Dear Vendors

[XLexusTech]

Hello. Going to try something.....
I need the following and will go out on a limb and provide a budget....
I need Big brakes 14 preferred i have my eye on the C6 Big brake kit but I am open to alternatives. MY budget is 2K
I need 18 x 12 or 18x11.5 and 18x10 rims I have been loooking at CCW and Formula43, I like Mesh, I like polished lip.. I am open for ideas here...
I need 315 35 18 and 275 35 18 My budget is 4-5K
Misc:
I didit column, tilt, wiper switch, 67 camaro
Front power window kit 67 camaro
Carbon or glass (if high quality) hood 2 inch cowl
Carbon or Class Trunk
Autometer Prolite 5 Inch Speedo and tach.
Automater prolite 2 5/8 prolite Oil, water temp, Fuel.
Assessory drive kit for LS... (this may be tricky, I am using a JRS subframe)

Nice to have....
LS supercharger... Open to turbo kit as well.

PM me if you would like to provide a quote.. prefer package disout offers... Cash is king...:cheers:

[XLexusTech]

I guess I am surprised that not one vendor ins interested... No worries but it sure shows that a business model like what was tried by our friend in Flordia has a place in this business if you could keep it together.

Last call for a vendor interested in a 5 digit purchase...

[bret]

I'm going to go out on a limb here...

Your lack of responses reflects the perception that your budget expectations are likely unrealistic and that you are only interested in the bottom dollar monetary price.
Nobody willingly plays that game. Frank played for for quite some time until he got tired of working for free.

It's possible that more would respond if the parameters would be expanded a bit.

[XLexusTech]

If I can get the parts individually without discounts direct then my budget is realistic, I know because I have made the calls gotten the quotes. I just figured since I am getting retail prices then their MUST be someone who can make a profit get me all the parts i need and save me some Money. If that's not realistic then their is somt a gap within business in general.

All details about my interests and ideas, and what I have already gotten quotes on can be provided privately. But for starters I picked out two vendors commonly used here for wheel the specs listed above... I have retail quotes ranging from 3k- to 5,800. Brakes, retail on c6 Six piston Brakes calipers and Rotors, also via a vendor supported here is 1900.00 So If my numbers are low then the perception is wrong not the reality... Just sayin...

[MonzaRacer]

Are you talking front brakes only as the big brake kit from Kore3 is $1600 with billet hub and if you can scrounge a drum hub you can save about $300.
From Kore3 $666 gets your 330 rear brakes no p brake, $1240 gets you full pbrake deal Heck htere is your brakes pretty close to what you wanted all for looking.
Rear brakes, well thats not as hard as fronts from what I have read IF you are not real interested in a parking brake. From what Ihave see some people use the S10/Blazer setup and then add in Corvette rotors (at least I think it was S10/Blazer, may have been Silverado but then in back I would jsut use the S10 stuff and some Ridetech Wheel Plates if possible. Saw a guy even finish his to look like a rotor untill you noticed no caliper!
Wheels, well if you look around, I am sure you can source wheels in your widths, as for tires look for sales. Being in tire I know that some say not to buy and store tires but if you have a nice cool closet simply place some cardboard between tires and let them sit, My friend up the road has a Corvette, got NEW tires for it when it went in to get nose repaired from daughter having accident in itwith worn tires(his sons fault on tires) and they sat 5 yrs, he had those two nad two brand new ones and we cant tell ANY difference over the two sets 5 yrs age apart. A lot of tire aging has to do with HOW they are stored.
My intention is to get too local rearend shop and put small amount down on an 8.5 rearend (S10) less gears as its from newer truck and has disc brakes mounts. hoping I can rebuild all of it and slap on some new brakes nad call it good.

[bret]

Well, cool! Now at least we've got some discussion created and potential progress being made!

I think more and more you'll find the "retail" price to be quite close to the actual selling price. Not because the manufacturers or vendors are making more money, but because the traditional 3step distribution structure has been bypassed. It used to be that the manufacturer sold their widget to the distributor for $70, who sold it to the dealer(vendor) for $85,who sold it to the end user for $100. Now the manufacturer might sell it directly to the dealer for $80, who will sell it to the end user for $95.

