Sponsored builds and donated parts????

[Chevrolaine]

Ok, I'm lost. I see several builds on here such as Re-Peeled, Ol FlM's, heck even Larry's, etc. and see them thanking mfg's for contributing to the project with headers, guages, and what not and I'm curious how these deals work.

I'm not bashing anyone by any means, I just don't see any explanations in the threads as to the hows and whys these particular cars are picked.

Obviously some go to SEMA, Power Tour and other shows but are the parts donated or deeply discounted strictly for advertising purposes in the thread or do the mfg's get their hands on the car for certain months for their own promotions?

Any input Prodigy, Fessler, anyone?? LOL

[ProdigyCustoms]

Oh come on, your not really asking why Larry's car would be selected are you? LOL! Have you seen the 150,000 view build thread! The multiple magazines? We are talking about the guy that invented Pro Touring forums here! And don't let your mind race too much on what sponsorship entails.

Sometimes when a car is high profile, going to be well promoted, manufacturers / distributors/ builders will extend some amount of discount to help the project. This can range anywhere from a extra percentage off to free. It is just good business for everyone when the deal is right. I will tell you up front we helped on the Bull Run car and donated some time and parts discounts to the project. In exchange, I got to build the only muscle car to finish Bull Run. My customer is a cool guy and spent $20K of his money just to get in the race! Soon as we finished the race we got the cover of the November issue of a big time magazine coming out in just a couple weeks. Lucy (Bull Run Racer) will do SEMA, PRI. Optima Challenge. Also, my customer Ted is out to sea 40 weeks a year, so you know who gets to keep the car in his garage and show it?...........Me. I am taking it to a show today. I will take it to RTTHs next week. So it was worth it for us to throw in a little time and fore go some parts profit to make all this happen. And it was sure as hell cheaper then building another car for myself.

I will tell you though that in most cases Joe Q Public probably does not want sponsorship. He thinks he does, but the sponsorship commitments can be way more expensive to keep then the parts. And a the end of the day, unless your in the business (like a builder) that can benefit financially from doing all the sponsor commitments, your probably better finding a good deal on your parts and building your car, and going where you want to go, when you want to go.

[Iamtheonlyreal1]

I agree with Frank there... I have met alot of people that had sponored parts, paint jobs, ect, on their vehicles, most say they wouldnt do it again. I met one guy that let PPG paint his vehicle, and he didnt get to take possession for over a year after the car was completed. I dont know about you, but I couldnt wait that long.

Alot of the sponsorship is corporation to coporation, or product company to builder. Everyone is promoting each others products, so if you look at it as a business perk, it is great.

We have sponsored a couple of build shops vehicles, but we also take on the individuals cars. A nice car is a nice car, it works for us. The individuals cars that we sponsor, we only ask for photo rights for our catalogs, website, ect, and customer feedback. Of course we would like to find the cars that have instant magazine coverage or SEMA, that is normally done by your quality build shops, so it is necessary to go that route also.

I have seen where alot of people dont think it is fair, or the builder has an advantage, because they been given these cool new products for their vehicles. But when you look, most of them are promoting something of their own, so it is a win/win. They will take on the hassle of expense and obligation to promote themselves and who ever wants to support them. But for the average Joe, it really isnt worth the hassle and lack of freedom to enjoy their vehicle.

[Bill Howell]

There is an older thread here somewhere on the subject that pretty much covers the subject, but I can not find it.
Like mentioned before, sometimes sponsorship is just not worth the price. One thing to always remember, nothing in this world is free. Manufacturers don't have parts just laying around they want to give away. They expect something in return. If you are going to get magazine coverage, or going to hit the road with your ride, then most sponsors will listen to your spill. Obviously their reason for donating a part is to get the word out about their parts, so they expect results. It is a contract usually and be willing to fulfill your part of the deal if you ask for parts.
One thing that never gets covered in this type thread is this. Have you ever bought a part because of the hype and found out it was junk? I know I have. Reverse that, what if you got sponsorship for the said part and figured out it was junk, what would you do?
Something to think about when you get serious about sponsorship.
I have be fortunate to get some sponsorship, ranging from discounted parts to free ones. I personally like the discounted ones better. Usually that means I am buying them for the same thing a dealer gets the part. I like paying as I go, that way if down the road I want to change out something I don't feel obligated to keep the part on my car because of sponsorship.

