Best steel parts made.. ERIK NELSON

[graybo]

 You folks on this site are the best.  Any questions I have had you have all answered and I have met a great group of helpful people on this site.  Now it is my turn to return the favor!  If you or anyone you know is building a Daytona or Superbird please check out Erik Nelson for steel replacement parts.   I have already ordered ever single item he offers for a Superbird.  The parts were shipped very fast to my doorstep and I was amazed at how perfect the steel parts were.  Everything he makes fits like a glove.  I am building a SB clone and have no idea what I am doing.  Erik Nelson has emailed me and spoke to me numeours times and let me by the hand on how to put things together.  He is a true gentleman and a true expert metal builder.  I know if you need any steel he is your guy.  Z brackets, frame extensions, grille frame and corners, turn signal brackets, headlight buckets and pivots,  all are PERFECT.  You will not be disappointed.  I know this sounds like a commercial,,,but when I'm treated well I like to return the favor.  EriK builds all these parts to support his son's racing habit so help him and yourself out if you want perfect Daytona or Superbird parts.  You can PM me for more information.  Erik can be reached at erikjohnneslon@hotmail.com or 612-382-4723.  He is in the Stillwater, MN area.
I have pics but couldn't get them to post.  E'mail me for pics if you want.    

[graybo]

 z bracket pic

[graybo]

 

[graybo]

   Good stuff here boys!!!!!!  erikjohnnelson@hotmail.com

[remta1]

yep I brought some grill surrounds for my bird build and had to say the parts fitted perfectly, build quality and finish was excellent .

Eric nice to deal with as well 

[BigBlockSam]

i got my close out panel for the trunk lid from him. fit well

[graybo]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL YOUNZ!  GOD BLESS AND BEST TO ALL YOUR MOPAR KIN!

[rocket recon]

Concerning Master Builder Erik Nelson of Mopar parts I think he is one of the best if not the BEST in building Daytona or Superbird Mopar parts. I worked with him for a year rebuilding a 1969 Daytona every piece was exact, all price quotes were exact. I never had any problems with shipping, or communications with Erik. He answered any questions that I had either on the phone or by emailsending pictuers to help with instalation. My car was one of Petty's top 20 picks for 2013. Without Erik helps and expertise and great parts this once in a life time dream would have never come true. The car was signed by Richard Petty the KING! If you have any doubts about working with Erik you can rest assured that you are working with a great guy! Please contact me if you have any questions. Joe

[birdman1970]

Hey Graybo what are you using for a nosecone on your car??
I need to get all the same items as mine was wrecked in 1973 and a Roadrunner nose put on.
I would like to get a steel one if possible.

[WINGMAN]

 Well as long as your happy with Eriks parts I guess that is all that matters , But I have seen a few of his parts and they are substandard to say the least. I own a real Daytona and a good buddy of mine makes WAY better Repo Daytona parts than Mr E.Seems that there a lott of newbs on hear that just have not been around the block on wingcar parts yet.    (wingman) .

[nascarxx29]

You have many choices. Gene Gregory Rick Fairless offer these speciality type parts aswell.

[daytonalo]

From what I remember from a conversation with Eric years ago is that he doesn't make anything , he has vendors make parts as he sell equipment or something like that . Correct me if I have that wrong . Had a cust bring me a sample one of his Daytona parts that he was un happy with , maybe I'm biased but I was un-impressed

[Daytona R/T SE]

From what I remember from a conversation with Eric years ago is that he doesn't make anything , he has vendors make parts as he sell equipment or something like that . Correct me if I have that wrong . Had a cust bring me a sample one of his Daytona parts that he was un happy with , maybe I'm biased but I was un-impressed

Everything I (eventually...seven months after he got my money) got from him looked and fit like it was made by a drunk, blind, dyslexic monkey.

Cracked bondo on a "new" part ?

Never again...

[Tri-Poised]

I'd like to replace the parking lamp surround trim on my bird.  Who has had the best experience finding those?

[xs29j8Bullitt]

....and a true expert metal builder.  I know if you need any steel he is your guy.  Z brackets, frame extensions, grille frame and corners, turn signal brackets, headlight buckets and pivots,  all are PERFECT.  You will not be disappointed.    

Sorry, but that is not my take on his parts...  I have seen Erik's and Rick's parts in person, and the workmanship differences are clear, check out this old Moparts thread:

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=A12&Number=7087333

Even in your pictures, I see nothing approaching PERFECTION... not to say I own any PERFECT parts... but look carefully at these pictures... just IMHO

[Redbird]

Count me among the folks that are grateful that there are several sources of reproduction parts available.