[bsinclair]

you can figure most dealers receive a 20-25% margin from the manufacturers. the easiest solution is to be up front with a dealer and tell them exactly what you want. a dealer is more willing to discount it more if you purchase all or most of your items there. its a small world when it comes to these specialty items and word travels fast when you try and leverage yourself against dealers for a larger discount. my best advice is to not waste anyone's time and pick a dealer that will service your needs if you have problems.

[dontlifttoshift]

No worries but it sure shows that a business model like what was tried by our friend in Flordia has a place in this business if you could keep it together...


There are three shops that I can think of the tried that method, undercut everone else, screwed their customers and are now out of business or way under the radar. Who else in their right mind would even attempt to operate that way. There is no place for that business model, it may fit your needs to have retailers slit each others throats so you can save 5 points but eventually something has to give. So you may get your deal, but the next guy gets burned on his parts. Why is this so hard to put together for people?

You throw a list out there like a raw steak and you want the vendors to battle because "you have to save some money" .....then you want a supercharger??!! When your kids are eating alpo and the minivan breaks down and you and your wife can't carpool to work until it is fixed then you HAVE to save some money. If parts are too expensive, save your money, pick different parts, change your plans, I don't care, but don't tell me that we need a ProTouring WalMart.

You posted this in the other forum and got some responses, and one name echoed a couple of times. It seems they are making people happy and selling at great prices. Can they bring the tech?.....don't know......will they help you through a situtation that you run into?.....don't know. My guess is they would tell you yes, but that is a song we have all heard play before from the last "go to vendor". Time will tell with the next batch.

I don't move the volume that any of those people do and quite honestly I don't care to. We make a living, so that is enough for me to make the customer the priority. Getting to know you and your car and your goals and getting you the right parts that meet all three of those parameters.....that's my goal. And that is why I, and many others, will not play the discount game and why you haven't gotten many answers here. Does it cost me sales to quote retail all the time, Yes, no question on that. But it doesn't cost me any money and allows me to focus on customers and clients that understand that I am here to help them build their car.

[icemanrd19]

my experience

All of my sheet metal is from firewheel classics. They are right down the road from me so i wanted to be able to drive there and get whatever i needed right away. more of a convience factor.

I bought my rear quadralink and DSE headlight kit from firewheel classics bc they treated me right whenever i needed sheet metal.

When i bought my subframe i went with MCB. Great price and great people to deal with. shopped around and still went with them

When I bought my tail lights I went with MCB. Great price and they assured me i wouldnt have to wait very long. shopped around less this time

WHen i bought my c6 z06 calipers i was going to go with kore3. I found a set local around the same price so i bought them local. I will buy my parking brake assembly and whatever other braking needs from kore3 bc i feel that i can trust him.

WHen i bought my Gas tank, steering column shaft, and body bushings i went with MCB bc of my previous experience.

Now whenever i finally decided on wheels again I went with MCB. I didnt question their price due to previous history.

Whenever i was first building my car i would put a nice list up hoping I would have venders fight for my business. Now looking back at it im happy that they didnt. I feel that i built a business relationship with MCB and i know that they will take care of me. When i want something i just tell them to send it to me. If you truly want the best price shop around alittle bit but make sure you feel comfortable with that fender. You might pay around the normal at first but once you buy alot of product from one fender without questioning them they will give you the best deal. Remember you are both interviewing for each others business.

[XLexusTech]

You throw a list out there like a raw steak and you want the vendors to battle because "you have to save some money" .....then you want a supercharger??!! When your kids are eating alpo and the minivan breaks down and you and your wife can't carpool to work until it is fixed then you HAVE to save some money. If parts are too expensive, save your money, pick different parts, change your plans, I don't care, but don't tell me that we need a ProTouring WalMart. :nopity:

No actually I have spent 15+ years saving giving up many things to be in a position where after 30 years of working I can buy something that I truely enjoy and that I want. That doesn't mean I have to bend over to get it... nor does it mean I am going to pay more for something needlessly... this money was very hard to get an I am not about to give it away...

