Repo vs. NOS parts
I am starting to restore, (body off) 72 roadster that I have owned for 38 years. I would like a points car, but the NOS parts available are very costly and seem to be of lesser quality. I would like to start buying interior and convertible parts and just put them away till I need them. How should parts be stored ? I appreciate all input.
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Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
Nick- how original is your car at this stage? Restoring / rebuilding your original parts would be the ideal way to go if they are still there. If the body is still on, have you had the car judged as-is? That may be a good starting point to identify what parts you should replace and how important they are to your goal for a points car. Some NOS parts can be extremely expensive- Since you want a points car you may want to evaluate the cost of an NOS part you are considering vs. points received for that part during judging and determine if an NOS part is really worth the cost -points ratio.
Regarding long term storage of parts, a good shelving system in a dry area with plenty of plastic bins / totes are helpful. Tag and bag every part!! Desiccant packs help stave off surface rust / mold if humidity is a concern.
Others with more experience may have better advice but hope it helps. How 'bout some pics?
Pat -
Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
I can only comment on the interior parts. I found most all reproduction parts to be very ill fitting on my 70. I ended up finding either good used or the best NOS parts I could find. The only item where I could not find NOS or good used was the carpet. I found NOS comfort weave seat covers but opted for Al knock covers due to price considerations.
The truth of the matter is it really goes part by part based on my limited experience. If a part is in question I would ask this board.
I agree that saving and restoring original parts is the best option wherever possible.
I have learned the most from coming up with creative way to save the original parts.
Enjoy! Nothing like a C3 roadster with Chrome bumpers
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Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
Nick,
I have to say Patrick hit is right on the head, but just like Jim mentioned just because a part is NOS does not mean it is exactly identical to the part that was on your car when it came off the assembly line. If you are going to restore your car, then try to restore/rebuild your ORIGIANAL PARTS , and assuming those are the parts your car was born with then you can eliminate the concern for points loss unless the end result is over restored.
- Ron"SOLID LIFTERS MATTER"Comment
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Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
Nick, it seems that one of the first things people buy when they get into a project are the interior and the emblems. These are the two things that you need last, not first. There is a 68 Camaro sitting in my yard that I bought from a guy who started the project and lost interest. I bought it with a new interior partially in it, new emblems in boxes, and not a bit of badly needed body work done to the car. He lost money because he bought these parts and then lost interest.
Soft trim should be purchased when you are closer to installing it. Let the manufacturer store it and warranty it until you need it. Other parts hold up better and can be purchased/stored as you wish. Buying parts over time is a good way to spread out the costs of real expensive items. The same can be said for any original parts that you are going to have rebuilt. Just be sure to have a dry place to keep them and that they are wrapped and boxed.
PaulComment
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Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
Nick,
The people that make interiors are striving every day to design and build interiors that were closer to the originals. Lets say you buy a new interior and in the next two or so years everyone improves their products. Now you are stuck with an interior that you don't want to use. Then you throw the interior away or give it away, go out and buy the interior that's best for your prize Corvette.
Wouldn't it be wiser to wait and buy the interior when you are going to install it in the Corvette?
JRComment
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Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
Excellent advice JR we have all seen the reproduction market strive to make better pieces. The other thing any member should keep in mind is that our system is weighted approximately 65% originality, 35% condition, for that reason reproduction parts may not score as well as a slightly aged original. Hard to understand but if the reproduction is detectable and loses originality points it typically will lose more points on the originality side than it does the condition side and therefore an original part which has the same number of points to lose on condition as a reproduction could lose less total points.Comment
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Re: Repo vs. NOS parts
Makes sense, I guess that I will wait and buy things when I need them. ThanksComment
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