GOUP BUY and production feasibility - Metro convertible rear interior panels

[ragtopdodge]

I thought I'd make a separate post so that it gets its own headline:

FYI for us 'vert owners (taken from Metro's post on Moparts):

Hello fellow E-Body fanatics,

We have been in extensive talks with our plastics manufacturing partner, and have ironed out the details on getting the convertible panels into your hands.
We have also worked out a deal to bring ALL panel colors to the market. Yes, that means you will be able to get your panels in the currently offered Black, Red, White, and Blue along with the Green, Tan, and Burnt Orange shades you have been asking for.

In order to get these made at this time we will need to pre-sell 100 Cuda and 100 Challenger Convertible Rear Panels sets. This means real orders with money backing them.

A Group Buy will be setup to start on April 1, 2012, to run through June 30, 2012.
We will be accepting credit card information and personal checks during this timeframe. No cards will be processed, or checks deposited until the 100 Cuda and 100 Challenger set minimums are reached.
Once the minimum number of orders has been reached production on the new panels will begin. There should be a three to six month turnaround on the panels at that point.
If the minimum quantities are not meet during this time frame all credit card information and any checks received will be destroyed. We would then hold off on the panels, and try again at a later time.


1970-74 Cuda/Challenger Rear Convertible Panel Group Buy Details:
Black Rear Convertible Panel Sets - $750
For any other color add $150 for a total of $900 per set
Shipping is FREE in the Continental US, and $45 (per set) for anywhere else.

Metro Parts Company
2118 Broxton Road
Douglas GA 31533
Phone:(912)383-0172


The item pricing listed above will only be good during the Group-Buy period.
The retail base price on the rear convertible panels after the initial group-buy will be set at $850 plus shipping.


Let's go slackers!  We need a commitment so we can get these produced!  I called in already for a pair of EACH! 

[ragtopdodge]

Bumpity bump.


C'mon slackers!

[GBMracing]

I ordered a set on Monday - the orders are coming in...hopefully a lot of people will get one board and maybe even some suppliers too.  I've got the fronts and seat backs and they look great.

[soho]

Group Buy Official Numbers
4/25/2012 3pm

Cuda = 11
Challenger = 11

[mopardave]

well. doesnt look like it will happen this year or at all.

[Cuda Cody]

I have a bunch of old panels that were part of a package deal.  I think there's some convertibles in there.... they are in pretty bad shape.  Is there any way to save them or can anyone even use them?

[71hcc]

Group Buy Official Numbers
4/25/2012 3pm

Cuda = 11
Challenger = 11
[

This REALLY sucks! After all the chatter about wanting vert rear panels in the past. I really thought there would be enough orders to get these made. If the number was anywhere close I would even buy one or two more just to get the order count up. Is it that not that many pepole need them, or is it just the cost factor keeping the orders down? 

[ragtopdodge]

Group Buy Official Numbers
5/3/2012 3pm

Cuda = 22
Challenger = 22



There's hope still.  I think a lot of folks wait until the last minute.  Apparently, people also think that their CC info will get run immediately on the pre-order; it doesn't.

They are expensive for sure, but there really isn't any alternative.  It's Metro or NOS.  Accuform/Palco is not an option.

[mopardave]

unless this picks up momentum,  it will not happen.

[ChallengerHK]

Isn't there a convertible e-body registry?

[ragtopdodge]

I e-mailed Ola to maybe have him get a hold of all the 'vert owners about this GB.  Didn't hear back from him.

[JayBee]

Just my opinion,  but I think this should have been advertised in the major magazines (MCG, Mopar Muscle etc). I do see Metro's full page ads for their existing products, adding this pre-order vert panel offer to that ad could have helped stir up more interest. Word of mouth is fine (forums) but how far reaching is it. Ola's registry is a great avenue to go as well, thanks ragtopchally.

As for the "cost factor", sure they may be a bit pricey but I think putting up the whole cost up front may have  some people shying away.

[daveh]

Love to have them but too much for me.  Good luck.

[ragtopdodge]

***UPDATE***

Hello guys,

With the cutoff date growing ever near, it seems we may not hit the needed numbers to put these panels into production at this time. It is close, but not quite there yet.

We have had many of you contacting us about extending the deadline to cover the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and the Mopar Nationals.


As a result, I have decided to extend the the group-buy until August 15, 2012 in order to cover these two events.

Anyone who does not wish to continue participating in this program with the now altered deadline can get in contact with us, and we will remove your information from the group-buy.


I will be attending both shows, and promoting the group-buy as hard as I can at multiple tables at each event, so come and find us at the shows!


Go-Go-Metro!

[71hcc]

How close are we, what are the numbers? Thats great, moving the cutoff date back!