and an original panel? Not doubting you but this is the first a lot of us have heard about the "new and improved" panels. Like previously asked, are they Palco's?

One more thing, and don't take offense....... do you have any kind of relationship with Legendary (or Palco), other than simply being a customer?
Posted By: 2fast4yourBrain

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/21/09 03:15 AM

Anyone know what this guy sells?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...T&viewitem=

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...T&viewitem=

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...T&viewitem=
Posted By: 2fast4yourBrain

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/21/09 03:26 AM

snippet from the Legendary catalog:

Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/21/09 09:53 PM

One more thing, and don't take offense....... do you have any kind of relationship with Legendary (or Palco), other than simply being a customer?






Sorry Wade,....I'm a customer just like "everyone" else ...I wish I did!,....then maybe I get a good discount!



Mike
Posted By: aar1

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 01:55 AM

I don't suppose Legendary has any "samples" of the Deluxe Grained Plastic to send to prospective buyers? I would just hate to order something and it's not any better than the Palco panels I bought 5 years ago

Dayclona...... sorry to ask that question of you but it's unusual to hear anyone on this site say anything good about repro door panels. Kind of refreshing to hear, but I guess I've been brainwashed by all the negative things said up till now.
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:15 AM

Here's some comparison pics of what I got...

Original 1

Attached picture 5245265-DSC01630.JPG
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:16 AM

Original 2

Attached picture 5245267-DSC01635.JPG
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:17 AM

I probably got these about a year ago.

Palco 1

Attached picture 5245269-DSC01633.JPG
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:19 AM

Palco 2

Attached picture 5245272-DSC01634.JPG
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:24 AM

Wade if I had a choice,....I'd want originals, no question,.....but when the pickins are slim,...or rediculosly priced!,........the new stuff ain't bad,....regarding the deluxe panels,...they have a cheap feel to them, but visualy the grain is 1000 times better than that early crap with the pepple finish,


Same thing with the first run of E body dash pads, the ones with a plastic core,......they were so bad, the grain on the dash was horrible!, they fit for sh!t,.....just junk!.....I remember when most of the vendors had a "special" blowout deal on those around 2006/7.....$200 each ...I know some guys gobbled them up at that price, but they still weren't worth using,....you'll know one when you see it,

I bought one of the newer Cuda repro dashes from Legendary (I don't know the vendor) very nice, the grain is huge improvement, as is the overall shape and construction, unless you have an original side by side, it's hard to see a differance, the 70 pad I got was a nice piece,......paid $600 for a 3 speaker 70 cuda, it fit the stock dash frame with no issuses, it was a little tight around the center speaker, but not an issuse,....the lines were crisp, and it didn't have that bloated look the earlier ones had.....when it's all said an done, new seats, dash, carpet, door panels, headliner.....it pulls off a fresh "factory appearance",.....now if your expecting to pass a Gold challenge it ain't gonna happen,......but for a clean, new appearance that looks better than scored, redyed, or chalked out old panels that just make your new seats look like a diamond in an ash tray,.....they pass the grade,.......I'm jerked I have to pull the panels out of the other car, but that pepple grained crap bothered me from day one!


Mike
Posted By: 2fast4yourBrain

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:33 AM

I hear they're overly expensive, but can some comment/compare what Just Dashes' panel restoration looks like?
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:44 AM

Quote:

visually the grain is 1000 times better than that early crap with the pebble finish



Found this on Ebay. Is this the pebble grain you're talking about. Man that's BAD! Looks like 36 grit sandpaper!

Tav

Attached picture 5245312-badpanel.jpg
Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:47 AM

Quote:

I hear they're overly expensive, but can some comment/compare what Just Dashes' panel restoration looks like?



How about a picture... the rear ranels were done by Just Dashes... $550.00 in 1996.. The grain isn't even close, the detail line instead of being defined & crisp is rounded over not even close to correct.. Certianly not what they promised.. I've seen them do really decent stuff for high profile cars like KWS's Extreme Lee.. But I haven't seen that level of work on the average enthusists parts...

Attached File
5245318-panel.bmp  (56 downloads)
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 04:52 AM

Quote:

I hear they're overly expensive, but can some comment/compare what Just Dashes' panel restoration looks like?