[joemac]

Two excellent posts, let me put that in lay terms.

Unless you are in some type of automotive business that you want to promote it is too much hassle to get your car sponsored.

You have to spend big bucks to have a car worthy of sponsorship.

Thirdly it's who you know.

On, a side note I am considering sponsoring a car on this forum which would entail a major discount on all the fluids in the car possibly free, but I am looking for a car that is high profile and an owner that knows what I am looking for in return, ie promotion of my dealership. I would be looking for them to attend a certain amount of events per year.

[XLexusTech]

Thanks to Frank and Robert for the explanation it does shed some light into what one has to give to get and as Frank mentions it can be allot of work to get some free parts.

Helps me with my jealously issues anyway :-)

I would note however that as a member of Joe Public i tend to be skeptical of feedback from folks with sponsored parts and cars. I have to discount thier opinions on parts that they got free or are attempting to promote. That too has two sides, what kind of feedback to you et elsewhere? None from Jegs or Summitt....

Most of these folks are straight up guys and it does suck to be on the outside looking in but that's life..

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, Bill mentioned the horride "what if the sponsored part is junk" fear. And yes, it happens. Our policy is let people know our issues and let them know about other product choices. I will let a sponsor know up front if it is garbage, they best keep it away from me. I don't threaten them. I just let them know I can only speak the truth!

I had a situation where I had to remove a free $4,000 FI set up and replace it with a full retail purchased system to straighten it out. I promoted the bought retail system and have warned of my issues with the free system. I still have that free system, I won't even sell it to anyone. I would not give it away!

I had the same issues when I wrote magazine stuff. Don't send me junk! I don't care how big a advertisment you run. Keep it to yourself!

I will never forget in 1992 we were doing a project car. A 1984 Camaro 305HO! We base line dynoed the car, put in a cam, springs, ignition from Crane, also some headers and free flowing exhaust. Was supposed to add 40 horse to the 190HP monster. Long story short it lost 10HP. I reported the loss the best I could.

[Iamtheonlyreal1]

Keep in mind...Classic Auto Glass Innovations Guinea Pig vehicles are not obligated to anything other than use of pictures and feed back. Our marketing and testing depends on the Average Joe's, so we have no real demands that arent easy. So the guys submitting their Chevelles at this point, dont let the normal sponsorship protocol discussed here discourage you from submitting.

All our lines of products will have free product sent out to Build Shops and Average Joe's. The build shops will be promoting their own product, so we get to ride along. The Average builder will provide us with product feedback, and local venues. The red Camaro in our Classic Industries Catalog ad, is an average Joe's car, He is was surprised that his car was used.

[Rick D]

When I used to run a collision shop in Chicago area we had a customer that was building a new 10.5 NMCA super street car. When it came time for paint and body he asked if we would sponser him for the time and work and he would cover the materials. We said ok and did the work, and a lot of work. Converted from t tops to hard top paint 25.2 roll cage everything. Car came out awsome he loved it. We had our name on the car and trailer. We thought we would get some work out of doing the car, we did get a couple of jobs from friends of his but we probaly would have gotten the jobs anyway. The biggest thing we DID get from it was ALOT of requests for SPONSERSHIP on race cars. My point is unless your company has a product that you can sell to John Q public the sponsership thing can work backwards for the company doing it. At the time we though the other racers would come to us and want to pay for their car to be painted but that did not work out for us. In the end it was good business learning for our company. And it is always cool to see something you had a hand in building make it in the mags. I would do this again with my new shop to help get my shop shown.

[ProdigyCustoms]

The biggest thing we DID get from it was ALOT of requests for SPONSERSHIP on race cars.

