Corvette Restoration Tip: Body Panels
This Corvette Restoration Tip is brought to you by Zip Corvette and can be found in Zip’s free Corvette Parts & Accessories Catalogs - request one online today.
There are three different types of Corvette Body Panels available for 1968-1982 Corvettes. Press molded Panels which are original for 68-72 Corvettes, Hand Laid Panels - replacement for 68-82, and Sheet Molded Composite Panels which are original style for 1973-1982 Corvettes. For more information on each panel and how it is manufactured, continue reading below.
Corvette Pre-Assembled Front End
Press Molded Panels – 1968-1972 factory fiberglass panels were produced in molds that created an exceptionally strong part that were smooth on both sides. To help keep your Corvette as original as possible, Zip offers as many press molded pieces as are available. Panels are manufactured to higher quality standards than possible for hand laid panels, using fiberglass mat and resin placed inside matched male/female molds – then pressed together under high pressure and heat to ensure consistent thickness. Original panels are black in color and do not have a gelcoat surface. Note press molded panels require the use of bonding strips when installed.
Hand Laid Panels – Replacement fiberglass panels are built by layering fiberglass mat and resin into a single mold. Construction of each piece begins with the spraying of gelcoat into a female mold; once cured, alternating layers of fiberglass matting and resin are hand rolled to eliminate air pockets and ensure an overall uniform thickness. Once “popped” from the mold, panels are hand trimmed and ground to final shape. Hand laid panels have a smooth exterior and a rough fiberglass/resin underside.
SMC Panels – 1973-1982 Corvettes were assembled of panels made from a sheet molded composite (“SMC”). SMC panels are formed by a high-pressure mold compressing a mix of fiberglass, resin, catalyst and release agent. SMC pieces are smoother than press molded fiberglass panels and have a marbled appearance – typically gray in color. Note SMC panels require special adhesives for bonding.
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How did GM finish the rear left quarter panels for radio delete cars? With hole or without hole? I am trying to restore a 70′s Corvette with the radio delete option and need to know how it came from the factory?
Thank You
Ken
Ken,
The antenna hole was not in the left rear quarter panel of a Corvette, it is in the top deck. GM does not make a top rear deck anymore so the only way to go is aftermarket. We have a press molded Convertible deck but not for a coupe. I believe the hole was in all rear decks, Corvettes with radio delete had the hole filled prior to painting.
I am restoring a 1971 Corvette roadster. On the rear body panel on some of these Corvettes I see they have a key cylinder. My question is what is it for and should my 1971 have one?
Thomas,
That was for the optional alarm system. Not all of these Corvettes came with it.