An idea - Need Input....

corbetts_auto · Nov 1, 2004

Hello all I’m new to this forum. I’ve had this idea brewing in my head for a few months now and thought I’d get some input on it. As you may or may not be aware Hot Rod ran an article on a company manufacturing new ’69 Camaro Shells. There is also a company in NC that sells rebuilt shells.

I run a small restoration shop in NC. My thought is of offering rebuilt Mustang shells. Meaning I would take an original shell repair it and take your shell in as a core. Do any of you know of anyone else doing this? How many of you would be interested? I’ve done a little research already but need some input to see if there is a need to be filled.

Feel free to PM me or e-mail me.

Thanks

Gellpak · Nov 1, 2004

Not sure what you mean.

MustangMatt1966 · Nov 1, 2004

kinda confused?

Ronstang · Nov 1, 2004

No offense but not many people are going to be willing to trade in their core.....CAR.....for another. You would have to buy their car and then sell them your car as each would have a unique VIN and title transfers would be involved. I just don't see anyone doing this. I wouldn't trade in a San Jose built K code for a Metuchen built T code....it just sounds like an impossible logistics nightmare especially since it would involve shipping both ways unless the client was local.

You would be better off just buying stripped Mustangs and rebuilding the bodys and then selling them outright.

BTW, you would be offering no more than what any competent local body shop would be doing so it doesn't sound like a plausible business model.

corbetts_auto · Nov 2, 2004

Thanks to Everyone

First of I want to thank everyone for their comments. Believe it or not, the answers you gave were pretty much what I expected. I had this idea even before the HOT ROD article came out. There are actually 3 companies offering Camaro body shells. The NEW ones you all are aware of and 2 that REBUILDS bodies and takes in the cores. It was just an idea, and obviously not a good one. By nature I try to be an innovator, but luckily I accept defeat well. Again thank for the comments.

For now I will continue to restore cars the old fashion way, one piece at a time. LOL

1320stang · Nov 2, 2004

I've thought of that as well, there is actually a guy that posts here rather infrequently that already does this.

I think what I would attempt is to just buy cars and offer the shells up for sale. (I reread Ron's post and see this is what he suggested as well) Allow for a trade if someone wants to, and also offer the transfer of parts if so desired.

If someone is doing a modified car, they're not going to care what codes were, they just want a solid foundation, period. I think restored cars will skyrocket because of this and you probably need to save anything original you take off of a car as it will probably be worth something in about 20 years. But I think there is a market for this. That's why Dallas Mustang isn't using K or A codes for their Terlingua cars. Just because you got 1 negative response (and 2 confused ones), doesn't mean it's not a good idea. I do see what Ron is talking about as far as the title go though.

nds03 · Nov 2, 2004

I read in that hot rod magazine article that the company thats making new camaros is making 67 mustangs next!

mustangdave · Nov 2, 2004

I t sounds like a reasonable idea to me. If someone is going to modify the car anyway, why not start with a solid chassis and body and avoid alot of hassle. The drawbacks are the cost of advertising and the fact that you would have to build a reputation over time.

corbetts_auto · Nov 2, 2004

Thank you 1320stang for the words of encouragement. I have not given up on the idea completely, but rather intend on going back to the drawing board a revamp the approach. I realize that this forum only represents a small segment of my customer base, but it does provide a good cross section of what I’m up against.

Mustangdave, thanks for your positive comments as well. The drawbacks of advertising and building a reputation also come along with any venture including the restoration services I now offer. Over the years of being in this business I have developed many low cost advertising techniques and the reputation comes in time.

Thanks Again,

Well, the new Hot Rod just came in the mail today. Time to sit back and . LOL

Stang_1973 · Nov 2, 2004

If you are like Mach1one, who is just looking for a shell to restomod, then i see how a company like this could be helpful.

thehueypilot · Nov 2, 2004

I think it is a great idea! I would like to see new shells though. It would take the pressure off the existing cars, but it would be a tall order to reproduce new shells without the original drawings. My guess is that Ford Motor Company would try and stop you because of the liability issues and you could cut into their shrinking market share. I would love to have a solid 68 fastback shell!

1320stang · Nov 3, 2004

Well, I wouldn't mind trading my A-code, disc brake, bench seat coupe shell that needs quarters for a fresh T-code fastback shell.

corbetts_auto · Nov 4, 2004

1320stang said:
Well, I wouldn't mind trading my A-code, disc brake, bench seat coupe shell that needs quarters for a fresh T-code fastback shell.

One man's junk is another man's treasure! Stranger things have happened.

HistoricMustang · Nov 4, 2004

Actually not a bad idea if you go the Fastback route. There are still a lot of coupes floating around but the slant tops are getting tough to find.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

limey66 · Nov 4, 2004

This is a great idea, just needs plenty of thought.

In the UK, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust remanufacture brand new MGB, Midget and Mini shells (amongst others), but this is from the original tooling. I have no idea how you then register a vehicle that is a mixture of brand new and 40 year old parts - we have age related registration numbers that stay with the vehicle for those of you that don't know - but i guess you wont have those sort of issues.

Go for it, I'm sure you'll get people wanting to trade 'up' from a coupe to a fastback too...

Good luck, and let me know when you're offereing free shipping to the UK...

Route666 · Nov 4, 2004

I'd be interested in a good 69 sportsroof shell, one day, as long as the price is right. It would sure beat buying a 20 - 30 (AU) grand car to strip, fix the body up, and start where I would with just buying a shell. (I don't plan on re-using much apart from the body.) Of course if I stripped a car, I'd be able to sell the motor, trans, etc, so that would factor against the cost of a shell.

corbetts_auto · Nov 5, 2004

limey66 said:
This is a great idea, just needs plenty of thought.....

Good luck, and let me know when you're offereing free shipping to the UK...

Nothing is truely "free"

limey66 · Nov 7, 2004

corbetts_auto said:
Nothing is truely "free"

That's true - I'm still paying for a few lunches I've had over the years...

An idea - Need Input....

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