The last cheap GM part?

[G B.]

Today I bought a '63 4-speed shifter boot #3822947 at the local Chevrolet dealership. The net price was only $6.58 plus tax.

I don't really understand how this boot can be bought from GM for $7 when they are listed for $20 - $30 in several reproduction parts catalogs. I also see them listed in eBay auctions (and described as NOS) with a reserve over $30!

I'm missing something here, but I'm not sure just what.

[John H.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Jerry -

The "killer instinct"

[Patrick H.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Jerry,

The kicker is that the reproduction likely fits better, and this one will require your "Master Installer Award" to actually fit. You see, it's a 1978 shift boot that GM now supercedes for the original.

Actually, I assume you bought a whole case for ebay? It'll pay better than your 8-5 job.

Patrick

[Gary Schisler]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

I think it is Joe Lucia that keeps telling us to call our local Mr. Goodwrench before we pay some of these prices that show up on Ebay and in the catalogs.
Gary

[Clem Z.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

if you have a sale tax number you can get 25%+ discount at your local dealer.

[Patrick H.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Even without that, you can often do better than the catalogs with a little haggling. If nothing else, gmpartsdirect.com will give you the list price and a reasonable target.

I go through a local body shop. With a chain of 9 stores they get 30-35% off, and since the manager is a friend, off we go!

Patrick

[Geoff C.]

That answer is very simple.

GM lowered the price on it. Seldom happens, and it usually is associated with a change in the part. Often that change is the part is going to be discontinued. I get the 2 volume GM price book set every 3 to 4 months when GM prints them. A few years ago GM lowered prices on all their crash sheet metal to be competitive with aftermarket suppliers. Just before the 1969-1972 small block hoods were discontinued, GM cut the cost in half. Trust me, I know, I bought some. They did the same with one side of the 70-72 side louver decorative trim before it was discontinued, Also the 63-67 top surrounds and a few C3 rocker moldings. No rhyme or reason to it. If you are lucky you catch it. If not you have $21 shift boots that GM now sells for $8.

Your Chevy dealer that sold the shift boot, certainly did not have any expensive supply of those 1963 only shift boots on the shelf, because in 2001 that shift boot was $13.73 cost and $21.80 list.

[Joe L.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Patrick----

No, the GM #3822947 is the original part number for the 1963 Corvette boot. It's been that same part number right from the fall of 1962 to the present time. When you think about it, it's kind of amazing that a part would be available from GM for 40 years!

[Patrick H.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Joe,

Just trying to have a little fun with Jerry. I think he figured that much out. It's surprising for GM, but I envy the Mercedes guys. That company's restoration service/factory will make you any part you need for one of their cars. Incredible.

Patrick

[Gary Schisler]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Patrick, you hit the nail on the head with regard to Mercedes maintenance and restoration. Not only do I own my 72 Corvette but my daily driver is a 79 Mercedes 240D. Buy a part from MB, say a front rotor for $95, or buy it from an aftermarket dealer for 60% of that. Still isn't cheap. I needed new inserts for my driver's seat padding and aftermarket dealer sent me the part, still with a MB sticker on it. The good news is that we have a list for Mercedes; not quite up to the caliber of this one though.
Gary

[Patrick H.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Gary,

I fully realize that Merceds has made vastly fewer cars than GM, but if we had even 10% of the support (based on production numbers) that they give their customers, we'd be getting more than we can even dream of right now.

It's probably the only reason I'd buy an old Mercedes. I'm too young right now for any Mercedes. After all, you know when my birthday is.

Patrick

[Jack H.]

Daimler-Benz?

Support there is child's play compared to Rolls Royce! There's an interesting car that's been sitting in a local shop's yard for about 5-years now.... A 1934 Rolls with blown main engine bearings. Owner was toying with the idea of yanking the body and doing a custom fit to Chevy Suburban frame/drive train.

Guys at the shop have dragged their feet on actually doing the dastardly deed because there's history associated with the car. Was bought new from Rolls by British fellow who was Dwight Eisenhower's personal chauffer during WW-2 and history can be verified back to the git go. Rolls stands ready (bend over on $$$) to blow dust off the drawings and supply any/all parts needed to get 'er up & running....

Amazing passenger cabin with velvet seats, crystal tulip vases, silk entry/exit pull straps, burled walnut secretary/bar.... But, she tain't a driver's car--gotta want to have a vehicle you get somebody else to drive and sit in the back waving lamely to the crowds on the sidewalk.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

Don't worry, I couldn't possibly forget your birthday. So if US Airways goes bankrupt and I lose my job, I suppose you want my car? It won't be cheap!
Gary

[Roberto L.]

Vette is better! *NM*

[Clem Z.]

Re: The last cheap GM part?

gary keep them flying because i still have FF points to use!!!