Thread: Gibbon Fiberglass

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Whoa! I know exactly what you mean about the measurement differences. Doing the Topsters we've run across some pretty strange measurement changes in 32 roadster bodies, and I mean changes that I just can't understand why they'd change them! Kilbourne bodies, as an example, are about 2" narrower than most others including original steel ones, and they've got a couple of other diferences that make them just enough different to undoubtedly cause an owner grief for sure. We have a measurement sheet that I send to each customer and they compare the measurements on their body to those off an original one (or my Wescott one that's the same) and we can modify their frame to fit THEIR body. That said the only measurement change I can "kinda" understand is the 2" stretched thing in the cockpit, but then again being very "traditional" in my ideas on roadsters I prefer the original size even tho I'm 6' 2" !
Again on changes tho, one of the main reasons I went with a Flatlanders - New Age body was because they have the drip rails. To me a 5 window HAS to have drip rails!

Back when Henry was making the original 32's he was subcontracting out the manufacturing to 2 or 3 other companies. And guess what, there were different dimensions on the new cars! That's why you can't always get a good fit from original body parts you buy at swap meets.

I think most fiberglass body manufacturers create a mold from an original body (or body parts). Therefore, variations can be making there way into the new glass bodies from Henry's originals....

Dan J

Originally posted by Dan J
.....Henry was making the original 32's he was subcontracting out the manufacturing to 2 or 3 other companies.......
Dan J

Bingo Dano

I thought maybe they make them different so you have to buy there opitions for there bodies. because they don't want them to fit anybody else bodies. but that's what i thought.

good example is the Downs vs Outlaw 34 chevy gas tank aprons. There not even close. looking and fitting. And Old Chicago bodies, i don't even want to go there.

Like Dan said Ford had 5 different body manufactures for 32 . They are all close within reason but not the same . Most manufactures now adays add length to the doors mainly for comfort , and some will widen the bodies to get more room as well . The only way to make one companies products fit the same would be to mold off the same product line . Plus molding is a science not just laying glass . If you don't know what you are doing your molds will shift everytime you shot or lay them . That's not a good thing !

Thanks, that makes since,

I just take offence to this because it's who I work for . It's like you are talking about me dirrectly .

Raymond,

I was not talking about you directly - except where you said there are no real differences between manufacturers. There are major differences, and we all know it.

I'm sorry you take offense when a customer has legitimate complaints. My complaints were not imaginary. They weren't coming from an overcritical customer. They came from a guy who has been hot-rodding, building and drag racing since the early 1960's. My complaints were very specific and they were not addressed. If a company takes offense at legitimate complaints, they are never going to improve.

No matter what they buy or who they buy from , they will badger you to death .

It's my opinion that any company that takes this position with customers is bound to fail.

I hope Gibbon turns around. I bought parts from Dwight many years ago, and that's one reason I went to Kyle. We need as many quality suppliers as the hobby can support. However, based on my last experience, I cannot buy from nor recommend Gibbon until I see definite proof - that's proof, not promises - that the turnaround is real.

By no means did I intend any offense to you personally. However, people come to this forum for information, and I'm not going to do anything but tell the truth.

Good luck

I'm not here to try to advertise . I'm not even going to try to recomend this company to any one . I came to talk cars . I'm not shure this company will be around here in darlington much longer . If any where at all . But Street Rods will wether glass or steel . I'm a big time steel fan . Igrew up doing metal forming for the last 28 yrs. . But a doctor screwed up a carpal tunnel surgery . He tour the muscle tissue in my hand and incapsulated my nerve . I was out four 18 months with my hand in a emobilization splint and cast , went from 246 lbs. grip to 86lbs. . No more metal working for me . Any way this place could close 2-morrow , but I'm still going to do cars. Wether for me or someone else . And yes I will stand behind them as I do Gibbon .

Hey Ray . I heard that Gibbon was going to close down if they could not get a new owner . Is this true . Or can you say rite now .

I'm not sure . I don't think anybody knows at this time but hopefully we don't have to worry . Who is this with gibbon spelt backwards .

sorry about that my son thinks he is funny . Or maybe he's tring to tell you something .

These two messages below were typed by the same person.

If you look closely, you can see that the person typing puts an extra space before their periods.

What a joke.

Originally posted by nobbig
Hey Ray . I heard that Gibbon was going to close down if they could not get a new owner . Is this true . Or can you say rite now .

Originally posted by raymond@gibbons
I'm not here to try to advertise . I'm not even going to try to recomend this company to any one . I came to talk cars . I'm not shure this company will be around here in darlington much longer . If any where at all . But Street Rods will wether glass or steel . I'm a big time steel fan . Igrew up doing metal forming for the last 28 yrs. . But a doctor screwed up a carpal tunnel surgery . He tour the muscle tissue in my hand and incapsulated my nerve . I was out four 18 months with my hand in a emobilization splint and cast , went from 246 lbs. grip to 86lbs. . No more metal working for me . Any way this place could close 2-morrow , but I'm still going to do cars. Wether for me or someone else . And yes I will stand behind them as I do Gibbon .

This is so typical of mickey-mouse fiberglass industry. The problem with this market, is making a fiberglass body is relatively simple. For this reason, may companies pop up, turning out bodies at a very low cost, making barely enough money to survive. Since they aren't making any money, frustration sets in, partnerships dissolve, companies close their doors, customers get mad, etc, etc.

These low-end companies filling the marketplace up with low-end cheap bodies make it difficult for smart businesses who do focus on quality to survive. These intellegent knowledgeable people have to charge more money for their bodies, thus they have a hard time competing.

I would love to see a new company sprout up producing really nice stuff, but no one would buy from the, since most hot rodders would complain about the price.

How many times have we seen someone ask on this board, "What is the best '32 roadster body? Wescott's and Brookvilles are out of my budget, how is Hertage on quality?"

Heritage on Quality? Are you kidding me?

Ray,

You played games with us with a fake post - then tried to blame it on your son. Sorry, man, but your credibility just took a dump.

Now that SirSpeedy mentioned Heritage, I ask this question. Suppose I visit both Heritage and Bebops sites and compare their '29 roadster bodies. What am I looking for in terms of quality? Probably the '29 body is much simpler than a deuce coupe so all I would check is the interior bracing and the fit of the doors and trunk lid, but I am learning and I certainly am not a talented body man who can easily fix imperfections. Although the Brookville metal body looks great, the problem I have encountered is that the repro fenders are sold with a warning that a lot of fitting is necessary and require metal body work. So although the all-in-one fenders and floor 'glass setup is potentially fragile, it looks good to me assuming I protect the fenders with bumpers. Comments on '29 roadster bodies?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder