Hi Dale, the only repro ferrules I've seen are the 70's style with the felt center, but if you know of something different that would be great.
My panels were built by Cars Inc. using a set of original top rails I supplied them.
They don't provide ferrules although some competitors do, but they install metal edge bands with welded nails unlike Ciadella for example which provides the bands but with separate clip into slots in the backer board type nails.
Others like PUI, TMI and Distinctive don't even use edge bands which is a definite weak spot since a slit so close to the edge of the board tends to break when pulling the panels if the pry tool is not right on target because the nails grip so hard.
Cars Inc. panels have all the perimeter vinyl fully wrapped and glued to the back of the rail and board with the nails poking thru which saves upholstery work hassle.
They also install the weatherstrips if you buy them, with the authentic series being not much more than the generic version..
They're installed with short black oxide Phillips screws instead of staples like OEM though, and you have to buy an 8 piece kit of which they install 2.
The carpet meets vinyl delineator stainless strip is not provided unlike some competitors, but I just bought the whole kit by OER along with the reflectors.
The Cars Inc. mylar strip for the SS badge is a little lacking, there's no flat spot in the center ridge for the badge as seen with other brands, so the badge won't sit as flush and you have to measure from original panels for placement.
Nobody gets it right though because original panels have a recessed circle with a perimeter lip for the badge.
Obviously these repro strips are just spooled off a continuous roll of material instead of being individual parts.
Cars Inc. makes no holes in the vinyl with only the cranks and armrest holes scored in the backer board.
Just as well since it's best to Jiffy mark the crank ends and arm rest screws and hang the panels and see where the marks transfer.
With these integral nail panels, you want to install the plastic retainers in the door last, after all the trial fitments are done.
Cars Inc. likely makes no holes in the backer board for trim pieces since they're best installed from marking your own holes in the vinyl, not going from pre-punched holes in the backer board, just can't trust those locations to be true to the seam lines in the vinyl.
