Hey their Guys,
I wasn't aware Ray had done an update conversion to the older body style. Do you know what needed to be modified to update the headlight assembly, and front fasia in order to get a tight fitment, and more so how difficult was it to get the gap to align right? And then, if he was using the Bumperette, and Retro Grille combo, how much tweaking needed to be done their as well to get the front end aligned and gaped before final prep and paint? Many times whaen you change the configuration by updating, you could easily run into needing to tweak parts, or do slight modifications to correct for a proper fitment. The same usually goes for working with most Aftermarket parts as their could be slight inconsistencies, and so forth that may need to be corrected, or addressed to before final prep and paint. What I was getting at is, their are a lot of variables that may come up which could add to the cost of both materials, and labor to do the job correctly, and get a good outcome on the project. The more the materials, and time involved in getting things lined up as they should be, the more cost that could incur, so keep that in mind. Unless you already have experience in custom paint and body work, and have tried to install and gap parts that both are Aftermarket, and not year specific, then I would honestly say that you will more than likely have some more work involved instead of simply bolting parts on and go straight to paint.
As for your Fender, the $75 for your fender would be more consistent with either an Aftermarket Reproduction, or used part instead of an OEM CAPA Certified factory replacement which should run which should run you approximately $130 - $150 range. The big difference is the Aftermarket fender is basically a factory knock off made from a lot lighter less structural material, and is therefore cheaper than the OEM counterpart. It also will be much easier to dent, or could flex more than other parts due to its lighter density which if not prepped and painted to compensate could leed to paint issues down the road such as flaking off, and so on.
Then the last issue would be budget.
Lets say just for argument sake, you bought the Fender at your $75 cost, and had zero issues involved with the install, and then you got a good deal on your paint, for example getting the time and labor for free, and just pay for the materials involved. Here would be a quick breakdown of your project.
Fender:
$75.00
PTeazer Bumperette Front Fascia with Full Retro Grille
$1,140.00
Updated Headlight assembly Left and Right: Certified OEM Replacement:
$118.95, or $238.00 for the set.
surface prep materials, and a Factory Pack of waterborne Base/Clear Paint
to shoot the fender, complete front end, and blend the passenger front door, hood, and left front fender:
Roughly $400 - $500+ not including labor for the removal and disposal of the old parts, install of the new parts any fitment or related issues, time in the booth both for spraying, and for baking the base, and clear.
Total:
$1840.90
plus tax and shipping.
By the time you add the rest of the factors in, you will unfortunately be close if not more than double your budget to pull off the look. Please keep in mind, I am not trying to discourage you, but rather make sure you understand everything involvolved in a project like this. Anyways, for what its worth, that is my two cents into the mix. I wish you all the best in your repairs, and hope it all comes together good as new.
Go easy, and I'll catch ya later.
Candyman