Heya, I'm trying to ressurect a 68 Wildcat convertible, and I need to find some fender patch panels, and some trunk sheemetal. I've tried searching on google, but haven't had much luck. Are there any companies that make patch panels for this car? Or is my best bet finding a parts car and hacking parts off? Also, are there any other models of Buick that I could take body parts from? Thanks in advance, Justin
I have seen some reproduction rear quarter patch panels recently on E-Bay, but other than that, you're looking at scavenging off of parts cars. '68 LeSabre will have many of the same parts, as Wildcat and LeSabre from that year share many body parts from the firewall back. Wildcats differ in that they sport the rear fender skirts and attaching hardware, and the drill holes for the "Wildcat" lettering on the rear quarters and decklid are different from the "LeSabre" scripts on the rear of those cars. The LeSabre decklid has block letters the spell out "Buick." The 1967 Wildcat and LeSabre body parts could be used, the big difference there is in 1968 the round rear side marker lights were added, so those cutouts are not found on the 1967 models. Front fenders are Wildcat only-LeSabre is 3" shorter from the firewall forward. Electra 225 fenders are the same size as the Wildcat, the difference is in the trim-Electra has a "ventiport" bar on the top of the fender above the fender crease, while Wildcat has it's own fender ornamentation in the lower portion of the front fender. Hood is the same for Wildcat and Electra, LeSabre hood is 3" shorter and has no center hood strip. again, '67 Wildcat or Electra fenders could work for patching purposes, but fender trim is different for that year as well. Doors are interchangeable for all the big cars.
Good answer David, you know your stuff-yes, the ol boats can be a bit tough for these parts. I have a couple of nailcats that run out fine, but I knew I could never reasonably source all their body part needs=can you say...ratcat Sometimes it's nice to be driving a big crusty cat-nobody seems to cut off or otherwise bother me-