Erik seems like a nice enough guy and seems to want things work for his customers. I have not seen his parts in person. From the pictures shown in this thread I could tell with only a casual glance major differences from original parts.

It would be nice if someone would post pictures of parts from the different suppliers next to original parts.

[WINGMAN]

  I think Gene Gregory no longer makes any parts. might be wrong can some one chime in on that. (Wingman)

[AKcharger]

I don't know this guy, never seen his parts and don't have an opinion, I'm just trying to get my post count up! 

[talkiemopar]

Your doing a good job. I LOVE GREEN. 

[DoubleDlover]

Ive gotten parts from all the different guys making them. Yea.. some parts are not that good from some of them and others are. some people have better molds or equipment. Or better connections to make them. So what I have done is get the best parts the person makes. So a little over here. A little over there. I don't think I should say which parts suck from which people. But The best thing to do is get a return agreement and that way your covered.

[panhead]

Count me among the folks that are grateful that there are several sources of reproduction parts available.

Erik seems like a nice enough guy and seems to want things work for his customers. I have not seen his parts in person. From the pictures shown in this thread I could tell with only a casual glance major differences from original parts.

It would be nice if someone would post pictures of parts from the different suppliers next to original parts.

Ok' here are some pics of the real thing.

[panhead]

And here are pics of mine. The real ones are stamped, and mine are hand formed. As you can tell.

Curt

[DonC1]

What gauge steel is that?
Looks like you welded the U groove into the piece...?

[1974dodgecharger]

I need more money to buy all these pieces....

[panhead]

What gauge steel is that?
Looks like you welded the U groove into the piece...?

I made mine in 18 gauge, same gauge as the real one. I did weld in the grooves,my roller won't make that tigh of a turn.

Curt

[DAY CLONA]

What gauge steel is that?
Looks like you welded the U groove into the piece...?

I made mine in 18 gauge, same gauge as the real one. I did weld in the grooves,my roller won't make that tigh of a turn.

Curt

Curt, if your using a roller to make some of your shapes on that Z bar, I salute you! cause 18 gauge is tough, I make my bars in 18 gauge also, (.047 thick) although the originals I measured at times were more like 16 gauge (.059) but with any thing mopar, esp wingcar, I'm sure there where variations...on my bars, I press in the Popsicle stick depression and the lower jogged edge with steel die plates that I made, the overall shape/curves/edges are then made on a rather elaborate wooden buck that I "cork" (hammer and dolly with an oak punch) the Z bar onto, once the metal is tightly formed onto the buck, then it's to shape, then the buck is broken down, and is reversible to fabricate the other side, this way all my Z bars are the same, one after another, left to right, it takes about 16 hrs to make a set, they are 1 pc as original, the only weldment is the front directional plate added...



The lower pic of Zbars does not incorporated the popsicle stick depression or the lower edge lip for the C frames, this is a repro of the "Crash Bar" that was offered into the mid 70's by Chrysler for crash parts, hence the part listing as "Crash Bar"

Mike

[DAY CLONA]

For those that don't know what "corking" metal is, it's an old school art of metalworking, you make a wooden buck/shape of the item desired in metal, the metal gets clamped/affixed to the wooden buck, then you direct blows from a hammer onto an oak fixture known as a "cork", this softens the hammer/dolly effect, it's a slow drawn out procedure that take's some practice to master, in order to achieve the shapes/edges/impressions you desire, this how the early coach builders made automobile body parts

[moparguy01]

I'm very surprised to see you cork that. I thought it was a lost art. Nicely done! 

[Redbird]

Curt and Mike, both very well done. The pictures tell very interesting stories. Besides a nosecone shell and latch tray, I would think the z brace would be one of the more difficult parts to fabricate and they are quite visible from the sides.

I would guess that more latch trays have survived since they would be ruined in accidents, where z braces were ruined by accidents and rust. Then again latch trays got chromed.

[DAY CLONA]

I'm very surprised to see you cork that. I thought it was a lost art. Nicely done!  

Thanks for the compliment! I pretty much "cork" everything I make in steel/aluminum/brass/etc it was the trade I was shown, my skills on the English Wheel are limited, as are they on a roller, corkings great for one off pieces, but a production demand puts a strain on one's physical stamina to hammer away for hours on end, day after day....I ain't getting any younger! over the years I've tried to move into more die making to make the parts more repetitively.....


My lower valance is a combo of die work and corking


Mike

[panhead]

Mike' your samply amazing!   

Curt

[Charger-Bodie]

I'm very surprised to see you cork that. I thought it was a lost art. Nicely done!  

