Autocraft vs. Klassicfab vs. Wolfsburg West vs. BBT

[earlywesty]

I am wondering if anybody has put equivalent sheet metal parts side by side and compared the quality? Is there much of a difference? I'd like to see photos comparing the two and noting differences/similarities and quality of each...

Now that autocraft is more readily available in NA, I am considering it as an option, I'd like to use something other than funky green for personal reasons, if the quality is good. I have a very large sheet metal order to place soon and want to get the best bang for my buck....

I am sure there must be others wondering the same thing...

[beetleseb]

I have used autocraft on my bus and its great!!

It helps that they are based less than 80 miles from me but I was very happy with the bits I got

All the parts are crisply and cleanly cut and everything fitted perfectly.
_________________
Wanted - OG 50 split bug door panels, brown mats and old running boards

[earlywesty]

[krusher]

I have used both many times

I have ranked them like this before

NOS 10
autocraft 9
classic fab 7-9

Anything that autocraft makes is equiverlant or better than classic fab.

Wolfberg west now also make excellent front and cargo floors and a very good looking cargo rocker, which I have in the shop but have yet to fit. (but it has crisper corners that even the good autocraft.)
_________________
(06:31:07) RoachGhia: "i drink dick way too fast"

[earlywesty]

[60sunroof]

I need some bus replacement parts,where is Autocraft out of?
not the engine guys is it?

[bubba]

Autocraft can not keep up with production , also they are very limited on what they sell. Autocraft is NOT sold in the USA...and also the price of parts is almost double the price of Klassicfab. This has been a sore spot for the UK guys for a long time.... Yes, the parts Autocraft makes are super nice.... clean and crisp like stated above..... but.... do they make complete A pilers specific to your year bus? Do they make frame sections? do they make 1950 vertical tire Barndoor doglegs? Sorry , I'm bias on the other end of this battle... Klassicfab worked with me to build the right parts for my 1950 kombi to make it as correct as it came from the factory! I would love to see some of these guys who have completely rebuilt some of these barndoors with only the roof remaining with Auocraft as the only supplier!!!

[volksaddict]

x2.
Klassicfab's availability of year and model specific parts cannot be matched. They make pieces that no one else will ever make.

[Slow Steve]

I have bought the funky green stuff before and have to say that I have no complaints, only compliments. I bought my parts directly from Klassicfab via email. There was a small mixup, but was quickly corrected by Gerson himself. Quality of parts were great (maybe a little trimming here and there.. no biggie at all) and customer service was top notch; quick responses to emails, fast shipping and correction to minor mixup. My 2 cents.
_________________
BarryL wrote:
100 years from now when they have reverse atom regeneration attractor technology perfected and in a hand held back yard mechanic's price range, someone will dig up this thread and go, "What were those guys thinking? The whole thing was all there just waiting to be re-atomized. Funny how easily they cut them up back then."
___________________

74 911
72 914
65 13w Deluxe
60 Ragtop

[widehatch]

a comparison of bus rockers. i pulled the pics and comments from a different VW forum

one original and 3 aftermatket. most of you can guess which one is which by the colors

OG cargo rocker profile

The Schofield was of correct gauge but all dimensions were off by 1/8" plus the bend radius's just sucked ass

WW was 1/8" short to the gasket surface plus .009" too thin a gauge metal...sucks balls cuz it was a great looking part.

KF was crappy too but was limited to the top bend just not being broken over quite enough. Other cosmetic flaws were hammered out.

After 3.5 hours tonight I got an acceptable cargo rocker ready to start fitting

_________________
Missouri Micros

[oldskool69]

[widehatch]

[VWsArent4Hippies]

[purplepeopleeater]

Interesting that autocraft is selling in the US...If I recall they are making repair panels for other VW's as well and are some of the best if not the only supplier.


Now KF needs to start poppin' panels for vanagons.

[krusher]

[Robertjm]

I just called the number on the Vintage Volkswagen website. Honestly sounded like I was talking to Peggy from the Discover commercial!!

Anyways, he's in the process of getting the new website up and running, which should be a couple of months. Till then he suggested using the Auto Craft Enginnering UK website as reference for parts. Then I can call them with the info.

He said they are bringing in about 10-20% of the catalog to begin with, adding the remainder little by little. If they don't have what you want in stock they will special order it from the UK, which he estimated would take up to three weeks.

My question is this. I need to get the window sill section under the right window. Do I get one if Gerson's green wonders now, or do I wait and order an autocraft one a bit later?

Thoughts?

Robert
_________________
1967 VW Double Cab Pickup
2003 Mercedes ML-500
1995 Saab 900SE Turbo Convertible (Crossed over into Valhalla April 2014)
1972 VW Squareback (Autobahn in the Sky - July 1987)

[LJay]

[BarryL]

[bubba]

[bubba]