bumper top seals, NLA from the factory Options

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

I am very worried about the availability of the front bumper top seals. I just got word that the tooling has gone bad and has been disposed of. I bought the last 13 bumper top seals in the world but they have windshield washer holes in them I priced the tooling and it is over 30,000 to make. Then I would have to commit to 1000 pieces.
The point here is what are we going to do in the restoration of our 914s if a high appearance item like this cannot be purchased? Any one want to step up to the plate?

[tod914]

Original post states George would have to commit to 1,000 units. Mikey is picking up the ball on this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Tom_T]

Original post states George would have to commit to 1,000 units. Mikey is picking up the ball on this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Tod -

I'm just questioning George's math & economic analysis, since the "nut" or "hurdle" to recover the $30k tooling cost is only 75 units at $400 retail apiece. I do understand that there are other materials, labor & process costs involved in this, but I really doubt that 1000 units is required to hit break-even overall, and start making a profit - particularly since he could & would probably charge more like $5-600 for this NLA item! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

As an MBA in business for myself since `83, I know the process of analyzing & evaluating such a business venture, and I think that there is substantial profit in doing this venture, given both higher pricing possible - given that when last available they went for over $500 a year or so ago, and that over time of 3-5 years, 1000 units sold is probably feasible - let alone the long term sales. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

...and then there's all those other NLA parts - particularly front & rear "tits" (& the rear top strip will soon be NLA too - although I just got one from PP for 15% off), lighting USA plastic lenses, etc. which could be outsourced to auto parts makers without much business right now!? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

...hint, hint to those entrepreneurs out there. Heck - with Real Estate Development 'dead" right now, maybe I should look into this venture myself!?
....hmmmmmm (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Anyone else see the benefits? ...anyone know of auto parts suppliers back in MI, IN, etc. for similar parts in need of specialty products to produce in the downturn?
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

Good Luck to Mikie (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

...and keep me posted, as I still need for my `73 2L App. Grp. car: L & R front tits & top strip/pad - as well as: F & R chrome bumpers, 2 fog lights & switch, original dual tone horn(s), L & R rear taillight assys. plus the US lenses! ...all having been damaged in the 5/85 accident! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[Tom_T]

[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 02:46 PM' post='1158675']
[quote name='tod914' post='1158580' date='Apr 16 2009, 10:45 AM']

...and keep me posted, as I still need for my `73 2L App. Grp. car: L & R front tits & top strip/pad - as well as: F & R chrome bumpers, 2 fog lights & switch, original dual tone horn(s), L & R rear taillight assys. plus the US lenses! ...all having been damaged in the 5/85 accident! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)
[/quote]

PS - does anyone know why all the used F & R top strips/pads seem to have a series of "dimples" every inch or so across the middle where the "crease" is??

Even my damaged ones are in far better shape rubber-wise (except for a small tear on the front-left), if they can just be shaped back into the proper curve - NO dimples at all!

Maybe I should just re-fit & use those!!?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

...any "Thotz" from the Xperts out there?

REAR TOP STRIP - NEW VS. DAMAGED/OLD:



> not much diff in condition - bend aside!


...continued next post...