I wanted to start this as a new thread, and make sure it was in the body and paint section, so that it would be difficult not to find.
redback wrote:
It would be nice if there were a few of those Fibreglass panels still around.
A lot of Bellett drivers would like to get their hands on them to replace rusty quarter panels and dented bonnets and boot lids.
A Japanese company called "Restored" makes fiberglass and carbon fiber body panels for 1960's and 70's Japanese cars, and even a few 80's models. Their English language section does not include all of their offerings, mostly Datsun and Toyota. You have to go into the Japanese language website to find the Isuzu parts. They have panels for a limited number of body styles of Piazza, Gemini, 117 Coupe, and
Bellett.
http://www.restored.jp/pr95.htmThese are for the very late 1969 GT/GTR body style, with the short hood, cowel panels, and hood vents. They have hood/bonnet, cowl (between hood and windshield), fenders, doors, and trunk lid. Someone else please confirm this, but wouldn't the hood be the only thing unique to the late 1969 and later cars, and the trunk lid, fenders, and doors should fit all GTs.
I have no idea of the quality. This website was mentioned some time ago on JapaneseNostalgicCar.Com referencing Hakosuka parts, and after some digging, I found the Isuzu parts. Based on the pictures, the hood, trunk lid, and doors are complete with an outer skin and a back or bottom reinforcement similar to the stamped steel parts. The hinge and latch attachment points appear to be reinforced. It appears that these parts are as high in quality as anything available.
They have some weatherstrip available, but this appears to be only trunk, vent windows, rear side windows, and a notation that the front glass seal is discontinued.
I don't know what it would take to get them to make other panels. Probably a quantity order and delivery of a car to their shop for the pattern to be made from.
