I've Noticed Prices for Parts Increasing Quite a Bit... Have You?

[DeesZ]

Over the last several months I have noticed the price of some parts increasing substantially. I shop a lot on eBay and have seen several things skyrocket. Is this just a 'blip' or have others noticed it too?

Examples of things that I've bought for '70 ~'72 Z-Cars over the last several years & what they go for very recently include:

• Radios: old price - $65.00 for an excellent example; new price range $150.00 - $350.00.
  
• Belly Pans: old price - $50.00; new price range $150.00 - $250.00.
  
• Radiator Shrouds: old price $25.00; new price range $150.00.
  

I've also noticed the prices of the vehicles of the "daily driver" variety going what seems to be well beyond where they were stuck at a few years ago.... at least in some cases. (Glad I got mine when I did!) Are we seeing a dramatic change in the marketplace for these vehicles and parts, or is this just a blip on the RADAR? The "economic slow-down" doesn't seem to be recognized by Z-Car owners!

[DeMoore]

I know the prices for interior panels vary dramatically on Ebay, so I just wait until there's some within my price range. The big question for you, though: Are the radios actually being sold at the price of 350.00? I know I watch some items just to see what they will go for, and more often than not, the ridiculously priced items just don't sell at the end, and the sellers will relist it at the same price. This of course only pertains to Ebay, since I have no idea how much business companies like MSA or other Z part sellers get.

[Mat M]

No, I haven't noticed, but your info makes me sad.

I sold my original AM radio (pristine) for $125 about a year ago. I also had a fan shroud I let go for $30.

I have yet to see a belly pan with my own eyes. I would think they were unobtanium, anyway.

If you are looking for something in particular, please PM me. I have a bunch in the barn.

[beandip]

I have seen the EBay prices go out of sight a few years ago and have stopped even going there. I was given two '72 radios and have one in my Z. This whole thing I have seen coming for the past 7+ years. As the parts become harder to find the prices will continue to climb. It is simply supply and demand. Just 7 years back the clear head light covers with he chrome rim were $150.00 on EBay and I bought new water valve for my 240 for $16.00 in the Nissan box. I went through this same thing when building my first Hot Rod , a '32 Ford 3 window. All of a sudden there were no parts to be found. This is the reason so many of us are buying parts cars. In two or three years you wont be able to find many of the parts now available. Just as soon as the demand causes the prices high enough to warrant someone to make some of this stuff , more after market parts will become available. A year ago there were no needles or nozzles for our SUs at Nissan any where in the U S A . Some are available now for who knows how long. Non tinted glass for the early 240s cannot be found at Nissan, now all are tinted. Just to name a few things. I have seen to many items sold on EBay that were still available at the Nissan Dealer for a lot less money. Gary Mat I have a splash shield for a '73 that I was thinking of cutting to make it fit a different application. What is it worth?

[Mat M]

I would like to clarify my fisrt response. I have not seen USED part prices increases, yet.

Prices for NOS (either real or claimed) parts have been skyrocketing, because of the more affluent members of society are willing and can easily part with higher sums, affording them to be more meticulous than myself. Last summer I pulled a very nice reuphulstered driver seat from a 73 at a P&P. When I resold it, I told the man "$65", and he pulled $165 out of his wallet. uh, no, I said $65. (I should have taken it!!)

Gary, I hope you are having fun at Canby (while I am writing this, in envy). IF I had a belly pan, I would probably ask $175 after reading the DeesZ's post. Before, I probably would have asked only $100.

[beandip]

I guess I won't modify it then. I was going to cut it so it would clear my 280 radiator that extends past the support about 2". thanks I can do something else. Canby was a great show . I had to leave at noon , being home for Father's day is more important for me. A bunch of us from this web site gathered at a Rest area on the highway ,11 240 Zs and one 350. And we all cruised in together and parked together. Lot's of Roadsters and early Zs both stock and modified.

Gary