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?

[jonferns]

Im sure that nobody is going to swallow the cost of the tooling, but im sure that there are quite a few interested and who can commit to buying a seal or two. Put me down for one if you decide to do it.

[tod914]

Think the only concievable way to do it, would be to have the production costs covered up front. 1000 units I don't see how one could possibly sell that many. 300 units @ $100 would be hard enough to do. Would 150 club members chip in for that to get a huge price break? Don't see it happening unfortunetly. That's alot of people.

[JeffBowlsby]

So George, tell us a little about the bumper tops you do have with the washer jet holes. Can one of those be used to make a mold from? How much are they?

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Yes they can be used as a model for a new part, and they cost the same as the original ones. The hole would be a problem to fill in and get it to look right for concours. Adding headlight washers is the only solution but I have not checked to see if they are still available!!!!!
I have one of the bumper tops at a molder now who does silicone molds to see if I can get a cheap factory look pad that at least will LOOK like the original.
The point about all of this is I am beginning to feel like Pat, disheartened that I can no longer restore a 914 to the level that I want by buying all of the factory parts to do it, and now look at the original unmolested cars that I have and covet them more than ever. 914 restoration will have to become one off and the original cars now to skyrocket in value.

[914Sixer]

I have one NOS one we can use for a pattern. I emailed George about this one.

[Pat Garvey]

Think the only concievable way to do it, would be to have the production costs covered up front. 1000 units I don't see how one could possibly sell that many. 300 units @ $100 would be hard enough to do. Would 150 club members chip in for that to get a huge price break? Don't see it happening unfortunetly. That's alot of people.

Tod,

I think we all rcognize what one of these things is potentially woth, to a collector (CW). And $100 wouldn't touch it.

I don't need one right now, but if I'm stupid enough to hang in with this car I'll need one down the road. Same for the rear.

So, just for curiosity, I DO need one - now. How much would I (CW) be willing to spend? Well, there are next to none (new) available. What are my options? Ever see a 914 without one? Looks really bad & destroys resale.

In my estimation, 914 owners MUST have a source for these. Front or rear, if someone (listening George?) needs these, they need these - no getting around it. Would you pay $500? If I had no other choice I'd do it in a nanosecond, when I need one. Hell, I'd probably pay more.

1000 units? You may be surprised, especially when the availability of junker car parts is exhausted.

A good mule is needed, which 914sixer has offered.

Do it!
Pat

ps: getting back a small amount of enthusiasm when I see posts like this.

[PanelBilly]

Six hundred and shipping. That's what I paid and I was only concerned about making sure it was new. My car's not going to be all original, but the idea of a fiberglass bumper, just wasn't going to fly

[Tom_T]

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?

So George - I need one & have recently looked at your AA parts on-line & you show genuine still available & at your 30% off sale at $380 or $450 - do those have the holes then???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I'm also looking for the 2 front "tits" / bumper horns for my `73, which you also list - are they really new & genuine at $53 Left & $76 Right???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Why don't you pm me with what you actually have available, and look at this post below for the F & R Chrome Bumpers that I need to either fix & re-chrome or replace - at something less than $1500 - $2000 tho!

Posted Pix of Damaged `73 2L Chromies at:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...64208&st=60

If they had holes - I seem to recall that Porsche made a black plastic plug to fill them, when washers weren't installed?? ....does that work at all??

What's the progress on your repros? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

By the way guys, by my good ole' HP12C calculator - at even only the middle of the above range $400 apiece - that's only 75 bumper top pads to recoup the $30,000 in tooling costs! ....NOT 1,000 at $100 each - although over several years with them being NLA, I'm sure they'll sell that & more!

While probably not of interest to a multi-billion-$$ conglomerate like Porsche - esp. in this crap economy, but I'd say it should be of great interest to George/AA, PP, Pelican or somebody out there! That break even in just 75 units + materials & labor to produce the first batch - perhaps only 100 - 150 to sell, is a pretty good investment for someone in the Biz like AA!

[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...

[Tom_T]

[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:34 PM' post='1158704']
[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...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - DRIVER SIDE DETAIL:




REAR TOP STRIP - PASS SIDE DETAIL:



> no tears on rear one!