I don't move the volume that any of those people do and quite honestly I don't care to. We make a living, so that is enough for me to make the customer the priority. Getting to know you and your car and your goals and getting you the right parts that meet all three of those parameters.....that's my goal. And that is why I, and many others, will not play the discount game and why you haven't gotten many answers here. Does it cost me sales to quote retail all the time, Yes, no question on that. But it doesn't cost me any money and allows me to focus on customers and clients that understand that I am here to help them build their car.

This is exactly what I want and was hoping that the list would open the door. I already have a builder I am working with, he is not a retailer and that's what I am in search of.
For the record I am not asking anyone to "Fight over" my business.. I was simply asking if a mutually beneficial arrangement could be discussed...more money then I have ever spent in my life was leaving my hands It's not leaving without some effort on my part to respect the sacrifice, good luck and effort that allowed me to get it in the first place...

[dontlifttoshift]

Well then, we are on the same page. I hope find someone local that will take care of you. It's not always the price that makes it a deal.

[MonzaRacer]

Come on people, Ihave been building cars on the thinnest of budgets for last 25+ years, heck my Monza is named Cheap Trick for just that. I dont build $100k cars, I use everyone elses throw away parts and left overs. I may not have fastest, or best looking BUT I BUILT IT!
I am a tech so some of my tool purchase's cover my hobbie.
I have let last 5 yrs beat me down into thinking I couldnt use the skills God gave me to build a car or have fun at it.
I am finding my car groove again sort of. The itch to get it built will push me to do better.
I have figured out how to do a rear suspension that worked for my first attempt. Simple swing arm set up,,only I didnt fix the pinion angle issue. So when Igo back this time it is getting fixed.
My plan is to wring the best bang for every buck I spend.
I will not spend $5k for a part just to add bling, I havent got it.
I WILL find part that fits what I need too do and works with my combo.
I buy parts when and where I can find the deal.
Bret and Ridetech have treated me great and I will keep using thier products, I have seen then prove the "experts" wrong time and again.
Money is gonna get tighter before it gets better, so this sport can and will weather another rough patch. Those that understand it, will still work on stuff. Those that have no clue of how to hot rod, pro touring style ,will be in debt and unfinished becasue its not "perfect" or isnt like the other guys stuff.
Me, well I am gonna keep fixing up my stuff till I drive it out of my drive way and then show everyone just what JUNK and hard work will do.
And if I can either source or provide parts for someone, so be it. I wont sit around complaining about the price, I will figure out different ways to do it a little cheaper,,, kind of like my 283 piston dilema. Ijust found a set earlier this year and soon my engine will be going together.
And as for my ideas, well I am now looking at modifying the old tensioner off my Cavalier to give me a PS mount and maybe a alt mount too.
Funny thinking about some of these things just get me working on things in my head,,which usually get me trying different ideas and unfortunately a car gets built.
I wont spend $5k on a part cause I intend to prove a decent car can be built on very little.
If you got $10k to spend on valve covers, great, if not either figure out how to make you own or find a cast off set and modify.
As for Corvette brakes, I see lots of parts out their and all it takes is planning to make something happen. I can get my rotors at work for cheap, so Ill buy those, if they work, great.
My car will be built by me, my way and I take credit or blame for all of it.
IF you want something, go figure out HOW to make that happen, save if you have to, swap, trade, barter,,,,what ever gets your project rolling.
Waiting for a deal or a dealer may not get you done.
You can also look through Racing Junk, Ebay, Craigs List, to find parts too.
I now have 12 040 forged 283 pistons and have $60 in them, my whole 283 will probably have $500 or less and be long block bolted together ready to install.
Old skool 50 yr old engine will meet 20th century and FI and all cobbled together too. and probably run decent too.
Then Ill make it turn.
Eventually I will get it looking good or make it look good my self,,,even if I have to do it outside without a garage. I have built most of my cars OUTSIDE, tools and work space were in the garage.
There IS more than one way to do a project.
If you cant find a local shop, make that part happen for your self. Seems we have people who NEED to walk in to a business to order a part or piece.
Great if you can, generally I havent got ability to do that. So I will only buy bare minimum and make or build or rebuild what ever else I need. It's what I do.