Thanks for the compliment! I pretty much "cork" everything I make in steel/aluminum/brass/etc it was the trade I was shown, my skills on the English Wheel are limited, as are they on a roller, corkings great for one off pieces, but a production demand puts a strain on one's physical stamina to hammer away for hours on end, day after day....I ain't getting any younger! over the years I've tried to move into more die making to make the parts more repetitively.....


My lower valance is a combo of die work and corking


Mike

That car looks familiar..... 

[DAY CLONA]

That car looks familiar..... 
[/quote]



I "pirated" your pic there Brian every Daytona clone has a little Dayclona on it...somewhere

Mike

[Charger-Bodie]

That car looks familiar..... 

I "pirated" your pic there Brian every Daytona clone has a little Dayclona on it...somewhere

Mike
[/quote]

That is likely true. The one I built did,nice parts too. Along with top notch tech advice.

[NWHILLBILLY]

Just rec'd in the mail from Erik Nelson from Minnesota the A-pillar stainless trim for a 1969 Daytona Charger and 1970 Superbird. I've compared them to original trim pieces and find the fit and finish to be nicer than the originals. I would highly recommend getting ahold of this guy if you are restoring/reproducing a wing car. The stuff I've gotten from him is really nice unlike some other stuff that's out there.  From experience I know how hard it is to find good reputable people so I thought I'd share this info with you all.

[bakerhillpins]

For those that find this and want his contact info here is another thread with it and comments/images of his stuff.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=107198.0

[daytonalo]

Not what I have heard and seen !!!

Not my post
Everything I (eventually...seven months after Erik Nelson got my money) looked and fit like it was made by a drunk, blind, dyslexic monkey.

Cracked bondo on a "new" part ?

Never again... rotz

[DonC1]

I give credit to everyone that's made these parts in steel or attempted to. They're not easy to make. The Z bars alone with all their fold lines and stepped edges etc- that's a very involved piece to build from scratch.

[500Jon]

Hi AeroFolks,

Different standards for different Folks methinks?
If you are building a clone, then standards aren't gonna be 'SHOW STANDARD'!!!
I Have fitted new and original Daytona/Superbird parts and its 'hit and miss' every time.
We should only worry about the thngs you can see, especially on Clone cars.

Having worked on several 'Aerocars' there are marked differances even with Creative parts.
One that springs to mind is the lower 'window-plug' curvature (on the lower part of the window).
The curve on my December built 500 was 1/2'' less(lower) than an early Daytona one that I used in its place!
Which one is right???

BOTH ARE lol 

500JoN

[DAY CLONA]

[quote ]
If you are building a clone, then standards aren't gonna be 'SHOW STANDARD'!!!
We should only worry about the thngs you can see, especially on Clone cars.


500JoN
[/quote]





Any true craftsman/car crafter will be observant of all details, seen or hidden, that's what defines quality in a build, generally I'm at fault for bringing a "clone car" to a much higher standard(the kind of standard that borders on insanity) of finish than that of an OEM resto where factory error/fault is actually preserved

Mike   

[500Jon]

Nice collection of Aero's there Day-Clona!
Looks like you 'enjoy' a bit of fresh Air around your 'Barnet' with all those sunrooves LoL.

Some Folks have very high Standards, but they never get much done as they try to 'Guild the Lily'!
Rolls Royce and Bentleys are hand built masterpieces of cars.
Most 60's/70's production-line cars are throw together at best.

Most Folks just wanna drive their Mopars, not hide them in garages and take them to Shows only.
So a lower 'Standard' is better for 'Daily Drivers'.

So chill-out Guys and let Folks be happy with their lower Standards!

500JoN

[MBD_2000]

Hi All

I have not been out here in some time but thought I would pass along my comments on Erik Nelson's parts.  I have used then on 3 wing cars now in various forms and have not had a issue with fit or quality.  He has always delivered what he said he would on time and in the original quote.  He has been more than fair on price and delivery.
I have found his parts to top notch 

[daytonalo]

Amazing how we here " HE HAS THE BEST PARTS "  posts from these new under 5 post members ?? 
Here is what I have read and seen in person .
Not what I have heard and seen !!!

Not my post
Everything I (eventually...seven months after he got my money) got from him looked and fit like it was made by a drunk, blind, dyslexic monkey.

Cracked bondo on a "new" part ?

Never again... rotz

[panhead]

Any true craftsman/car crafter will be observant of all details, seen or hidden, that's what defines quality in a build, generally I'm at fault for bringing a "clone car" to a much higher standard(the kind of standard that borders on insanity) of finish than that of an OEM resto where factory error/fault is actually preserved

Mike   

I agree with Mike's statement above, as I'm the same way. That's way I trashed my first nose cone and the second one is hanging on the wall. If it isn't right I'll do it again until it's right.