Yes, it's expensive, and with Just Dashes there is usually a bit of a wait to get them done. Some like them, others say that they look puffy. Their procedure is to glue/vacuum form dash vinyl over your original panels. Same methods they use to wrap the vinyl around dashes. Personally, I'd worry about snagging the vinyl on the door panels getting in & out of the car. Palco panels are ABS which is pretty tough stuff.

Tav
Posted By: Iceman01

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 08:17 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I hear they're overly expensive, but can some comment/compare what Just Dashes' panel restoration looks like?



Yes, it's expensive, and with Just Dashes there is usually a bit of a wait to get them done. Some like them, others say that they look puffy. Their procedure is to glue/vacuum form dash vinyl over your original panels. Same methods they use to wrap the vinyl around dashes. Personally, I'd worry about snagging the vinyl on the door panels getting in & out of the car. Palco panels are ABS which is pretty tough stuff.

Tav



Seems I have to post these every month or so when the questions get asked again. Not trying to be a Just Dashes defender, but I'm pretty happy with what they did for me. True, they are expensive and take a while, but the results are very nice. And there is no danger of snagging anything since the edges are all vacuum-folded over onto the backside. Nor are they "puffy"; just a bit thicker as would be expected from adding a new covering. Grain may not be as crisp and sharply defined as original, but it's a heckuva lot better than the repops. And best of all, no fitment problems since it is original. Take a look for yourself...

Attached picture 5245403-JDdoorpanels.jpg
Posted By: Iceman01

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 08:18 AM

another...

Attached picture 5245404-JDseatbacks.jpg
Posted By: Iceman01

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 08:18 AM

last one...

Attached picture 5245405-JDseatbacks2.jpg
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 01:16 PM



Found this on Ebay. Is this the pebble grain you're talking about. Man that's BAD! Looks like 36 grit sandpaper!

Tav







Man!,.....I don't know what that is? .....looks like it's been undercoated!
Posted By: 2fast4yourBrain

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 01:45 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I hear they're overly expensive, but can some comment/compare what Just Dashes' panel restoration looks like?



Yes, it's expensive, and with Just Dashes there is usually a bit of a wait to get them done. Some like them, others say that they look puffy. Their procedure is to glue/vacuum form dash vinyl over your original panels. Same methods they use to wrap the vinyl around dashes. Personally, I'd worry about snagging the vinyl on the door panels getting in & out of the car. Palco panels are ABS which is pretty tough stuff.

Tav



Seems I have to post these every month or so when the questions get asked again. Not trying to be a Just Dashes defender, but I'm pretty happy with what they did for me. True, they are expensive and take a while, but the results are very nice. And there is no danger of snagging anything since the edges are all vacuum-folded over onto the backside. Nor are they "puffy"; just a bit thicker as would be expected from adding a new covering. Grain may not be as crisp and sharply defined as original, but it's a heckuva lot better than the repops. And best of all, no fitment problems since it is original. Take a look for yourself...



Is it a vinyl that's covering the door? Does it make it "softer" to the touch than OEM/repop?
Posted By: ebodiesonly

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/22/09 09:43 PM

Quote:

I wonder if they offer "Deluxe" interior panels?

Tav



I asked in early February from Legendary the deluxe door panels ans seat backs for a Challenger convertible and at that time they told that they are not anymore selling the deluxe panels from Palco. All what they have is only the standard panels from Accuform.

One friend bought a set of Accuform panels for his vert and they didn't look good, the "grill" for the lights on the rear panels was done with a saw, not in with the mold like should had been.

Have you asked if they really can currently offer the Deluxe Palco panels?
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 02:36 AM

Just for comparison purposes, Here's a pic of an original door panel with a Palco rear panel.

Compare it to Randy's (1_WILD_RT) pic of an original door panel with a Just Dashes rear panel.

You can see it a little in this picture. Palco uses pretextured stock sheets to form their panels out of. Where the pretextured sheet gets bent about 90 degrees to form the panel, the grain is stretched with the panel and becomes a little lighter/fainter. This is the biggest problem with their texture/grain.

Tav

Attached picture 5247025-origpalco.jpg
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 02:39 AM

While we're comparing have a look at this one too. It's an original door panel with an original rear panel.

Even though they're both original, they don't exactly line up perfectly.

Tav

Attached picture 5247030-origorig2.jpg
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 02:43 AM

Here is a pic of a Palco panel that would be good for comparing to the pic Iceman01 posted of his Just Dashes panel.

