Why Is It Hard To Get Replacement Panels?

[Ben260]

Why is it hard to get replacement panels?

 

Is it costly to produce? (tooling molds)

 

is it not worth it because there's too little demand?

 

is there copyright issues?

 

really interested to know why more companies don't do it

[gav240z]

Limited audience, unlike Mustang's and Camaro's where literally millions were made and sold. The S30z only sold something like 60,000 units in the US of A. There is some panels being made at the moment, but not complete quarter panels for example or doors (door skins yes), what are you after?

 

Nissan was making bonnets up until a couple of years ago, or at least had some NOS but none left now.

 

I am considering importing panels from the US they still have plenty but obviously most are not rust free unless it was from a dry state..

[C.A.R.]

Demand.

[gav240z]

Besides if it was easy S30Z's wouldn't be worth as much restored. .

 

But demand is a big part, too many tight arse S30z owners in the US - who baulk at S30z's over $15k lol...Too busy bogging and flogging their rides...Hate to generalise - actually nah... it's fun.

[Groundhog]

If you think it's hard getting panels for 240/ 260 try getting them for a 2+2.
Something I would have factored into the purchase if I had known about it.
Rust repairs cost more when your panel shop has to make the bits.

You can't even get sills or lower door skins to suit the longer body length.  

Yes sills can be rolled up, but the ends have to be pounded out.

 

At least some rust repair pieces are being made locally and I have bought the doglegs locally.

Slam panels sold by a certain Spares outfit as fitting a 260 and the 2+2 as well don't fit either.

There, that's my little rant done. I guess it reflects demand as mentioned already.

[Sirpent]

Back in the 80's and 90's SSS Auto Parts could supply Tiawanese S30 guards, bonnets, lower front vlances and Head lamp sugar scoops.

 

These were a good fit as a matter of fact, abd as I understood produced using Nissan Stamping Dies.

 

It may be worthwhile giving them a call as they may still have links to the panel stampers who produced them back in the day

 

http://www.sssauto.com.au/index.php

[EJ101]

maybe if we pray really hard one of those crafty American companies such as Dynacorn bodies which make complete new Mustang and Camaro bodyshells may see the value in doing the S30............and S130 2 seater.............let us pray

[Ben260]

here's some pics of my 260 2+2 (since been sold) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ben260]

Thanks Sirpent,

 

ill contact them tomorrow

[Ben260]

Groundhog,

 

I did my 260 2+2 resto 10 years ago.....Im sure its a lot harder to get panels now!!

[Ben260]

It cant just be demand though.......... other companies are producing Z parts ie carbon parts, chrome parts, light assemblies, seal kits, brake lines etc

[CBR Jeff]

The guards and headlight scoups I picked up two weeks ago were made in Taiwan by KoJak parts company. I did have a bit of a google but didn't find much.

[gav240z]

Warren at All Z Parts in Sydney and I were chatting on the phone a while back and he said that to get stuff made up in Taiwan is usually pretty easy. He mentioned they didn't care how many you were going to make often and would just go ahead and manufacture it. He said he would approach Aussie suppliers and they would often want a minimum of 1000 orders.

 

No wonder manufacturing is dying in this country....

 

I'm pretty sure Warren had a few good contacts over that way for that sort of thing.

[PB260Z]

No wonder manufacturing is dying in this country....

Manufacturing in Aus in very very expensive, in some cases costing 3-4 times as much as in some of our neighbouring countries.

Many many reasons behind this, and way to complex to get into on a forum, suffice to say I find some of the costs incurred in producing a car in Aus dumbfounding.

Edited April 12, 2016 by PB260Z

[gav240z]

Manufacturing in Aus in very very expensive, in some cases costing 3-4 times as much as in some of our neighbouring countries.

Many many reason behind this, and way to complex to get into on a forum, suffice to say I find some of the costs incurred in producing a car in Aus dumbfounding.

 

Part of it is labour costs but that isn't the only issue - high land costs is another. As you say we could discuss it all day, but our percentage of GDP based on manufacturing is well below a lot of other OECD nations (UK/US etc..).

 

Good discussions around the topic can be found here:

http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2014/01/australias-huge-manufacturing-labour-costs/

 

Disclaimer: I subscribe to the website.

[PB260Z]

Yeah, certainly would make an interesting "off the record" discussion - the view from inside is illuminating

[gav240z]

Sounds like good BBQ discussion material at the meet in Victoria? Not sure i'll be down that way later in the year but we will see. .

[nat0_240_chevZ]

Hi gents.

I met the fellow from this place below.

At one stage he had all in stock, but it's been a while.

And yes the repros are done in Taiwan, usually. But they do the whole process. From 3d RE, to foam templates and mounting positions measured using a faro/romer arm.

Also supply into the spares' shop(s)....

As for local parts being too cost prohibitive, yes that is the case, but what I do offer I do my best to do so at a fair and reasonable cost, but make sure the quality of product is right up there.

Nat0

 

http://store.allmusclecarparts.com.au/datsun/240-260z.html

Edited April 20, 2016 by nat0_240_chevZ

[Ben260]

Good link Nat0

[1600dave]

Give Muscle Car Parts (link above) a ring to discuss. They have recently commissioned a pile of Datsun 1600 parts and panels, most hanging body panels are available brand new now and quality is apparently quite good. One of the Sydney Datsun Club guys was instrumental in getting the 1600 panels made, along with (I believe) Futofab in the US. Who knows, you may be able to get the ball rolling ! 

[nat0_240_chevZ]

I can approach directly, maybe speak with gav, re the beavers, roof skins etc.

I'm sure they'd move.

Too many cars been parted out purely because of a hole in the roof.....

Ive got rails covered for the mo, but this could be covered by a bigger entity.

Muscle car parts are going about it the right way, in terms of their approach to reproducing these items, not like days of old where Taiwanese parts were identifiable from 30-60ft away.

Doors, bonnets, hatch and 1/4s also another point of interest, since there is a bit if a hole in after market availability.

No probs guys.

Sorry I've been quite lately.

Nat0

[gav240z]

Hey guys,

I spoke with them a while ago also, but didn't try convince them to make reproduction panels. I definitely think rear 1/4 panels are needed. Roof turrets and radiator supports would go a long way. What I wouldn't have given for a early rear hatch or even a good later hatch reproduction I could cut the holes into.

 

2+2 stuff is also hard to get now, but not sure about how much demand there is?

[Impatient1]

Rear right quarter for 2+2 might be a common one.

[Ben260]

Gav, which part is a roof turret? I've been looking on google images and all i get is a guy with a machine gun.

 

Also I've read there were approx 2,360 Australian 240z's. How many 260's & 260 2+2 came to Australia?

[PB260Z]

Hi Mate

 

The "roof turret" is the sheet metal that forms the roof, but only the that outer visable sheet.

All the structure underneath (cant rails etc) are separate parts.

 

Cheers

 

PB