Curt

[odcics2]

The level of quality depends on the degree of restoration, or over restoration.
For OEM level, you'd want the OEM look, flaws and all.   

My wing will retain all the dips, waves and pits it had from Day 1. 
The castings are rough, to say the least!

[daytonalo]

Not what I have heard and seen !!!

Not my post
Everything I (eventually...seven months after Erik Nelson got my money) looked and fit like it was made by a drunk, blind, dyslexic monkey.

Cracked bondo on a "new" part ?

Never again... rotz

[472 R/T SE]

Troy, the owner of the site, doesn't (or at least used to not) like members' having multiple usernames'.

[xs29j8Bullitt]

The author(s) of the posts claiming Erik Nelson's (or anyone  else's) "perfection" in building wing car reproduction parts should post pictures on the thread clearly showing this claim is believable... side by side photos would be even more convincing!  How about a "showdown" of Aero Car reporo vendors  at the next national level meet?  The vendors or their reps could be given time & space to display their wares, and side-by-side comparisons made...  Photos a-plenty could be made....   

[daytonalo]

All repro parts have flaws , were not the OEM with deep pockets with unlimited budgets for tooling . The ONLY problem I have are these jackasses with 2-5 posts and NEVER have contributed here stating his is he best . I have had his parts in my hands and was not impressed . The parts were bought by another vendor and I juat had to see them .

FYI EK doesn't make anything , he subs it out .  
Not what I have heard and seen !!!

Not my post
Everything I (eventually...seven months after Erik Nelson got my money) looked and fit like it was made by a drunk, blind, dyslexic monkey.

Cracked bondo on a "new" part ?

Never again... rotz

[DAY CLONA]

[quote
All repro parts have flaws , were not the OEM with deep pockets with unlimited budgets for tooling . The ONLY problem I have are these jackasses with 2-5 posts and NEVER have contributed here stating his is he best . I have had his parts in my hands and was not impressed . The parts were bought by another vendor and I juat had to see them .

FYI EK doesn't make anything , he subs it out .  
Not what I have heard and seen !!!

Not my post
Everything I (eventually...seven months after Erik Nelson got my money) looked and fit like it was made by a drunk, blind, dyslexic monkey.

Cracked bondo on a "new" part ?

Never again... rotz
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________












Larry, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, a few years back on this site the "great debate" was fiberglass vs steel components, I'd extol the virtues of having steel components (not just for correctness, but commonsense for structural or motion activated parts) and of course there were those singing the praise of fiberglass (esp if it came from the State of TeD'sAsS ) I'd be accused of trying to hawk my wares, but really I could not of cared if anyone bought anything, I was trying to point those with fiberglass blinders and feedbuckets attached, that fiberglass Z bars, headlight buckets, pivots and wings were not viable components for functional vehicles...now we're at the conundrum of who's parts are best, it doesn't matter, there are those that have their reasons for choosing a certain vendor, or combining vendors components....

I've done a lot of cars over the years, and made so many parts over the decades I have no idea of the volume, I do know who's parts I'm sent by enthusiasts/customers to correct, or evaluate for a possible correction, I worked on a few customer projects with Jack McGaughey, we usually traded our parts for one another's, as we each made things the other couldn't or wouldn't, Jack was indeed a true craftsman, Gene Gregory's components are also very nice and highly recommended, although Gene is slowly bowing out of the market (retirement again!) and yes Ted Janak offered some nice fiberglass components, but the structural/functional pcs IMHO were not acceptable, only because of the application, not the workmanship,....there's always going to be new vendors supplying parts, or attempting too, if their parts are inferior, or unusable, word gets around, the wingcar world is small

Mike

[graybo]

Just got my wind deflectors!!!!! Very nice. Stainless. Thanks Erik NELSON.   

[graybo]

Just got my headlight doors from NELSON.  He took Janak FG doors and installed on his frames.  I am very pleased with his shipping, price and professionalism.  Here are some pics. I know they will work well.

[graybo]

More pics.

[graybo]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?   I just started reading all the posts.  I really got some people pissed?  My intention was not to upset anyone but to merely show my appreciation for the quality parts I received from a real professional.   Some guy on this site even called me a jack ass for posting my opinion of the parts I recieved?   What is wrong with these people?  I am building a clone, and yes I am new to the WING CAR,  but i have been around Mopars since I was born. I have built more mopars myself than most of the people running there mouth have probably ever owned.  I cannot belive that the negative a holes on this site have no life, and all the time in the world to bitch about parts and people.  Time to get a life guys.   I have bought parts from Janak, Gregory, Jack M, Stinger, Nelson, and many more vendors/builders.  Some parts got sent back other I used... But I''m not gonna go on a site and rip someone just to do it.  If someone needs my honest opinion please call or email.  Thanks  Graybo 724-290-0362.  And If you still wanna call me a jack ass for refering quality parts....we could meet in person

[BigBlockSam]

 

[graybo]

I won't be wronged, I wont be Insulted and I wont be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to others, and I require the same from them.