...continued next post...

[Tom_T]

[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:42 PM' post='1158707']
[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:34 PM' post='1158704']
[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...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - DRIVER SIDE DETAIL:




REAR TOP STRIP - PASS SIDE DETAIL:



> no tears on rear one!

...continued next post...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - CENTER DETAIL:



> still no tears on rear one - but not the case for the front! --V


FRONT TOP STRIP - DRIVER-SIDE OUTSIDE TEAR DETAIL:




FRONT TOP STRIP - DRIVER-SIDE INSIDE TEAR DETAIL:




> maybe fixable with rubberized sealant - particularly the inside, but never a concours job for sure - but what are the choices now with fronts being NLA ????

...continued next post...

[tod914]

Tom, someone posted in the main about offering a service to repair them.

[Tom_T]

[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:51 PM' post='1158711']
[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:42 PM' post='1158707']
[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:34 PM' post='1158704']
[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...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - DRIVER SIDE DETAIL:




REAR TOP STRIP - PASS SIDE DETAIL:



> no tears on rear one!

...continued next post...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - CENTER DETAIL:



> still no tears on rear one - but not the case for the front! --V


FRONT TOP STRIP - DRIVER-SIDE OUTSIDE TEAR DETAIL:




FRONT TOP STRIP - DRIVER-SIDE INSIDE TEAR DETAIL:




> maybe fixable with rubberized sealant - particularly the inside, but never a concours job for sure - but what are the choices now with fronts being NLA ????

...continued next post...
[/quote]

...and more...

FRONT TOP STRIP - CENTER & DRIVER SIDE DETAIL:



^ dark marks to left of tear are just my oily footprint when I crawled over car before removing this bumper - not another tear!



FRONT TOP STRIP - CENTER & PASS SIDE DETAIL:




> no other tears on front one!


...continued next post...

[Tom_T]

[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 04:05 PM' post='1158717']
[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:51 PM' post='1158711']
[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:42 PM' post='1158707']
[quote name='Tom_T' date='Apr 16 2009, 03:34 PM' post='1158704']
[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...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - DRIVER SIDE DETAIL:




REAR TOP STRIP - PASS SIDE DETAIL:



> no tears on rear one!

...continued next post...
[/quote]

...and more...

REAR TOP STRIP - CENTER DETAIL:



> still no tears on rear one - but not the case for the front! --V


FRONT TOP STRIP - DRIVER-SIDE OUTSIDE TEAR DETAIL:




FRONT TOP STRIP - DRIVER-SIDE INSIDE TEAR DETAIL:




> maybe fixable with rubberized sealant - particularly the inside, but never a concours job for sure - but what are the choices now with fronts being NLA ????

...continued next post...
[/quote]

...and more...

FRONT TOP STRIP - CENTER & DRIVER SIDE DETAIL:



^ dark marks to left of tear are just my oily footprint when I crawled over car before removing this bumper - not another tear!



FRONT TOP STRIP - CENTER & PASS SIDE DETAIL:




> no other tears on front one!


...continued next post...
[/quote]


...and FINALLY...


FRONT TOP STRIP OVERALL: (1 nut still unreachable due to "tit"-brace & bent bumper)




> it has the one tear on the outside from the detail shots above - but NO annoying dimples!!!!


...so - wuddiya think? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[Tom_T]

Tom, someone posted in the main about offering a service to repair them.

Gee Thanx Tod! Where was that link/thread? ...any idea where in the US they're located?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[tod914]

He's in TN. Very active on the board, 914rrr??? He also has the very nice olympic blue car (turbo).

[Tom_T]

He's in TN. Very active on the board, 914rrr??? He also has the very nice olympic blue car (turbo).

Thanx - I think I know the one you're talking about. he was selling a white 73 roller that I considered for the parts, but then it turned out he was stripping the Fuchs 2.0 alloys, F&R chrome bumpers, top strips, tits, etc. that I needed to sell as parts - which made the car useless to me!

I run him down tohough for this "service" - at least TN is a few hundred miles closer to this coast & I get over there occasionally. I'm old school & like to see who & what I'm dealing with face to face for the most part!