E Body parts. Another source and some observations

[DocMel]

Over the past couple of decades, I have always searched for the best price on resto parts.  Of course, the best deal doesn't always mean the best product.

But what I have seen over the years is that almost all of the sources carry the same manufacturer.  Lets face it, there aren'0t allot of folks that actually make the part.  But lots of stores sell the parts

Take my most recent find from http://www.mrmoparts.net/

I got a set of 71 Cuda tail lite chrome inserts for $185.  About $250 or higher at other sources.  And they are fantastic quality pieces.  Same with the 71 rear lic plate light I ordered form them as well   

Here's my point:  I just paid $225 (with shipping) for a full set of wheel well mouldings from another company.  It was, at least to me, a not well known company.  When I opened the package, I was surprised to see Year One tags on them.   Year One charges more  (about $50 a set more), and when I called them first, they were out of them 

Bottom line, not many manufactorers actually make the parts, but plenty of folks sell them at various prices

[4Cruizn]

I would always check with Roseville first as not only do you get a discount when you mention cc.com but if they don't have what you need, typically they will know where to get it or if it is not available . . .

 

[KZ]

I agree with 4Cruizn, I have pestered Dave (Roseville) over these past few weeks about finding some "NOS" parts or as close to as possible and he has always replied with helpful info. Sometimes he has what I need, but sometimes he doesn't, yet he gives me a lead or 2 as to where I could look.

[John Be]

I hope AMD who sponsors this thread response.

I can't afford NOS parts or buy from top of the line Vendors, so I too shop around, searching for sheet metal replacement parts all over the web and have also found price differences on the same parts.

Here's one that drives me nuts:
I just got one of those JEGS flyer booklets in the mail and just happen to glance at a Camaro full 1/4 Panel from AMD for $300. A full 1/4 Panel from AMD for a Cuda is $600. WHY?

I'm sure the amount of metal is just about the same and once the cast are made that's it, just keep stamping panels out, so why charge double the price. Some will say, because they can. That's not a fair answer to a hard working family man!!!!

I know that there is a difference in quality between over seas parts and ones made in the USA, but to charge double the price.

It would be nice if AMD gives a discount to Fellow CC.com members.

If anyone reading has been down this road before and found good quality parts at a FAIR price, please let me know where I can buy (2) Full Quarter, Full trunk Pan. inner & outer wheel houses, LH apron and both valances.

Sorry if this touched a nerve with some, but this post came at a time when I'm struggling to decide where to buy good quality parts.

[rUNCHARGER]

The theory is passing the cost of tooling to 1000 units versus passing it on to 3000 units. The tooling costs are probably the biggest cost to these pieces so that is supposed to explain the difference. I have no problem with the costs because back in 1980 I bought a set of Challenger quarter panels from Chrysler and I think they cost me about $400 per side back then making these AMD units a bargain with todays dollar value.

Sheldon

[John Be]

IMO, making the tooling should be about the same for Camaro vs. Barracuda, it's just that there are more Camaros to restore than Barracudas.
At the end of the day the cost still is a lot for a piece of metal, no matter if it was 1980 or 2017.  Thats why most of us have to repair instead of replace.

I'm not looking for a debate, just giving my opinion and would like feedback on where would be the best place to buy a good priced, quality panel.

[blown motor]

Glad you found a good deal at mrmoparts. I just checked a few items of interest and their prices were no better than anywhere else. 

[rUNCHARGER]

Cost of tooling is obviously about the same. What you don't understand is that splitting that cost over 2000 units means you can sell the quarters a lot cheaper  than when you spread the tooling cost over 1000 units.

Sheldon

[1 Wild R/T]

They built 243,085 69 Camaro's..... If they can sell quarter panels to 10% of those then they likely sell more quarter panels than the total number of remaining E bodies in the US...   GM repo parts market dwarfs the Mopar market, with volume the costs are lower, just how it is...

Now if you want to look at it & suggest AMD spread the cost basis of Mopar parts over their whole product line, yes it would reduce our cost.. But it would also eliminate their incentive to invest in making parts for Mopar... Sorry I'll pay the cost & be thankful they offer parts to our limited market....

[tman]

Its called Economics 101.  Supply and demand.

[John Be]

Understood and I agree.

Now, what Vender sells a good priced, quality panel body panel.

[jimynick]

The argument that selling 3000 Camaro 1/4's for $300 each, rather than the $600 ones for a Challenger, is a bit disingenuous. If the price of the Challenger 1/4's was $300, then everyone would buy them and the last time I heard, selling parts was the name of the game- production #'s be damned. It doesn't take more time or money to make a good versus a bad die, so there's no excuse for crappy parts and if you've spent the dough to make said die, then why the hell not sell the parts coming out of it for an attractive price that would encourage people to buy your part rather than choke on the jacked up part price and go to either someone else or repair their part?  The original question was where could the guy get bang for the buck and despite the fact that I bought AMD, there's an argument to be made for the Keystone/Gold Leaf/Sherman parts accordingly.

[YellowThumper]

Capital expenses for large ticket items are what primarily drive these prices. On top of that is the higher costs incurred with lower quantity production runs. There is always more scrap during initial setup and start ups. Lower production number vehicles also translate into more parts inventory sitting on shelves for a longer duration. Even with lower prices the requirements are not there.

I will take the higher costs any day over driving a dime a dozen Camaro.