Factory Dash tops update post #110 $340 for late, New dash tops like OEM Options

[Mikey914]

We have been making the solid rubber dash tops for many years now and yes they will not crack, but the materials costs have gone up significantly. We are doing our best to hold our prices down, but we will have to raise them eventually (Currently $650 full retail).

The way the factory made the OEM dashes is MUCH cheaper. It uses a less dense foam (that also is not self skinning) and has the vinyl stretched over the low density foam. This is why they all crack at the same points.

We have already committed to making the tooling and have a projected release date of late July early August. We are projecting that we can sell these full retail at $495, and like always we will do a group buy with a significant discount. While I hate to throw this out there before we have everything worked out I felt it important to note that there are pending. I know George always says this is such a small market to make parts for that 2 people making the same parts makes it more difficult, but you the consumer will benefit here.

Significantly.

So with the knowledge that these are forth coming I'm posting and if you are interested (we are looking in the low $300 range for these). Let me know here. Like always if I can do better I do pass it on.

Thanks all (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
PS We will have the solid rubber re run in about 20 days. We are currently doing them up now. It's unfortunately why we had to raise the retail to $650 as the material went up again.

[Montreal914]

I have one of the rubber ones (no installed yet).

Is there a reason why I should be interested in this new version? Better finish, closer to stock look?

I was under the impression the original reproduction (rubber from what I understand) was a great replacement part.

Not sure I understand the purpose of this new version. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

And who's producing it? 914Rubber, AA, a third party for either or both? AA has come out with the same product at the same time for double the price of 914Rubber. There must be something I am not getting here...

[GregAmy]

I was under the impression the original reproduction (rubber from what I understand) was a great replacement part.

I can vouch for the 914Rubber part. It's a great bit that's well worth the money spent.

So I'm a bit confused as to the purpose of these two new options, and why the few vendors/producers we have are inter-competing in this limited marketspace.

Clearly, I don't understand the business aspects of 914 parts market, but it seems to me, as an owner/customer, that I'd really prefer to see vendors focusing on producing parts we still can't get, versus offering three versions of the same part.

I fear we're evolving (de-volving?) into the silly 911 concourse mindset...where guys in silly hats and jackets are checking for Q-tip cleaning marks on the door edges...if we're jumping that shark here, then maybe that offer to swap for a clean Boxster S isn't such a bad idea.

Just my thoughts...and fears.

[mepstein]

I was under the impression the original reproduction (rubber from what I understand) was a great replacement part.

I can vouch for the 914Rubber part. It's a great bit that's well worth the money spent.

So I'm a bit confused as to the purpose of these two new options, and why the few vendors/producers we have are inter-competing in this limited marketspace.

Clearly, I don't understand the business aspects of 914 parts market, but it seems to me, as an owner/customer, that I'd really prefer to see vendors focusing on producing parts we still can't get, versus offering three versions of the same part.

I fear we're evolving (de-volving?) into the silly 911 concourse mindset...where guys in silly hats and jackets are checking for Q-tip cleaning marks on the door edges...if we're jumping that shark here, then maybe that offer to swap for a clean Boxster S isn't such a bad idea.

Just my thoughts...and fears.

I agree with not creating the same part x 3 but in this case, vendor b is coming up with a similar or same part for half the price of vendor aa. So in this case, a competitive market is beneficial to the consumer, at least short term. Who knows what might happen to supply and demand in the future.