A new era? What parts are "out of reproduction"

[sawzall]

Recently I had an opportunity to converse with an early ford parts supplier.

during that conversation, I learned that some parts, that had been available in reproduction (for YEARS) are no longer available, AND apparently no plans for their "re" reproduction are in the works.

the reasons given were (are) simple..

1. the people who were (are) in the business of reproducing the parts are getting older

2. the demand for repro parts (even simple things) are apparently slowing

3. the cost associated with reproducing the parts are increasing to the point where the return on investment equates to another lifetime.. (i.e. the time to recoup the cost of the work)

as someone who reproduces parts for early fords (cast iron parts for woodie wagons) and regulator gears for 46 - 48 ford convertibles.. I too am concerned that my stock of parts could potentially be handed over to my children to deal with.. (and I am not an "old man" by any means.. )

so far.. the items I know of include.

1. bumpers for 46 - 48 ford

who can add to this list?

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by sawzall

Recently I had an opportunity to converse with an early ford parts supplier.

during that conversation, I learned that some parts, that had been available in reproduction (for YEARS) are no longer available, AND apparently no plans for their "re" reproduction are in the works.

the reasons given were (are) simple..

1. the people who were (are) in the business of reproducing the parts are getting older

2. the demand for repro parts (even simple things) are apparently slowing

3. the cost associated with reproducing the parts are increasing to the point where the return on investment equates to another lifetime.. (i.e. the time to recoup the cost of the work)

as someone who reproduces parts for early fords (cast iron parts for woodie wagons) and regulator gears for 46 - 48 ford convertibles.. I too am concerned that my stock of parts could potentially be handed over to my children to deal with.. (and I am not an "old man" by any means.. )

so far.. the items I know of include.

1. bumpers for 46 - 48 ford

who can add to this list?

Head pipe and crossover for 59ab vehicles and perhaps others that use same exhaust system.

[edhd58]

Hood badge for a 42 Ford and the oil pump gears

[TJ]

The '36 banjo steering wheel and the '39 banjo steering wheel are two items out of production.
The demand for parts has slowed due to the age of the enthusiast who might be building a car. Our cars are expensive to build and young guys cannot afford to get into the hobby. They also don't relate to our V-8s. My 50 yr old nephew is a car guy, but he's into a 65 Mustang which he can afford. Parts are readily available and not too expensive. Just go to a V-8 meet and look around for a young person. They are as rare as a '32 B-400.
It would be interesting to know if Model A parts are being discontinued. I do see some young guys into Model A's but they are mostly modified cars. The parts for A's are quite a bit cheaper than V-8 parts, so it does make it more attractive to the younger enthusiast.

[mhsprecher]

You can get most any A part that you need, with some notable exceptions. Vendors are coming up with new ones, too. The quality of some parts is poor. It may be that there are just many more Model As out there, but the owner demographic is aging, too. Of my cars, my 30 y.o. son likes my Model As best, I believe. He thinks Model Ts are pretty neat, too. I don't have one of those - yet.

[Lawson Cox]

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How expensive would it be to have, say a 37 and up steering gear 3D printed ? Just curious about cost of modern technology ?

[19Fordy]

Any 49-51 Merc coupe sheet metal parts.

[woodiewagon46]

The way the major suppliers work is that if something sits on the shelf for a long time it might be time not to "tool up" and make more, when stock runs out. Dead stock costs money. The longer something sits you still have to pay for heat and cooling, taxes etc. with zero return. I know of several sheet metal parts that aren't being made because the dies have worn out and it's just not worth the investment to make more. Some of the parts for our Woodies aren't being made any more such as rear cargo mats and fender guards. Bob Drake said it's just not cost efficient.

[woodiewagon46]

Sorry Jeff, I had to end my post for a phone call I had to take. Anyway, as you know, I started to reproduce tailgate hangers for '40 thru '48 Ford Woodies. I can't believe it, but I have sold 38 sets. That being said, I didn't sell a set for 8 months and was out of stock anyway. Out of the blue I got a call from a guy and he begged me to tool up and make him a set. I fabricated six sets and sold him one and have had the remain 5 since. I think that I have reached the "saturation point". I researched several Woodie parts but the return on investment just isn't there.

[4dFord/SC]

'40 radio speaker boot.

[RalphM]

Think about it this way, it is still a lot easier to find parts for our old Fords than say, a 41 Oldsmobile!

[Andy]

I waited a while before I bought a repo knob for the 32 3W glove box. I am glad I finally bought it as they are no longer available.

[Bryan Markell]

11A cowl mirrors .. Bob Drake and Jay Fisher with two completely different approaches are no longer producing the 1941 Ford cowl mirrors. Bob Drake says his moulds are damaged and I believe Mr. Fisher passed on.

These mirrors just don't show up now. Bryan

[woodiewagon46]

You are so right Ralph. I can't imagine trying to find a part for something like an Essex or REO. It must take years looking for a part.

[Clem Clement]

red haired bobbysoxers

[bigdoor]

41 ford grill all 3

[Yoyodyne]

35-36 Pickup floor mats have been unavailable for a long time.

Did anyone ever make 35-36 pickup rear fenders?

[Yoyodyne]

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

You are so right Ralph. I can't imagine trying to find a part for something like an Essex or REO. It must take years looking for a part.

I grew up on the oddball stuff. Lots of parts get made from scratch. I am constantly amazed at how easily available flathead parts are, both NOS and repro.

[1oldtimer]

1941 pickup hood latch

[fordor41]

'41 Ford front fenders