Best repro parts database...

[Irby G.]

Is there in existence a database or listing of the repro parts and their supplier that show parts that are actually like the parts they are replacing and if they will pass judging? If someone has been compiling a list like that, it would probably cut way back on a lot of questions concerning parts quality. I know I would pay good money just to know where to buy parts that will pass judging. There's nothing worse than buying a part, paying shipping and then realizing it's nothing like your original part you are replacing..
Frustration = buying (wasting money on) 'repro' parts that are not repro at all.

[Alan S.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Hi Irby,
I certainly understand the reasons for your question. If there is such a list I've never seen it or heard about it.
I do think there are members who have a list like you've described in their heads, or in notes they've made during restorations of their cars.
Also, you often hear judges discussing the merits of various reproduction parts while they're going through their area of a car.
I am not aware of anyone having formalized this information.
Regards,
Alan

PS: Hawaii.... NICE!!!

[Thomas D.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

This is an excellent idea and maybe a financial return for NCRS. What if Parts were judged instead of cars? Vendors could send in samples, pay a fee, and if it passes, they are authorized to use an offical NCRS seal of approval. It's kind of being UL listed or good house keeping seal.

[David K.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

I am digging through the archives of my brain. As I recall, Sam Foltz was doing some articles, of course many years ago, on repro parts. It was great and also a way for these parts to be made correctly by the manufacture. As anyone knows, spending money on repro parts is a real crap shoot on quality and correctness.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

I agree, Vette (no pun intended) these vendors up front. I too have been disapointed. Maybe for the casual owner it is okay. We tend to look deeper and are not satisified with the almost junk. My two Yen.

[Dick W.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Yes Sam Folz did do a series of articles on repro parts. It was discontinued because some would construe the article as NCRS approval of parts. NCRS is not in the business of certifying anything, cars or parts.

[Irby G.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Yes Sam Folz did do a series of articles on repro parts. It was discontinued because some would construe the article as NCRS approval of parts. NCRS is not in the business of certifying anything, cars or parts.

Dick, I think Thomas was spot-on with that idea. Maybe NCRS should get involved in certifying parts. There are so many positives that can come from this. As Thomas suggested, a NCRS seal along with the year vette it is approved for would pull a nice fee per part. I can only guess at the financial gain that the NCRS would garner, but I think it could be substantial. I would definitely pay a larger sum knowing for certainty that the part is reproduced correctly.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

The problem becomes...at what point would the NCRS state a part is "good enough" to be certified? 90% correct? 95%? Absolutely indistinguishable from original? And if a certified part were installed on a car would judges not be able to deduct if, in fact, it wasn't as accurate as was originally believed?

Let's take radiator caps, for an example. There are no current RC-15 reproductions that are indistinguishable from original. Some are closer than others, but all can be relatively easily identified. Would the NCRS certify none? The one closest to correct? At what point do you stop?
And remember, this is for a small part worth 3 points on originality and 3 on condition so one might argue that 90% is "close enough" to not take off 1 point. What do you do for a large part?

Just thinking out loud.

Perhaps one should consider starting an independent database or service that does exactly what you're proposing. With the internet, a database or evaluation log could be relatively inexpensive to run. However, you "might" make profit if you ran it as an independent business, and both the parts makes and the parts buyers see real value.

I think it's cheaper just to toss a question onto this Discussion Board and ask about a part.

Patrick

[Page C.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

The NCRS Restorer used to review reproduction parts. If you have any of the old Restorers (starting with vol 1 # 3) Noland Adams did articles called Reproduction Corvette Parts. Every issue he would do a review of varies parts that members furnished. I sent him a reproduction bracket ( along with an original) that I made for the 1965-66 tele steering column in 1979. It was reviewed in th summer 1981 issue. The Reprodction Corvette Parts column was now headed by Mike Ernst & John Amgert. Seems like the column faded away in the late 1981. Back then, most of the repro parts were being made (or having them made) by NCRS members. Now you don't even know what country they are being made in.
Regards,
Page Campbell

[Jack H.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Other clubs and organizations do that ('approve' parts)... But, anyone suggesting that NCRS should get into the 'business' of doing this demonstrates he/she has NOT read the NCRS Judging Reference Manual!

Section 1, Rule 28:

"Approved By NCRS" Disclaimer

"There is no available process whereby the manufacturer or supplier of any part, component part, product or service is eligible to apply for or receive any type of approval or status which may be used to imply or state that such item or service is or was 'Approved by NCRS' and any such like representation, implication or claim, in any form, is false."

[Roy B.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

I would before buying any repro part first ask people here if they did and what they think of the part ( vary easy to ask first but many dont)

[Jack H.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

That's the best route (asking)... Plus, the 'approval' process is complicated with some of the issues Pat Hulst raised + others:

(1) To what 'level' is a part certified? We get a lot of guys asking if this/that part will 'PASS' judging scrutiny without defining the question better. 'PASS' with zero deduction, 10%, 20%...90% deduction???

(2) Most of the major catalog houses round out their offering profile by purchasing some parts from each other as well as from 3rd parties. They reserve the right to change sources, based on traditional retail considerations (price, delivery, availability). If something is 'certified' can you depend on it (that version of it) continuing to be available from specific sources?

(3) Our Judging Guide books are 'living' instruments. We DO learn new information from time to time and CHANGE what we publish. What happens when a given part is 'certified' and we change rules/guidelines and that affects the part's status?

No, the reason for putting the rule that I quoted in print was pretty clear.... Our past BoD (board of directors) and National Judging Chairmen felt it was unwise to endorse ANYTHING from third party sources (parts and/or services)....

[Mike M.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

The real dilemma has, is and will continue to be the licensing issue.
This suggested approval process has merit, but, would only draw greater scrutiny from the General.
HaND

[Sandra H.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

This is coming from a novice that hasn't even started on her car yet, but I read most everything here and in archives, and take lots of notes that might pertain to my '62.
An archive of parts sounds really nice on the surface, but so much would be lost by not having the exchange of advice and ideas from everyone on the TDB.
Even though my car will just be a driver, I want the experience/process of being acquainted with everything and every part that will be done to/for her.
Could not do any of this without everyone from the TDB.
Just the reaction from someone that doesn't know much, except that I need all of you and would hate to see this experience lessened.
Cheers, Sandra

[Michael W.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Even if a given part was 'approved', who would monitor the vendor to ensure that each and every subsequent part was equally good?

Such a system exists in the aerospace sector, it's part of the reason that a .03 cent o-ring retails for 5 bucks.