Hey all! All you east coasters, is anyone familiar with New Age Motorsports - the folks that bought out Flatlanders and are now producing 32 bodies? I was at a run this weekend in Puyallup WA and saw their 32 5-window coupe bodies and they're probably the nicest and best detailed ones I've seen, at least in the 5-window coupe ones. I'm thinking about buying one and thought I'd see if anyone knows anything about them.

Here is the link http://www.newage-motorsports.com/

Six or seven years ago I was in Newport and stopped by Flatlanders to take a look. They had a very nice 32 five window body on display. I was impressed. If memory serves me correctly the molds were originally commissioned by a wealthy Mexican hot rod buff. His intention was to make the bodies in Mexico and sell them here. But the business did not fly and he sold them to (the molds) to Flatlanders.
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An Old California Rodder
Hiding Out in the Ozarks

I will check with Alan tomorrow at Flatlanders here in Norfolk. I don't think the "Mexican " story is correct but I will get the real story. If he is still buying bodies from them it is a good sign, he has been in the buisness since the seventies and knows glass bodies.

Thanks a lot, guys! The more info the better, we've all heard horror stories of guys ordering stuff from across the country and not happy with what they got! The body I saw at the show was REALLY nice and had all the stock markings etc - I was really impressed! I had heard before that Flatlanders had really nice coupe bodies. The other thing I'm concerned about is delivery time and "safe shipping".

Hey MikeC! I was under the impression that Flatlanders was bought out by New Age Motorsports. Did you find anything else out? Man, whoever's making those bodies they're sure nice!

Sorry I haven't had a chance to call Alan yet. I know he sold his molds to someone in CT. a couple of years ago. Flatlanders Street Rods in Norfolk is still very active and in business. They do primarily nostalgic style rods. I think they have been in business since about 1973-or '74. He also makes axels and does media blasting. I have heard some mixed feelings about their work but I have a great relationship with them and treat me very fair. They must be doing something right because they are booked pretty solid through the end of the year.
I will try to reach him now.

OK, here is the scoop. I talked with Alan at Flatlander's tonight. He sold his 5 window mold to New Age a few years ago. But first let me get the Mexico thing straight. He originally bought these molds and a bunch of others from a guy in Mexico. It seems that this guy;s father was quite wealthy and left all his sons $41 million each. The guy lost interest and Alan bought it all. Was a tough negotiation he said with someone who really wasn't to motivated for a deal. Anyway that was in like '89. The guy is now in Vancouver BC and has built a garage that is like 40 x 90!
I asked about the quality of the bodies these guys are making from his old molds. He said they are doing a great job and only changed the square tubing to round in the framework. The rest is identical. His only comment was that they dropped all their dealers (including Flatlanders) and are a little difficult to deal with. Hard to get them to make delivery committments and firm up a price. He said they are also making a 3 window from the other mold.
He said it was one of the best bodies on the market if you had patience.
Hope this helps.
Mike

Thanks again Mike! I talked to them the other day and Ed, the guy I talked to, seemd like a good guy. I think I'm going to order one. Now, to sell my roadster body!