Rare Parts vs Usable Parts Dilema

[Tony_SS]

I'm at a crossroads here with something. On the 78-80 Montes there is a factory trunk piece that swivels over to reveal the truck lock. It has become quite the collectors item.

I watched one of these go on ebay for $355!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160221651156&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=006

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/a1a8_1JPG-1.jpg

Now, these are pretty rare because 99% of them don't have the red center, they will fade out pretty quick unless they are kept indoors or out of the sun.

Many years ago, before they were a hot item, I picked one up on ebay for $25 and it's on the car now. It looks just as good as the picture.

My dilema is whether or not to cash in on this piece of automotive jewelry or just keep it? I'm thinking for $355 I could darn near get a set of Autometers and this has me ready to cash it in.

Comments, suggestions?

[oestek]

Sell it... imagine the joy of the buyer who's been searching for a nice one for his / her pride and joy...

[shizzy]

$355? I sure wish I could say I DIDNT toss one in the garbage last summer..... :crying:

[JJSmitches]

Sell Sell Sell!!!!!!!!!

[dropit69]

id sell it ..and im now keeping my eyes open for one ..now that i know what they are worth..

[cjrolke]

this is as bad as a walnut ashtray for a 1968 camaro selling for 225+

crazy stuff the little things will break the bank

[dropit69]

i was offered 700 bucks for the duct tube from my 69 convert i had..just 1 small plastic duct and the metal grate he didnt even need the blower..i guess those arent repoped yet either..

[Jim Nilsen]

Sell it when you think the time is right, like when it is the only one listed . Trim Parts will probably repop them one day and theirs will look even better than factory and the price will drive a lot of NOS buyers away.

So get it while it is HOT

[indyjps]

Is this piece making your car faster or handle better, theres the answer

[shizzy]

sell it!

I have been thinking of swapping out the OEM buckets in My Cutlass for a while. I just checked prices of what 68-72 GM A body Buckets are selling for hoping I could recoup some of the price of the new seats. Depending on condition they are going for $300-$700 :confused: looks like Ill be upgrading sooner then I figured.

[James OLC]

The biggest lesson that I learned about selling parts like that (rare, original, uncommonly high quality) is that you have to remember that you will probably never be able to replace it for less. Once it's gone - it's gone and if you ever want to bring it back it's going to cost you more. A year from now the Automoters you buy for your car are going to be worth less than you paid, while your trunk piece will be worth more.

[shizzy]

very true. but in my case, the car will never be worth anything as an original since its not a 442 or W car. add to that the factory buckets are heavy, uncomfortable and have no side support.