Joe L

[Lyndon S.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe L

Kelly------

Well, I'm not now nor have I ever been a GM parts man, per se. However, I might be able to provide some information regarding your questions, anyway.

In general, a part is discontinued from SERVICE when the last one departs the last GM warehouse stocking it AND GM makes the decision to order no more from the manufacturer (assuming that would still even be possible). Sometimes, parts are discontinued when a small warehouse stock still remains. In those cases, the remaining stock is sold through VIP parts orders to dealers or the remaining inventory is otherwise liquidated.

Parts that are discontinued but in dealer inventory generally remain in dealer stock until sold. Dealer inventory is one of the most "fertile" grounds for obtaining parts no longer available through GM. However, these days, most dealers stock very few parts; they rely on quick shipment from GMSPO regional warehouses for most parts and, thus, reduce their cost of inventorying parts.

Many things affect the continued availability of a part. One of the primary factors is the ability of GM to continue to obtain the part. Generally, GM owns the tooling to produce the parts. If the tooling wears to the point that acceptable parts cannot be manufactured or if the tooling breaks with a high cost of repair, that's usually the "end-of-the-line" for the part. If it's a part that GM has to provide for a certain number of years (and, most parts DO NOT fall into this category), the tooling will be repaired and the part kept in production until it's no longer required. Otherwise, it's gone.

Sometimes, manufacturers of parts go out of business and GM does not see fit to transfer tooling OR the tooling actually belonged to the out-of-business firm.

If a part could still be produced but the sales volume falls too low, the part may be discontinued. There are just too many scenarios that could be involved to say what will happen in any individual case.

The 66-67 Corvette grille is still available from GM. As far as availability goes, it's a "rare bird" in the world of unique-to-Corvette parts for 53-82 models. I have been told, though, that the quality of this part as currently available is a far cry from the originals. Likely, this is due to wear of the tooling used to make it.

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe L

Kelly------

Well, I'm not now nor have I ever been a GM parts man, per se. However, I might be able to provide some information regarding your questions, anyway.

In general, a part is discontinued from SERVICE when the last one departs the last GM warehouse stocking it AND GM makes the decision to order no more from the manufacturer (assuming that would still even be possible). Sometimes, parts are discontinued when a small warehouse stock still remains. In those cases, the remaining stock is sold through VIP parts orders to dealers or the remaining inventory is otherwise liquidated.

Parts that are discontinued but in dealer inventory generally remain in dealer stock until sold. Dealer inventory is one of the most "fertile" grounds for obtaining parts no longer available through GM. However, these days, most dealers stock very few parts; they rely on quick shipment from GMSPO regional warehouses for most parts and, thus, reduce their cost of inventorying parts.

Many things affect the continued availability of a part. One of the primary factors is the ability of GM to continue to obtain the part. Generally, GM owns the tooling to produce the parts. If the tooling wears to the point that acceptable parts cannot be manufactured or if the tooling breaks with a high cost of repair, that's usually the "end-of-the-line" for the part. If it's a part that GM has to provide for a certain number of years (and, most parts DO NOT fall into this category), the tooling will be repaired and the part kept in production until it's no longer required. Otherwise, it's gone.

Sometimes, manufacturers of parts go out of business and GM does not see fit to transfer tooling OR the tooling actually belonged to the out-of-business firm.

If a part could still be produced but the sales volume falls too low, the part may be discontinued. There are just too many scenarios that could be involved to say what will happen in any individual case.

The 66-67 Corvette grille is still available from GM. As far as availability goes, it's a "rare bird" in the world of unique-to-Corvette parts for 53-82 models. I have been told, though, that the quality of this part as currently available is a far cry from the originals. Likely, this is due to wear of the tooling used to make it.