| When the original
seat panel was misplaced, an original replacement was provided. I had
heard that the replacement that Howell's created was not correct. I
figured the $70 for a new one was worth the cost to see how close it really
was. I ordered the replacement part from Howell's Sheetmetal in
Nederland, TX ( www.fordor.com ).
The part number is S-105 and current cost is $70.00. Howell's charges
$35 for shipping and handling. I thought that was a bit high, but I
was still willing to pay for it, because I may be doing more cars.
Original seat panel and the replacement from Howell's. From a distance
it looks pretty close.
Old and new next to each other. The old panel has the "T" mouldings.
New one did not.
The formed channel is a bit extended on the Howell's. This can probably be
hammer and dollied out or left alone.
Still looks good.
Here is a problem - The original has a 90 degree double bend and a place for
the tack rail to sit. The replacement has maybe enough metal for the
first bend but not the second. A piece will have to be welded here.
That's a shame because the panel is otherwise very close to the original.
This is the inside of the original panel. Notice the notch at the bottom and
the slight bend at the bottom.
You can see where the double 90 degree is missing.
No shelf. Will need to add some metal.
Another close up of the missing shelf. Holes line up for the side.
The bottom and side is great - holes match up and the bottom has the right
bend.
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