New sheet metal for a ’73 Olds?

Question:

I’m looking for new sheet metal for a 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible. I’ve found used parts in California but I’d prefer to buy new if I can.

Answer:

As I’ve pointed out many, many times in this column in the past, it is extremely difficult to find new or even good used sheet metal for vintage cars that are not

at the top of the popularity chart— namely Mustangs, Camaros, and the like. The absence of new reproduction sheet metal for your Oldsmobile and thousands of other cars is a stark reflection of the simple economics involved. There isn’t enough demand to justify the considerable expense involved in reproducing the body panels. There are lots of people who earn their living reproducing and selling vintage car body panels, and if they could make a sufficient profit manufacturing

Delta 88 panels then they would do it. So, this is a long-winded way of saying, buy the used parts that you found in

California if they are in good condition!