Further Information

Hand laid, press moulded or IFP?

Hand laid parts are manufactured by hand laminating fibreglass mat and resin into a mould. This method produces a high strength panel with a reasonably uniform thickness and a smooth surface only on one side. These are the most cost effective and widely available panels in the UK and are suited to the vast majority of rebuilds and restorations.

Press moulded (PM) parts are formed under pressure in matched moulds as original. This produces a part with a smooth surface on both sides. The drawbacks to a press moulded part are initial outlay and they are also more prone to cracking during installation so care must be taken. Please be aware there is also a much longer lead time on press moulded panels.

IFP parts are more original looking fibreglass body panels with a fully finished inside to replicate factory original panels showing the same light fibreglass strand pattern as OEM but significantly less expensive.

When assembled with the appropriate bonding strips they are virtually identical in appearance from the original GM OEM panels. They are also stronger than Press Moulded parts and are easier to install. These are a superb alternative to press moulded for those looking for a more original looking panel.

Bonding strips may be installed with your reproduction front end to replicate a more factory finish, although they are not required. IFP or PM front ends come with header bars and nose reinforcements installed.

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