Concours Correct

[goodnigh]

When I buy Mustang parts I usually go with the Concours correct

ones. Is there any difference in quality between your vanilla part

and a CC one? The CC ones are typically 2 to 3 times more expensive. I always buy NOS parts when I can find them.

mike

 

[jb73Mach]

Don't know. I also try to go with NOS, original used, etc. The problem that I have is that many parts are not reproduced. It gets harder to keep things right or close to right. I have replaced the lens on my trip odometer cluster, rebuilt my rear defroster switch etc. I have gone over to the dark side by replacing the cluster bulbs with LEDs. I just ordered three point replacement seat belts for the front. Original is one thing but with the factory shoulder belts with no give, I can't even reach the radio. Now that the latch on the driver's side belt is deceased, I'm going with safety/convenience over stock. I guess it all depends on what you want. Concourse is nice but I don't own a trailer and prefer to DRIVE IT!

 

[marks73]

If I had a close CC to begin with that would be one thing. Since it's not, I have built some pretty good relationships with those that know the difference between the cheap repos and those that are worth it. Get to know your parts sellers is the best advice I have.

 

[rutkak]

CC parts are typically better quality (in general) but they are often at least twice the price. There are some decent manufacturers out there (Scott Drake) that reproduce really good and really bad parts. In general just doublecheck reviews and go with Ford Tooling or Official Ford products whenever possible.

-KR

 

[hyena429]

If I had a close CC to begin with that would be one thing. Since it's not, I have built some pretty good relationships with those that know the difference between the cheap repos and those that are worth it. Get to know your parts sellers is the best advice I have.

+1 to that.

 

[72HCODE]

on a couple of pieces yes.

what happens is the Repops come 2 ways, somebody took an original part then made a mold of it for reproduction or somebody bought the original FORD OEM tooling and are making new parts from that.

the problem is sometimes either way is bad or good.

the light lenses are much much better going with the more expensive concourse correct stuff that is also ford licensed.

the concourse correct dash pad which is like 100$ more expensive is better then the none- oem ford tooling version, but the defect rate is REALLY BAD you may need to return the pad 2 times to get one that is good, the junker repop had bad texture and flashing all over it and the steel support is in the wrong spot.

the repop dash panels for the deluxe interior are Awesome but have some fitment issues and there is some difference in the mounting hardware the oem hardware doesn't fit it( bind nuts) the plastic is very easy to damage and you can crack the plastic when installing it.

the current reproduction window trim is all crap we are waiting for somebody to make good stuff

concours seat covers are hit or miss you may need to return a set to get a set of good covers.

the Carpet replacements all Suck, they are all too narrow and do not fit correctly. you have to sit there with a heat gun and try to stretch it out and it never fits well. i had to get the carpet 3 times before i got a decent set.

reproduction door panels are great but require major cutting and drilling etc..

basically i found it was always a shot in the dark but the concours stuff was better even if it needed to be returned more then once due to defects.

 

[Bill73Ragtop]

When I restored my 73 and 69 verts I always tried to replace worn out with the correct NOS or VGC used parts. Both cars are meant to be driven so very often cost considerations played a big part in deciding what to use - as well as durability. As noted above, research and reaching out to vendors is extremely important. Example: High end reproduction radiator hoses are usually very well made and last a long time (at least here the NE where temperatures are moderate). But in the end, I was not aiming to restore my cars to absolute concourse quality, but I would purchase a NOS part if it was reasonable in cost (within 20% - 30% of reproduction cost) and the part could be expected to hold up over time.

Some more examples: Suspension parts - MOOG or the best quality is the only way to go. I installed the roller bearing spring perches a couple years ago and never thought twice about using the old rubber over the advantages of roller bearing performance. I just purchased rear wheel (axle) bearings from NAPA- best quality they had were made in China....we'll see how they work, but it's pretty simple to replace. That's the other decision - how difficult is it to replace? I dread the day my original A/C coil in the plenum decides to call it quits...that's a big job and I only want to do it once.

72HCODE makes great points. Don't forget to add the overall quality of any trim bright work for any year mustang is hideous