GM restoration Parts

[Roy V.]

thought I would post this from another corvette site, could be usefull to someone here.
GM and Helm Launch Restoration Parts Web Site

December 02, 2008: 01:25 PM EST




DETROIT, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- GM and Helm Incorporated, a Highland Park- based specialty fulfillment company, announced the launch the official online store for GM Restoration Parts. The site, www.gmrestorationparts.com , centralizes nearly 20,000 restoration parts made to manufacturer’s original specifications from 80 licensed manufacturers.
The available parts range from hoses, and body and suspension parts, to classic floor mats and decals. The Web site will appeal to do-it-yourselfers, dealers and the aftermarket by expediting searches for official replacement parts and provides an easy-to-use ordering channel.
"For customers repairing or restoring a vehicle, they can find what they need quickly instead of having to search multiple sites and distribution points," said Mark Thibault, director, GM Service and Parts Operations. "This site establishes the place to go for customers and a site where our licensed parts manufactures will be able to showcase their products to their target customers."
Helm will utilize various Search Engine Optimization / Marketing (SEO/SEM) strategies to gain visibility and identify customers who are looking for restoration parts.
"Helm has been the place to go to purchase factory-authorized service and owner’s information since 1959. Over the years we have successfully built awareness of this part of our business, and currently we touch over 4,000,000 visitors annually through helminc.com , our online store," said Garry Cole, Vice President of Marketing. "GM Restoration Parts customers will benefit from the on-line functionality and user preferences built into the site, as well as synergies with helminc.com customers."

[Bruce C.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

Good stuff, Roy. Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

thought I would post this from another corvette site, could be usefull to someone here.
GM and Helm Launch Restoration Parts Web Site

December 02, 2008: 01:25 PM EST




DETROIT, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- GM and Helm Incorporated, a Highland Park- based specialty fulfillment company, announced the launch the official online store for GM Restoration Parts. The site, www.gmrestorationparts.com , centralizes nearly 20,000 restoration parts made to manufacturer’s original specifications from 80 licensed manufacturers.
The available parts range from hoses, and body and suspension parts, to classic floor mats and decals. The Web site will appeal to do-it-yourselfers, dealers and the aftermarket by expediting searches for official replacement parts and provides an easy-to-use ordering channel.
"For customers repairing or restoring a vehicle, they can find what they need quickly instead of having to search multiple sites and distribution points," said Mark Thibault, director, GM Service and Parts Operations. "This site establishes the place to go for customers and a site where our licensed parts manufactures will be able to showcase their products to their target customers."
Helm will utilize various Search Engine Optimization / Marketing (SEO/SEM) strategies to gain visibility and identify customers who are looking for restoration parts.
"Helm has been the place to go to purchase factory-authorized service and owner’s information since 1959. Over the years we have successfully built awareness of this part of our business, and currently we touch over 4,000,000 visitors annually through helminc.com , our online store," said Garry Cole, Vice President of Marketing. "GM Restoration Parts customers will benefit from the on-line functionality and user preferences built into the site, as well as synergies with helminc.com customers."

Roy-----


This site may prove useful to many. However, notwithstanding what the press release states, GM Restoration Parts are not necessarily manufactured to the original GM specifications. The licensee for any particular part is provided with those specifications as part of the licensing deal. I've not found that all of the parts are actually manufactured to those specifications, though. As far as I know, there is no mechanism or oversight in place to enforce that GM Restoration Parts are manufactured to the original specs, either. Some are, of course, but others are not.

[Dick W.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

And Joe, they probably will be countermen that know only what the catalog tells them. One of the things that helped me when I had the parts business was that I had actually installed quite a few of the parts I sold. Most people that work in the parts houses do not have a clue

[Steven C.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

Joe, what do you know about the Coffman 67 400 and 435 intake manifolds? Are they licensed by GM? How close are they to original? Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

Joe, what do you know about the Coffman 67 400 and 435 intake manifolds? Are they licensed by GM? How close are they to original? Thanks

Joe-----


I believe they are GM Restoration Parts licensed. In fact, they have the GM casting number on them so they have to be licensed (or, they'd be illegal). The ones I have seen looked perfect to me. However, I didn't compare them side-by-side with the originals so there may be nuances of difference.

[David D.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

I love the sight, but the only issue I have is that there is not a good description and hardly no photos so its hard (at least for me) to tell exactly what part you'd potentially be getting. I've had to pass on a few because of this.
David

[Christopher R.]

Re: GM restoration Parts

Roy-----


This site may prove useful to many. However, notwithstanding what the press release states, GM Restoration Parts are not necessarily manufactured to the original GM specifications. The licensee for any particular part is provided with those specifications as part of the licensing deal. I've not found that all of the parts are actually manufactured to those specifications, though. As far as I know, there is no mechanism or oversight in place to enforce that GM Restoration Parts are manufactured to the original specs, either. Some are, of course, but others are not.

Give the same print to different manufacturers, and you will probably get different looking parts. Form, fit, and function might be the same. But they'll probably look different. NCRS judges how the part looks - very subjective. Incoming Inspection at the factory looks at certain characteristics called out on the print that they feel are indicative of how the part will perform. They try to make it as objective as possible. So, where NCRS is looking for tooling marks, finishes, and previously found typically idiosyncrasies. Incoming Inspection is more looking at measurements. Yes, there can be problems with multiple sources of supply. But they're usually worth it.