New reproducton parts vs original

[210bhp]

There are a number of hard to find parts which are now being reproduced very accurately at what would seem reasonable prices. I have quite a few parts which i know to be original eg muffler skirt, 67S chrome armrest caps, pudenz fuse packs etc.
Are these parts now less desirable than their new repros, more desirable or equally desirable? Are they worth more or less or the same as repro items?
Is it even worth mentioning they are original?
In twenty years how are we going to keep track of the date of manufacture, 1973 or 2011, of these items on our cars? Will it matter?
Does the date of manufacture of parts such as these on our cars affect the value of the car? Will we turn our noses up at these parts in the future like we do now on say replica Fuchs?
Appreciate your thoughts

Regards
Mike

[hoffman912]

I was wondering the same thing the other day. how will collectors in the future (say 20, 30, 40 years from now) identify distinguishing features to be able to tell repro from original. not thinking necessarily from price (buy and sell) but also for museum or collection purposes.

[PeterM1965]

If they are truly replicas then I don't have a problem with this if we are talking about trim and mechanical parts. If the intent is to defraud then I have a problem with that.

[210bhp]

I don't think anyone is trying to defraud on the parts I am thinking of.
There are a lot of knowledgeable people on this and other forums who are experts in pointing out genuine parts on our cars (particularly cars for sale) and they can describe minutia including part numbers, date stamps, makers marks and other original features which seem to matter a great deal. I don't know if this is 'showing off' knowledge or a genuine attempt to point out what is an original piece or not. The makers mark and date stamp of certain parts seem to matter a great deal NOW and I just wonder if the producers of today's reproduction parts would be proud enough of their work to put a makers stamp and date code on their pieces to help future generations decode what is original or repro. After all we are very quick to say 'that piece is not original to that car because it has the wrong date stamp' just now. Why not carry on the tradition?

Regards
Mike

[hoffman912]

in my case i wasnt talking about defrauding either.. i was questioning how will collectors and historians be able to tell the difference for collections and restorations using all original items -especially since they are being made with such accuracy these days

[advtracing]

I just wonder if the producers of today's reproduction parts would be proud enough of their work to put a makers stamp and date code on their pieces to help future generations decode what is original or repro.

Regards
Mike

just what i plan to do with my parts as i never want them palmed off as original.

[70SATMan]

After all we are very quick to say 'that piece is not original to that car because it has the wrong date stamp' just now. Why not carry on the tradition?

Regards
Mike

Does anyone have insight into the 356 world? It seems that they have been using repops for far longer now. Not having any 356 experience, I'd venture the 911 world won't be affected any differently. There will still be those that can differentiate original from even the best repops. In 100 years, who knows....

[Sepia911S]

Thank you Harvey ... I appreciate your humble opinion! I will read the PCA Concours Rules. I should have read the rules last year. My car is in the preservation class ... it is a great car and in very good condition. I just want to keep it that way. I think concouring the car is the way to maintain it to a very high standard. I entered the 2010 Parade Concours because a PCA member told me I would learn all about my car ... and I sure did. I really need the judges to examine the car and note what needs to be improved. Then, I can move forward. The discussion and debate within this thread makes me think.

It has been great fun showing and sharing the car. I have met so many wonderful people.

[jloucks388]

The original post asked the question: Are my original parts worth less, more or the same as the new re-pop items? As someone who seeks out original parts relative to repro, I have been asking myself the same question lately. For me, part of the hobby is to seek out the rare parts and re-claim original whenever possible. However, I understand that others might have a different value proposition. Consequently, how do I protect my investment since free enterprise demands that reproduction items fill the void of NLA and rare unobtanium? I also understand that the market will value exact duplicates at a premium so there is an incentive for repro vendors to re-create original and disguise authenticity.

In fact, I was thinking to myself the other day that some enterprising chap could start making “original” dealer invoices. I hate to admit it, but I would probably buy a good repro dealer invoice customized to my car, sit it out in the sun for a few days and stuff it away for the years! Where do we draw the line?

No easy answer – as I see both sides. While I strive to obtain original parts, I need to confess that I’ve added reproduction items to my car when I’ve run into the NLA constraint (example: hounds-tooth seat inserts). Also, I just bought some repro chrome horn grills that are truly works of art. However, my personal standard is not to add an aftermarket trim part to my car if there is an original within reach. So far, I’ve been fortunate to find what I need (i.e., muffler tip, roof rack, ski rack, rocker trim, hood badge, shift knob, key pouch, driving lights, etc.) at a fair price plus I like the hunt. (Note: I’m willing to pay more for original, but I recognize it comes down to one’s perception of value and build standards.) Personally, I apply a different standard to wear items, body panels, engine internals, etc. as I don’t expect a future buyer to discriminate on those types of components. ??

Back to the proposition of how do I protect my investment in original parts? I think both the buyer and seller can work together to ensure the marketplace is balanced. I can ask for documentation and or factory packaging when I buy original parts. Or, I can ask the seller to provide a narrative of where the part came from to document source. I can also just gamble that the truly qualified buyer will appreciate authenticity when he sees it. ?? Finally, I think that we can ask the repro vendors to share the burden and mark their products to identify origin. At the end of the day, it’s just a hobby so investment concerns should not rule day and I do, for one, appreciate repro vendors enhancing the resourcing of rare parts so that future generations can appreciate these rare and special machines.

[Sepia911S]

I am new to all of this and trying to follow and understand this discussion. I have a 1973 911S in all original condition. My husband ordered the car in 1973 and I have all the original paperwork, etc. I want to keep this car and keep it as original as possible. Could someone please explain the abbreviations and acronyms to me? I know I am asking a lot ... NOS, OE, PET, OEM, JMO, nia.

I need to replace the original door, trunk, and headlight seals this winter. I need to research the seals, installation, etc. I need to understand what I am doing and know the difference between original, reproduction, etc. It is important to me to get this right and feel comfortable with the process.

Thanks!