Tav

Attached picture 5247034-DSC01650.JPG
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 02:45 AM

These are both Palco panels in this pic.

They DO require some time to fit them to the car. About 4 hours per panel I think, depends on how fast/picky you are. I had to drill a couple holes in the doors when the screw holes didn't line up with the panel, and again for the spring clips at the bottom of the panel. you also have to locate and drill all the holes for your door woodgrain (if your using it), and your remote mirror (if you have one). The spots to drill are Not marked on the back of the panel.

When I put Palco door panels on my 'Cuda about 3 1/2 years ago I had to slightly trim the door handle hole and the armrest pad hole on the panel so everything would fit like it should. I didn't have to do that on these panels.

In the past of heard of people having problems with the Palco door panels & rear panels rubbing together. Mine don't even come close to rubbing, so this is a problem that has been fixed.

Tav

Attached picture 5247042-palco.jpg
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 03:03 AM

Quote:

the rear panels were done by Just Dashes... $550.00 in 1996.. The grain isn't even close, the detail line instead of being defined & crisp is rounded over not even close to correct.. Certainly not what they promised..



The rear Palco panels cost $350.00 in 2008 for a similar incorrect grain & rounded over detail line. + you'll have to spend a little time fitting them to the car.

Randy, has anyone at a show ever noticed that your rear panels were "different" than your door panels? Just wondering.

In my 'Cuda I've had Palco door panels next to original rear panels for about 3 1/2 years and no one has said anything yet. The grain difference isn't noticeable to the casual observer and certainly not from more than an arms length away. You have to really be looking to notice it in my opinion.

Tav
Posted By: 340SIX

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 03:38 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I wonder if they offer "Deluxe" interior panels?

Tav



I asked in early February from Legendary the deluxe door panels ans seat backs for a Challenger convertible and at that time they told that they are not anymore selling the deluxe panels from Palco. All what they have is only the standard panels from Accuform.

One friend bought a set of Accuform panels for his vert and they didn't look good, the "grill" for the lights on the rear panels was done with a saw, not in with the mold like should had been.



What are you talking about when you say "Grille for the lights?
Any Pics?
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 03:49 AM

E body convertibles have a courtesy light inside each rear panel at the bottom that shines through slots in the panel toward the front of the car. It works like the dome light when you open the door (because convertibles don't have a dome light) so that you can see to get in the car.

Tav

Attached picture 5247153-convertiblecourtesylight.JPG
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 04:14 AM

Is THIS a common problem on E body door panels?
It's off by 3/8ths.

I have 2 original door panels, 2 Palco door panels, 4 original rear panels, & 2 Palco rear panels, and I get different results depending on how I mix & match. Sometimes even the original panels don't line up with the other original panels.

Tav

Attached picture 5247183-DSC01639.JPG
Posted By: 340SIX

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 04:17 AM

My Orginals were redone by Dash Restoration and came back with tons of puffyness and no detail.
But they did my uncles dash perfect so I thought yea the panels will be A-OK but no dice.
I asked for at least a partial refund they said no {ie} I was ripped off.
I got some repops from Dante{he said the good ones and the grain looks good but have no idea on fit.
They proberly have the open slots i just never looked but will this weekend when I get a chance{not stored here}
I can take pics if needed.
I have the under dash light since no dome light forgot about the slots
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 04:23 AM

Here is a problem that I think is more important than the grain on the panel.

The Palco rear panels don't have any screwholes. How should I recreate these recessed screwholes? I need 3 in each panel.

Should I try to heat the panel & stretch the plastic?

Should I try to glue some extra plastic onto the back of the panel to make it thick enough for me to recess the hole like the original?

What would you do?

(note: the original panel in this pic is a bad example of grain. It is a green panel that has been painted black twice.)

Tav

Attached picture 5247193-DSC01642.JPG
Posted By: 340SIX

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 05/23/09 04:49 AM

I was thinking of sanding the area, then building up some 3-M epoxy that is used to repair hard plastic.
Then drill it but I was going to try it on an extra panel I have.
I did not do it yet since I want to see where it needs to be on the car it self.
I used some on my 94 ram dash it stuck well and worked good but was a gray color.
Posted By: 1972CudaV21

Re: E Body Seatbacks Palco Reproduction - 06/01/09 12:09 AM

I would get the originals redone. Although the Palco seatbacks look okay, I had to really wrestle with them to fit. Where in the originals fit with ease.
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