Getting to the core of the problem.......

[9teen7t240z]

Hi, All,

There are a few members of our community that would like to have their tail light finishers (240z) and surrounds from 260z/280z re-chromed. Their problem is that they no longer have usable "cores". As many of you will attest, the plastic cores will tend, over time, to deteriorate from within. Some have told me that their parts literally disintegrated upon removal.

I have exhausted all of my local resources for used, quality cores.....and, lo and behold, just can't seem to find any. So, I am posting this thread to see if any of you "closet hoarders" might want to part with a decent set (or ten) of tail light finishers and surrounds. Alternatively, if you even know of someone who may be hoarding....I mean...holding on to...some decent cores, I would appreciate the referral. If you can help, please let me know what kind of quantity you have and what your price is, and I'll pass the info on to the respective Z owners.

Thanks as usual,

Mike R.

[9teen7t240z]

Given the rather conspicuous, albeit not entirely unexpected, lack of overwhelming offers to part with your stached finishers/surrounds/bezels, perhaps someone may know of the status of the Z Barn's inventory of parts? I had been in touch with Roger up until a couple of months ago regarding the liquidation of his inventory but havent heard anything since Novemeber. Does anyone know whether he found a buyer for his inventory, and, if so, would anyone know how I might contact he, she, or it?

Mike

[Zed Head]

I've always thought that if people will just say what they will pay instead of looking for a good deal that they would get many more offers. Who wants to haggle over something they didn't intend to sell anyway?

How much is being offered?

[Mike B]

Mike, are you referring to the chromed plastic 240Z taillight trim pieces that are part of the taillight assembly? Taillight finishers/surrounds for a 240Z are the three piece metal panels that are mounted around the lights. If you're referring to the plastic taillight trim pieces I'm not surprised you can't find people looking to sell them separately, since you'd have to break up a set of taillights just for the trim pieces. That's why I suggested they would make a good part for you to consider making reproductions of.

-Mike

[9teen7t240z]

Mike,

Yes, I was talking about the plastic trim pieces. And believe me.....I am seeing how difficult they are to find! I did talk to our employee in Asia and he claims that reproducing the trim piece would be very doable....but until I see the finished product and the price, I'm not holding my breath. ( I'm one of those who believes nothing that I hear, and only have of what I see). Anyway, I'll definitely keep everyone posted on the parts reproduction progress, but I thought I'd take a shot at trying to locate a few pieces for those who have asked in the meantime.

Mike, would you happen to know the status of the liquidation of the Z Barn's inventory?

Mike R.

[9teen7t240z]

I've always thought that if people will just say what they will pay instead of looking for a good deal that they would get many more offers. Who wants to haggle over something they didn't intend to sell anyway?

How much is being offered?

Zedhead,

You make a salient point. I didn't post an offer because I was trying to source parts for other members, and I don't have the authority to make offers on their behalf.

Having said that, I, too, would be interested in acquiring some cores for my sample inventory, as well as future needs for my customers. For MY purposes, I would be willing to pay $40.00 per set for either 240z trim pieces or 260/280z surrounds in decent plateable condition. (No noticeable deterioration in the substrate). My customers may not be willing to pay that much......then again, they may be willing to pay more. This is why I didn't open the thread with an offer......waht I may be willing to pay for an item could be significantly more or less than what a fellow member may be willing to pay. The thread was started with the hope of helping others.....not helping myself. In the future, I may be interested in buying any number of parts for my purposes, at which time I'd gladly post offering prices.

Sooooo, How many sets do you want to sell me, Zedhead?

[Mike B]

Mike, would you happen to know the status of the liquidation of the Z Barn's inventory?

Mike R.

No, I never dealt with Rodger at Z Barn. I read that he was retiring, but hadn't heard he was liquidating his remaining parts. Maybe someone closer would know what the status is.

-Mike

[9teen7t240z]

Mike,

When I spoke with Roger, he indicated that he wanted to liquidate his entire inventory (approximately 7 semi-truck loads) to one party, if possible. As i was mostly interested in chromed parts, he passed on discussing the possibility of breaking up his inventory pending the outcome of his original plan. Since then, I havent heard anything back from him regarding that planned liquidation.

I did fire off an email to him tonight to see if I could get an update. I'll let you know if I hear back from him.

Thanks,

Mike

[Mike B]

For MY purposes, I would be willing to pay $40.00 per set for either 240z trim pieces or 260/280z surrounds in decent plateable condition. (No noticeable deterioration in the substrate).)

I thought I remembered seeing a decent looking 260Z/280Z set on ebay recently. Looks like someone got a deal on them two days ago... $15.50 plus $10 shipping: Datsun 260z 280z Chrome Tail Light Trims Look NR | eBay.

I don't recall ever seeing anyone selling just the 240Z trim cores separately.

-Mike

[9teen7t240z]

I thought I remembered seeing a decent looking 260Z/280Z set on ebay recently. Looks like someone got a deal on them two days ago... $15.50 plus $10 shipping: Datsun 260z 280z Chrome Tail Light Trims Look NR | eBay.

I don't recall ever seeing anyone selling just the 240Z trim cores separately.

Mike,

Looks like I should be scouring Ebay ads for these pieces....I agree that someone scored a good deal. As for the 240z chrome trim, I had the good fortune of buying out the inventory of a Z restoration shop that closed down a few years ago. As I recall, I spent $40.00 for a box that included a couple of dozen emblems (metal ones mostly), and maybe 12-15 240z trim pieces. All told, I guess I spent less than $1.00 a piece for the contents of the box. Somehow, I don't think I'll be seeing those days again:(

Mike

[Zed Head]

Sooooo, How many sets do you want to sell me, Zedhead?

I do have a spare set in the garage for a 280Z. But ~$40 is what the local wrecking yards (PnP around here) charge.

I'll bet if you kept an ad on a few CL sites you'd get some offers. People parting out cars looking for an easy sale.

Good luck.