[badazz81z28]

you can figure most dealers receive a 20-25% margin from the manufacturers. the easiest solution is to be up front with a dealer and tell them exactly what you want. a dealer is more willing to discount it more if you purchase all or most of your items there. its a small world when it comes to these specialty items and word travels fast when you try and leverage yourself against dealers for a larger discount. my best advice is to not waste anyone's time and pick a dealer that will service your needs if you have problems.

I will admit, when I discovered this site I quickly found out how small this community is (it is). You don't have to look far to see some familiar names/brands. That being said...there are three ways to look at it. Either you're "in", find a motivated sponsor, or pay retail.

It bugs me too when I see people on TV like "horsepower" and "muscle car" who are constantly (what seems like free) from Ride-Tech, Summit Racing, Painless, comp, and Hotchkis yet its like tooth and nail to get a discount from any of these expensive brands.

But I get it...You give it to one, and they all want it! Businesses can't survive or support their own projects/events with that practice. There is handful of vendors on this site who will give generous discounts. Just look in the Sponsor section and you will find them. I know SK Speed is known for trying to give good deals.

You just need to realize unless you find a 10% coupon in your email from Summit Racing, that's probably the best discount you are going to find. That is unless you can find your way into the "Club" within this site. I would be very surprised if Bret charges his close group retail prices on his products.

This hobby is expensive...Just the fact of it.

[Bryce]

I will admit, when I discovered this site I quickly found out how small this community is (it is). You don't have to look far to see some familiar names/brands. That being said...there are three ways to look at it. Either you're "in", find a motivated sponsor, or pay retail.

It bugs me too when I see people on TV like "horsepower" and "muscle car" who are constantly (what seems like free) from Ride-Tech, Summit Racing, Painless, comp, and Hotchkis yet its like tooth and nail to get a discount from any of these expensive brands.

But I get it...You give it to one, and they all want it! Businesses can't survive or support their own projects/events with that practice. There is handful of vendors on this site who will give generous discounts. Just look in the Sponsor section and you will find them. I know SK Speed is known for trying to give good deals.

You just need to realize unless you find a 10% coupon in your email from Summit Racing, that's probably the best discount you are going to find. That is unless you can find your way into the "Club" within this site. I would be very surprised if Bret charges his close group retail prices on his products.

This hobby is expensive...Just the fact of it.

Why would a vendor and/or manufacturer want to give away product to someone who is not going to every PT event and winning. Or advertising their product on TV.

[regal454]

You just need to realize unless you find a 10% coupon in your email from Summit Racing, that's probably the best discount you are going to find.

DSE is offering 10% off on their Black Friday Sale. May be worth checking out if you haven't already purchased everything.

[XLexusTech]

Why would a vendor want to give away product to someone who is not going to every PT event and winning. Or advertising their product on TV.
cause X percent of over 10K is nothing to sneeze at for making a few calls and drop shipping a few orders... Vendors as opposed to manufactures benefit from business/sales not who wins an event, which spikes interest in specific product...

[Bryce]

cause X percent of over 10K is nothing to sneeze at for making a few calls and drop shipping a few orders... Vendors as opposed to manufactures benefit from business/sales not who wins an event, which spikes interest in specific product...

My question was not directed at you, it was directed to badazz, and that is why I specifically quoted his comment in my response. I misused the word vendor and should have also added manufactures in my response. I will edit my original response.

I think calling a vendor like summit and asking if they have any discounts is more effective than posting on a forum. You would look like a more serious customer. Maybe call MCB and say I want to spend a lot of money RIGHT now.

[badazz81z28]

Why would a vendor and/or manufacturer want to give away product to someone who is not going to every PT event and winning. Or advertising their product on TV.

That's my point. It has to be in the vendors/manufactures best interest (adverting)or you are a close associate to get discounts or free stuff.

That's why I wouldn't expect a discount from anyone. They are nice to have when you find them, but businesses need to make $$$ so they are far a few.

