I was looking thru a couple of reputable websites, and Ebay, for front fenders ( 03 Silverado) and found that they offer two different part numbers for front fenders ( and probably other body parts). The parts labeled as " Made in the U.S, " are a few hundred dollars less expensive than the Mexico parts. Both parts state that they are OEM genuine GM parts. Anybody notice this before? Are the U.S. parts of good quality? I will be at Chevy Wednesday and see if the dealership offers the U.S. parts.

 

Im pretty sure they are the same thing. Just two differnet plants. Lot of these trucks were built in mexico, texas, and canada. The two out of US were more expensive than the US made one.

My buddy has his 01 silverado, same as mine (but his is a all grey) and his OG window sticker was 32,xxx and mine was 29,xxx. He was built in mexico and mine is built in Texas. Maybe import fees or something?

 

Or timing of the build. The price doesnt typically change based on where its made, but prices are subject to change without notice.

Weird to see US based parts cheaper than import based on todays economy. If both parts are truely OEM, take the cheaper option. Both parts certify to GM warranty standards for quality and materials.

 

There are some minor differences in how the parts were produced.

I remember looking for a HD hood and they told me the bolt holes were different and that I need to get the right hood for where my truck was produced or buy new hinges.

I don't know of the exact differences in the fenders but I would be curious to know what they are. The only thing I can physically see is the fender brackets are different but everything else appears the same.

 

Stopped at the dealership this afternoon and had the parts manager do a search. His data shows that the more expensive fender is not for an 03, but it is for an 04 and newer with an appearance package. He did not have any info on what the package might be, probably an RPO item. Anyway, I ordered the U.S. made fender. Kind of strange, but I have worked with this guy for years and he has always been accurate.

 

I wonder what they had in that market that would make it different?

Glad you got it figured out.

 

And better yet, for a change, the less expensive part is what I needed!!!!

 

That's always nice!!!