Exactly! you would not believe how many request parts suppliers get.

Hi, my name is Billy Bob and I want to make your company famous by putting free parts or your sweat on my car.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

just save up and come out of pocket.. and do some building yourself.

sponsorship isnt really worth it unless you REALLY like the part and want to rep it personally..

i for one dont only seen a COUPLE of parts companies i would rep at all.

[Chevrolaine]

just save up and come out of pocket.. and do some building yourself.

sponsorship isnt really worth it unless you REALLY like the part and want to rep it personally..

i for one dont only seen a COUPLE of parts companies i would rep at all.

LOL, I'm not looking for sponsorship!
Built plenty of cars myself and am currently working on my 72. I simply wanted to understand how the process worked and now I have a pretty good idea.

Thanks for the replies gentleman!

[Steve Chryssos]

Check out this thread:

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11291

And I'll add that people/businesses who received product in exchange for exposure should not run around bragging about parts scores. Words like "free" or "donated"That's definitely a byproduct of the message board age.

These programs are an integral part of our industry. Without product exchanges (note that I refuse to use the word sponsorship), events like SEMA would have significantly fewer cars and magazines would have far fewer build articles.

But out of common decency, product for exposure exchanges are supposed to be a quiet process. Bragging gives people the impression that the stuff is free--which is far from true.

Recipients must work very hard to promote those products and are liable for those commitments. If the recipient promises exposure and agrees to terms for that exposure, they must follow thru with a quality, fully completed vehicle. And they gotta follow thru on time.

[camaro2nv]

My last car I had a few items sponsored. BUT it wasnt until the car was first built that I started getting parts. I was really shocked how it all went down. I did everything I could to get the companies names out there. But it seemed like they didnt care. Dunlop gave me a set of times, about 2k worth. They sent the tires and I was told I would get tire stands for shows that had the company name of them. They never sent them to me. Next up was a set of headers, 1100.00. This went down the same way but it was a banner. It went on and on like this. So I guess it just depends on the company your dealing with.
I havent asked for anything for the Camaro because Im new to this world. But after its done Im sure Ill fine tune a few things. When I do Ill shoot pics of what Ive done and go from there.

[rogue]

I've had a full sponsored SEMA car before, it wasn't worth the time and free parts.

[Steve1968LS2]

Remember that parts sponsorship is a business arrangement on behalf of the companies involved.

To those looking for parts it pays to be professional and make a good business case to the company you're interested in. You need to show them "what's in it for them" and how thier contribution to your cause will help their company.

[CptKlutz]

I too did the rounds for sponsored parts for the GT2 build and discovered that a good discount is the better route.
A better way to get "free" parts is to help develop them, be the guinea pig or test mule. Lots of fun if you're the gearhead type that would just as well build as drive. Doesn't hurt to be a mech engineer and be able to do 3D CAD, FEA, billet & CF prototypes etc too! :)

[ProdigyCustoms]

A better way to get "free" parts is to help develop them, be the guinea pig or test mule. :)

Oh man, brand new stuff can be really scary. I wish I had back all the time and money I spent trying to make sponsered brand new "guinea pig parts" working. You feel so commited to the company that sent them, so you don't give up as easily as you should, UGH!

Most times it goes great, but ever so often.................

[MIGOAT]

I think I wouldn't mind some sponsorship. I don't have the ability to work more hrs and get more money, I get time off. I don't know of any Rich Police Officers. I thought about building my car as a Police Car with LED Blue lights and a cool paint job to show off at the autocross events, Strip. to help get the racing off the streets for the younger generations.
It's just an Idea though and I haven't really ever talked with anyone but there are many old cop cars and impounded vehicles that are top notch why not a 69 GTO. our Sheriff office has a impounded drug car 2007/8 ZO6. All black.

Just an Idea if your interested :) I also love the pop rivet look paint jobs like an old aircraft to pay tribute to the Air Force or military in general. Just my thought of the day
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSCN0719-1.jpg

this is what they came up with and I think it's terrible!!!!!