[Blevinator]

There shoud be many,many vendors having sales the last part of this month. I have spent a ton of money on my project and understand how you want the best deal. I do too. I buy all my things from the same vendor when I can.Most anything can be negotiated, if you are spending alot of money. There are many,many vendors for each product I purchased for my car. If you are not having them do research,and just ordering a part with a pre determined part number, there is nothing wrong with getting a discount when you can. I pay more if I need a vendors advice, which I rarely do. Call each vendor using a dealer list off the manufacturers website. The way I see it, it is already a no, so can't hurt. Money is tight right now. Remember,its just a business decision. No ones feelings should get hurt.

[Blevinator]

Sent you info on brakes, hood

[Blevinator]

There are three shops that I can think of the tried that method, undercut everone else, screwed their customers and are now out of business or way under the radar. Who else in their right mind would even attempt to operate that way. There is no place for that business model, it may fit your needs to have retailers slit each others throats so you can save 5 points but eventually something has to give. So you may get your deal, but the next guy gets burned on his parts. Why is this so hard to put together for people?

You throw a list out there like a raw steak and you want the vendors to battle because "you have to save some money" .....then you want a supercharger??!! When your kids are eating alpo and the minivan breaks down and you and your wife can't carpool to work until it is fixed then you HAVE to save some money. If parts are too expensive, save your money, pick different parts, change your plans, I don't care, but don't tell me that we need a ProTouring WalMart.

You posted this in the other forum and got some responses, and one name echoed a couple of times. It seems they are making people happy and selling at great prices. Can they bring the tech?.....don't know......will they help you through a situtation that you run into?.....don't know. My guess is they would tell you yes, but that is a song we have all heard play before from the last "go to vendor". Time will tell with the next batch.

I don't move the volume that any of those people do and quite honestly I don't care to. We make a living, so that is enough for me to make the customer the priority. Getting to know you and your car and your goals and getting you the right parts that meet all three of those parameters.....that's my goal. And that is why I, and many others, will not play the discount game and why you haven't gotten many answers here. Does it cost me sales to quote retail all the time, Yes, no question on that. But it doesn't cost me any money and allows me to focus on customers and clients that understand that I am here to help them build their car.

People with money have money because they know how to save when they can. There is nothing wrong with asking for a discount. This shouldnt hurt anyones feelings. By saving money on the rest of the car, maybe you can afford a supercharger, I did!

[Blevinator]

Hello. Going to try something.....
I need the following and will go out on a limb and provide a budget....
I need Big brakes 14 preferred i have my eye on the C6 Big brake kit but I am open to alternatives. MY budget is 2K
I need 18 x 12 or 18x11.5 and 18x10 rims I have been loooking at CCW and Formula43, I like Mesh, I like polished lip.. I am open for ideas here...
I need 315 35 18 and 275 35 18 My budget is 4-5K
Misc:
I didit column, tilt, wiper switch, 67 camaro
Front power window kit 67 camaro
Carbon or glass (if high quality) hood 2 inch cowl
Carbon or Class Trunk
Autometer Prolite 5 Inch Speedo and tach.
Automater prolite 2 5/8 prolite Oil, water temp, Fuel.
Assessory drive kit for LS... (this may be tricky, I am using a JRS subframe)

Nice to have....
LS supercharger... Open to turbo kit as well.

PM me if you would like to provide a quote.. prefer package disout offers... Cash is king...:cheers:

I have:

Autometer Ultralite(not ultralite II) Pro Comp guages in 2 5/8" with silverbezels and guage faces
They are mechanical guages and are as follows:
fuel
water temp
vacuum
volts
fuel guage with under hood module
fuel pressure
oil pressure

Also have (in 2 1\4)
Cyl head
Cyl head

Will sell them for 50 percent of new
All work well and look great!

[dontlifttoshift]

People with money have money because they know how to save when they can. There is nothing wrong with asking for a discount. This shouldnt hurt anyones feelings. By saving money on the rest of the car, maybe you can afford a supercharger, I did!



Not sure why you dredged this back up.

Do you ever ask for 10 off on a can of creamed corn? a loaf of bread? a haircut? How about a root canal? Why are car parts any different. You want to negoitiate? Go to a flea market, or fruit market on the side of the freeway, or a swap meet, ever buy steaks out the back of a pick up truck?

