Well, the "savvy" buyers have been at it again. Here a few more recent examples from eBay:
eBay #250012165948 "NOS F-41 Shocks"
This auction was for a pair of the above-referenced rear shocks. They are GM #4940459. The winning bidder "******ed these up" for a mere $585. So what's wrong with that; folks pay Big $$$$ for NOS Corvette shocks, don't they? Well, yes, they do but I don't see why in this case.
First of all, these shocks are NOT correct for any 63-72 Corvette. They are SIMILAR to the shocks originally used for F-41 applications, but they are easily discerned as non-original. The configuration is not right, the numbers aren't right, and, of course, the dates aren't right. Still, they might garner more judging poiints than other shocks for an original F-41 car.
However, they're STILL available from GM for about 80 bucks, GM list, or about $55-60 each from competitive dealers. One of the 2 shocks is an older example judging by the box (it's the box that's cleverly located on TOP so you can't see the other box). However, the only difference between the "old" shock and the "newer" one is that the newer one has no numbers/stampings on it and the older one does. The numbers, dates and part number is incorrect, anyway, so it really does not make any difference. In fact, with the right equipment, it might even be possible to add the proper stampings to the newer shock (although the configuration would still be incorrect for most Corvette applications).
Since one could easily buy these shocks for, at most, $120, why pay $585 for them? If I were mercenary, I suppose I should start buying these shocks and selling them.
eBay #120012223282---"NOS Corvette Big Block Oil Pan"
The pan in this item is a GM #3977591. This pan was used in PRODUCTION for all 1970 through 1974 Corvette big blocks. It also became the SERVICE pan for earlier models when the earlier pans were discontinued in the early 1970's. It was discontinued from SERVICE about 20 years ago and replaced by the GM #14091356.
Someone paid $401 for this pan. So, what's wrong with that? It is an original Corvette oil pan and it's been discontinued for 20 years. Well, the GM #14091356, remains available from GM for a list price of $130.13 or about $95 bucks from a competitive GM dealer. The GM #14091356 is IDENTICAL to the 3977591 except for 2 features:
1) the 3977591 has welded-on corner reinforcments and the 14091356 does not. However, these reinforcements are easily available in reproduction and can be easily installed (no need for spot welding, either, as that's just an assembly aid; the bolts will hold the reinforcements and no one will ever know the difference);
2) the 3977591 (at least the one in this auction) is painted Chevrolet orange (some GM SERVICE oil pans were so-painted) whereas the 14091356 is powder-coated black. No matter, the "factory paint" on the 3977591 is useless anyway; even if it were perfect it would never match the Chevrolet orange used on the rest of the engine. So, either pan would have to be painted with the engine.
Why pay $401 for an oil pan that you could purchase for about $95 (plus the cost of the corner reinforcements)? You've got me.
Now, I want to emphasize that, as always, I place no blame on the sellers here. It's the BUYERS that bid up the price. If someone wants to pay these prices for these items, there is absolutely no reason why a seller ought to object. Only a fool would do so. Also, you'll notice that these items closed some time ago. I never discuss these things prior to the time that the auction closes and payment is completed lest the buyer "happen to see my post on this board" and renege on the sale. I don't provide any information to anyone that might cause them to renege on a commitment. I have no use for that. So, I discuss it here only RETROACTIVELY to educate folks "for future reference and general edification".
eBay #250012165948 "NOS F-41 Shocks"
This auction was for a pair of the above-referenced rear shocks. They are GM #4940459. The winning bidder "******ed these up" for a mere $585. So what's wrong with that; folks pay Big $$$$ for NOS Corvette shocks, don't they? Well, yes, they do but I don't see why in this case.
First of all, these shocks are NOT correct for any 63-72 Corvette. They are SIMILAR to the shocks originally used for F-41 applications, but they are easily discerned as non-original. The configuration is not right, the numbers aren't right, and, of course, the dates aren't right. Still, they might garner more judging poiints than other shocks for an original F-41 car.
However, they're STILL available from GM for about 80 bucks, GM list, or about $55-60 each from competitive dealers. One of the 2 shocks is an older example judging by the box (it's the box that's cleverly located on TOP so you can't see the other box). However, the only difference between the "old" shock and the "newer" one is that the newer one has no numbers/stampings on it and the older one does. The numbers, dates and part number is incorrect, anyway, so it really does not make any difference. In fact, with the right equipment, it might even be possible to add the proper stampings to the newer shock (although the configuration would still be incorrect for most Corvette applications).
Since one could easily buy these shocks for, at most, $120, why pay $585 for them? If I were mercenary, I suppose I should start buying these shocks and selling them.
eBay #120012223282---"NOS Corvette Big Block Oil Pan"
The pan in this item is a GM #3977591. This pan was used in PRODUCTION for all 1970 through 1974 Corvette big blocks. It also became the SERVICE pan for earlier models when the earlier pans were discontinued in the early 1970's. It was discontinued from SERVICE about 20 years ago and replaced by the GM #14091356.
Someone paid $401 for this pan. So, what's wrong with that? It is an original Corvette oil pan and it's been discontinued for 20 years. Well, the GM #14091356, remains available from GM for a list price of $130.13 or about $95 bucks from a competitive GM dealer. The GM #14091356 is IDENTICAL to the 3977591 except for 2 features:
1) the 3977591 has welded-on corner reinforcments and the 14091356 does not. However, these reinforcements are easily available in reproduction and can be easily installed (no need for spot welding, either, as that's just an assembly aid; the bolts will hold the reinforcements and no one will ever know the difference);
2) the 3977591 (at least the one in this auction) is painted Chevrolet orange (some GM SERVICE oil pans were so-painted) whereas the 14091356 is powder-coated black. No matter, the "factory paint" on the 3977591 is useless anyway; even if it were perfect it would never match the Chevrolet orange used on the rest of the engine. So, either pan would have to be painted with the engine.
Why pay $401 for an oil pan that you could purchase for about $95 (plus the cost of the corner reinforcements)? You've got me.
Now, I want to emphasize that, as always, I place no blame on the sellers here. It's the BUYERS that bid up the price. If someone wants to pay these prices for these items, there is absolutely no reason why a seller ought to object. Only a fool would do so. Also, you'll notice that these items closed some time ago. I never discuss these things prior to the time that the auction closes and payment is completed lest the buyer "happen to see my post on this board" and renege on the sale. I don't provide any information to anyone that might cause them to renege on a commitment. I have no use for that. So, I discuss it here only RETROACTIVELY to educate folks "for future reference and general edification".
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