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2009/06/04-us-air-force-x1-vapor-concepts/_Vapor-Challenger-Concept-01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2009/06/04-us-air-force-x1-vapor-concepts/&usg=__EEAyRDm8cVuI-XqEo2JwfB64ga8=&h=266&w=355&sz=15&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=uXe3w3DIdKgL1M:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dair%2Bforce%2Bchallenger%2Bconcept%2B car%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US%26um%3D1

[nvr2fst]

Frank, Robert, Bill, Steve and Steve summed it up to a tee. This has come up a couple of times on other sites over the last week or so.
You need to pursue your potential product companies formally IMO
on paper, draft a summary of your build, your intentions for use with the vehicle, what exposure will they get in return and an ideal time lapse of the build, etc.etc. No vender wants to deal with a project that 10yrs in the waiting. All this is just the start of something that could lead to discounts only. I typical phone call usually doesnt cut it.

Personally on my build I would like to keep the vendors to a limit. If you end up with 50 plus contributors in any type of donation or discount, in the long run it may hinder you.

BTW- Frank great feed back on this issue last week.

[Vegas69]

It's a journey and I'll tell it how it is regardless of who hooked me up. I'm pretty happy with most of my parts and vendors so it looks like things worked out alright. The reason, I researched my parts and vendors pretty thoroughly, not because I got a hand out.

[nvr2fst]

It's a journey and I'll tell it how it is regardless of who hooked me up. I'm pretty happy with most of my parts and vendors so it looks like things worked out alright. The reason, I researched my parts and vendors pretty thoroughly, not because I got a hand out.

X2
I wouldnt want to build a car with parts just because they were deeply discounted when knowing my intentions were to go with a different product, vendor or talented individual.

[joemac]

I can tell you what I am finding personally is that everybody wants sponsorship. In my case that would be a fluid/lubrication product sponsorship. What nobody realizes though is that a sponsorship is an investment for me and I expect a return on that investment. When I start asking them what shows and events they are attending and how they are going to promote my Dealership and send clients my way they usually don't reply back. Sponsorship is very much a business relationship and it is meant to promote and increase business for the sponsoring business. My recommendation to anybody looking for sponsorship, like was stated above, have a plan on how you will bring a return on the advertising investment. Have a schedule of shows and events mapped out and committed to, explain and have a plan on how you will promote the business.

[The Rook]

I will tell you though that in most cases Joe Q Public probably does not want sponsorship. He thinks he does, but the sponsorship commitments can be way more expensive to keep then the parts. And a the end of the day, unless your in the business (like a builder) that can benefit financially from doing all the sponsor commitments, your probably better finding a good deal on your parts and building your car, and going where you want to go, when you want to go.

Frank, if you give me a ton of free parts I will gladly let you tell me where to go.....or where to stick something.....or.....okay maybe I didnt quite understand that! :poke: Anyone know of any experts willing to donate a little of their talent to me? Not sure how to do that but worth a shot.

[LMDGUY]

Getting sponsor is so much work that when most people ask me how I did it for my SEMa build last year, they dont even try it. The pay off was great with sponsors like: Baer, Toyo, Rozzi, PPG, Spal. def was a learning experiance, that I will do again (some year).

[protour73]

LOL, I'm not looking for sponsorship!
Built plenty of cars myself and am currently working on my 72. I simply wanted to understand how the process worked and now I have a pretty good idea.

Thanks for the replies gentleman!oh yes you are Laine......who you trying to kid?? LOL:smoke:

[Chevrolaine]

oh yes you are Laine......who you trying to kid?? LOL:smoke:
HEY! YOU! SHUDDUP!!:bsjerk:

[CptKlutz]

Oh man, brand new stuff can be really scary. I wish I had back all the time and money I spent trying to make sponsered brand new "guinea pig parts" working. You feel so commited to the company that sent them, so you don't give up as easily as you should, UGH!ft

Most times it goes great, but ever so oen.................

Being a business I can see how that can be a time robber. For a hobby guy like me thats part of the fun!