No more true words could have been written.  Thanks BBSAM!!

[daytonalo]

PEACE

[Crabtree charger]

Wow! I hope I don't fit into the jackass catagory being a new member and all, building my first of two wing cars. I need and look forward to the feedback you guys post. This will be my tenth post, noob. Now if I could only figure out how to load a picture without my wifes help I would be rockin.

[AKcharger]

... Some guy on this site even called me a jack ass for posting my opinion of the parts I recieved?   What is wrong with these people?

lol ...Sorry Graybo, we have the standard ratio of idiots here just like anywhere. We're glad you're here    

To make up for the insulting people please look at the lady below

[green69rt]

I have to say that I have received some "sharp" comments on my posts.   I just chalk it up to the limitations of the posting system.   I've even had good advice from people that I respect but if I don't like it I don't follow it.   Other "comments" are just ignored, life's to short.  Don't let these kind of things scare you off.  Have fun and looks like you're making some progress....

[gtx6970]

Someone correct me if i am wrong but no one makes a steel Daytona nose that I am aware of,

'if there is pm me details.

I think I'm gonna need one

[WINGMAN]

  My buddy (Panhead) makes steel noses, if you are vary nice he might make you one  (Wingman)  JR.

[hemi68charger]

Bringing this thread back from hibernation... Anyone know if Erik is still making aero parts? I just emailed him with the email address on this thread and it bounced back as undeliverable...  I have texted the number in the Daytona/Superbird newsletter....

[Mopar John]

Bringing this thread back from hibernation... Anyone know if Erik is still making aero parts? I just emailed him with the email address on this thread and it bounced back as undeliverable...  I have texted the number in the Daytona/Superbird newsletter....

Troy,
When I dropped off my Superbird at Troy Angelly's shop on Wednesday one of the Daytona's that they were working on
was waiting for a steel nose from Eric Nelson. Based on that I believe he is still making parts.
The only recent contact info that I have is the back page of the DSAC newsletter that you already tried.
MJ

[hemi68charger]

Got a hold of Erik a little while ago. I will call him this afternoon...

[DonC1]

What's he charging for a nosecone?

[hemi68charger]

What's he charging for a nosecone?

Not sure, didn't ask... I was inquiring to him on bezels on my search for options...... But may go another route now..... Nice guy.. Talked on the phone and is willing to work with people........

[Charger-Bodie]

When did start making noses?

[Mopar John]

I feel that I should reply here about Erik making nose cones since I brought it up.
The information that I was given was that Erik received a set of panels that had been previously
stamped and was to assemble them into a complete nose.
So I don't want to give the impression he's out there making nose cones.
Maybe someone who speaks to him directly can update us?
MJ

[NYCMille]

I'll jump in here really quick as I speak from experience. Most of you know I have a Daytona clone. When we build the car almost 10 years ago now (damn... ) I researched everyone and everything. I talked to countless people about who to go to and why. Mike (Day Clona) was instrumental in getting our Daytona project rolling. From the quality of the parts he supplied, to the guidance and knowledge about these cars, the build couldn't have happened without him.

From a quality perspective, the parts have always been top notch. We've got almost 35,000 foot to the floor F.U. miles on the car. We've raced it, it's been driving cross country twice, rallied, drag raced... you name it, and everything that was supplied almost 10 years ago still looks, fits and preforms exactly as it did the day we installed it.

Just my  

[Stevearino]

I'll jump in here really quick as I speak from experience. Most of you know I have a Daytona clone. When we build the car almost 10 years ago now (damn... ) I researched everyone and everything. I talked to countless people about who to go to and why. Mike (Day Clona) was instrumental in getting our Daytona project rolling. From the quality of the parts he supplied, to the guidance and knowledge about these cars, the build couldn't have happened without him.

From a quality perspective, the parts have always been top notch. We've got almost 35,000 foot to the floor F.U. miles on the car. We've raced it, it's been driving cross country twice, rallied, drag raced... you name it, and everything that was supplied almost 10 years ago still looks, fits and preforms exactly as it did the day we installed it.

Just my  

Still one of the sweetest looking clones out there Mike.