Money has nothing to do with it. I don't care how much you have or the customers. It has nothing to do with it. But asking me to trade off my profit so you can have a supercharger is aggravating (my feelings aren't hurt, that hasn't happened since 3rd grade) but it has aggravating.

If you have never been on the other side of the counter I don't expect you or anyone else to understand. Even if you have been on the other side of the counter you may not see it the way I do, but that's my view point.

[Blevinator]

Not sure why you dredged this back up.

Do you ever ask for 10 off on a can of creamed corn? a loaf of bread? a haircut? How about a root canal? Why are car parts any different. You want to negoitiate? Go to a flea market, or fruit market on the side of the freeway, or a swap meet, ever buy steaks out the back of a pick up truck?

Money has nothing to do with it. I don't care how much you have or the customers. It has nothing to do with it. But asking me to trade off my profit so you can have a supercharger is aggravating (my feelings aren't hurt, that hasn't happened since 3rd grade) but it has aggravating.

If you have never been on the other side of the counter I don't expect you or anyone else to understand. Even if you have been on the other side of the counter you may not see it the way I do, but that's my view point.

Stand strong and dont take the dollars that people offer while asking for a 10 percent percent discount
They will always find someone who will take their money. Everyone isnt going to ask for a discount. The ones that do will find someone who is going to take their money. Being in retail for many years has brought this to my attention. You as a business owner can control how much discount you give them. If a 10-15 percent discount killed all our vendors why do they have 10-15 percent off sales? Most of the time it isnt to reduce inventory. I have ordered many items from speed shops for thousands of dollars. Most are drop shipped straight from the manufacturers, so they are not part of the shops inventory.
Almost every vendor has given me a discount as I buy many things from them at the same time. i guess I am lucky that I am able to talk manufacturers into discounting their product. I dont feel bad in the least as they are happy to take my business. There is still a nice profit to be made.
BTW almost anything(other than groceries) CAN be negotiated. Open your eyes! Doctors and dentists will give you a discount if paying cash! I have been offered as much as a 25 percent discount on a doctors visit for paying cash. If it hurt their feelings, they wouldnt offer it.
Remember, it is the vendors right to say yes or no. Dont hate the player!
Again, people that have money know how to save money and will spend it with
someone that will let them save some of it. I do understand that there is value to
helping people find the right solution and spending time with them. On the other hand, if they are just looking for a product they can install themselves and need no instruction, there is no value to establish on the vendors part.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers will still warranty products as long as there is a receipt. Sony, for instance, warranties their products with a receipt from ANY dealer, not just authorized dealers. I used to sell their products, so know this very well.

[Blevinator]

Case in point, Anvil is offering 10 percent off on 3 items or more
http://www.anvilauto.com/

[Rod]

Case in point, Anvil is offering 10 percent off on 3 items or more
http://www.anvilauto.com/

shooting for Volume and their the manufacture

[XLexusTech]

I am really surprised how much basic economic fact, laws of supply and demand , quantity discount, and simple "more you spend the more you save" basics are lost on many.. particularly those who own business here... Anyways.. I got everything i needed to know...

[dontlifttoshift]

I typed a bunch of stuff up and realised it doesn't matter. You are happy, so am I. To your last point I do offer this, the only shred left from the book I wrote in reply.

I understand basic economics. I can think of two major vendors in the past year that built seemingly successful businesses on the discount plan that have apparently vanished. We have been here 32 years now, so yeah, I got it backwards.

[XLexusTech]

Don. I am very glad for you. You have your way of doing things and its working for you to a level that makes you satisfied. That's all that matters.

[dontlifttoshift]

Glad that's over, now go update your build thread.....should be a cool project.

[MrQuick]

I am really surprised how much basic economic fact, laws of supply and demand , quantity discount, and simple "more you spend the more you save" basics are lost on many.. particularly those who own business here... Anyways.. I got everything i needed to know...

running a business in this world is tough these days. Seems that the government and consumers are working against them. Did you get everything???