Endura nose cones

[jcarlso1]

am restoring 69 catalina convertible and am wondering what experience others have had with the Endura nose cone...needs to be replaced or fixed. Which is better? Who to contact for replacement? Thanks, jcarlson

[Larry]

The '69 full-size Pontiacs suffered greatly from deteriorating Endura noses. Unfortunately I have not seen any replacements. There is a source for Grand Am noses made out of fiberglass, but I haven't seen full-size, or even GTO replacements.

There are some very detailed articles on repairing one yourself, or at a shop. But be very careful if you have a shop repair yours, that they understand the process and the proper materials to use. Many a shop over the years has slapped bondo on the Endura noses and called it a day.

Please let us all know what you discover in this repair quest. Others will benefit from your findings.

Check this article in our On-Line Magazine about Endura repairs (click on the link below). It is very informative. http://www.pontiacregistry.com/members/online_magazine.php?view=1&article=59

[super]

Hi Larry,

There is actually a gentlemen that makes fiberglass replacements noses for the '69. Ben had looked in to replacing his on one of rides. Ben could get the info for you if you are interested.

I will give you a phone number Larry if you would like to check with him.

[Larry]

When you return from Norwalk, could you post that info on the replacement nose here for everyone to see?

There aren't a lot of full-size '69s out there, but those you do see usually need a nose job of some sort. I wonder, were these units thinner/weaker than the GTO items?

NEWS FLASH! I just did a search and found a replacement bumper at: http://www.replica-plastics.com/EditParts.aspx?Make=Pontiac

Scroll down a bit and it is shown, priced at $125.00. Might be the answer we are looking for. It is a company called Replica Plastics in Dothan, Alabama. They make a lot of replacement plastic parts for many cars.

[jcarlso1]

what have you heard about the fiberglass replacements? Do they look good? California Pontiac Restoration appears to have fiberglass nose for 69 bonne and cat. Afraid if we just 'fix' the existing nose, that everytime the hood gets shut we will take the chance of cracking it or worse as the repairs needed are to the edge that butts up against the hood.

[jcarlso1]

That pic looks good. Gonna do some further checking into that one!

[Larry]

What I know about the company making these, is that they have been around for a good while, advertise all over, and I have never heard anything bad about them or their products. A call to them with questions about fit and finish, and even return policy if you are not happy with it is worthwhile.

Ask California Pontiac Restorsation the same questions. Rich, the owner is a great guy and very honest. Yopu might askif he gets his items from the Dothancompany too. Remember that CPR offers our PontiacRegistry.com members a 10% discount ontheir purchases.

Go to "AFFILIATES" atthe top of the homepage, then click on "Member Discounts" and then "Parts." Find California Pontiac restoration and print out your "Discount Coupon." It will have your "Discount Code." to give to Rich.

If you have any problem or questions give me a yell.

Also, keep us posted on what you learn about these parts.

Larry

[super]

Larry,

I will check with Ben, but I am positive the company you located is the correct one. Dothan Company.

[jcarlso1]

..I did order a fiberglass nose replacement from Replica Plastics..but it just didn't fit good so returned it. We picked up a 3M product..Structural Adhesive..which we used to fix the original nose. There was a huge chunk missing off the top..right behind the emblem and there were big gouges down the front. This product worked great..easy to work with as well. It has been on over a year now and we've had no problems. Plus, I live up north (Minnesota) so it has also withstood the test of drastically low temperatures. Looks great. It is painted with Dupont basecoat/clearcoat..same paint as is on the rest of the car.

[Larry]

Great looking job. I guess it kinda proves that trying to fix the original is better than jumping into replacement items... it is rare that someone reports how perfectly the repo items fit/worked.

The Minnesota temperature swings should be the acid test.

Glad it worked out... and turned out... so well.