I understand that a DISC part is no longer in production. But surely there is residual stock in the many GM dealers in North America. Cannot the GM parts database search for these?
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Sometimes they can use Parts Locater Service *NM*
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Re: GM Discontinued-What Does it Mean?
Paul-----
As far as GMSPO is concerned, the term "discontinued" means that the part is no longer stocked in any GM warehouse. It does not refer to when the manufacturing of the part ceased. In some cases, the manufacturing of a particular part may end when the PRODUCTION use of the part ends. In those cases, when GMSPO inventory is exhausted, the part becomes "discontinued". For example, the manufacture of most LT-5 (ZR-1) major engine components ended when the Stillwater, OK manufacturing line was shut down in about 1994. No more pieces were produced after that time. However, GMSPO had an inventory of the pieces and continued to sell parts (in this case, on a somewhat restricted basis in order to ensure that stock would be available until all GM warranties had expired). I believe that some of the pieces are still available, although I really haven't checked on this recently. The point is that the cessation of a part's manufacture and it's discontinuation from GMSPO are not coincident.
Within a relatively short time after a part is officially "discontinued" by GMSPO, it is SOMETIMES possible to obtain the part by placing a "VIP" order for the part with the car's VIN. In this case, I think that the system "scours" all of the warehouses for a "straggler" here and there. Sometimes, it's successful, especially if a dealer happens to return a discontinued part to the GM warehouse for credit during the period immediately following the part's discontinuation. Usually, though, it doesn't work and no parts are thus obtained.
Dealers have a GM parts locator system which can help find discontinued parts in other dealers' inventories, but this usually doesn't help find parts in the GMSPO warehouses. When GMSPO says "discontinued", that pretty much means that the last one has been pulled out of the last warehouse that had one.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Sometimes they can use Parts Locater Service
What function in the GM database is that? I work at a GM dealer but not in parts. Sometimes those fellows can be...lazy. Or busy with other work besides my queries on C3 parts. They may need some prompting.Comment
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Re: GM Discontinued-What Does it Mean?
Joe,
Our messages crossed. But thanks for the very informative reply! In other words, those parts from GM are history. I thought so....Comment
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Re: Sometimes they can use Parts Locater Service
Sir
Joe answered your query. Parts Locator is dependent upon the subscribing dealers having an accurate up to date inventory. Not all GM dealers are active with this service. Old Corvette parts were seldom stocked by any GM dealers, so there is less chance of a hit. If the part fits all car lines, you have better odds.Comment
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Re: Sometimes they can use Parts Locater Service
Thanks! And to Joe.Comment
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Re: GM Discontinued-What Does it Mean?
My thanks to the respondents. And particularly to Jack Humphrey who sent a detailed e-mail on this subject.Comment
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