NOS vs. unused

[Frank Beck]

Enough is enough.

An unused item that was delivered with a new car is not necessarily NOS.

Example: Some "NOS" tool kits that are advertised here. An unused tool kit that was included with a new car is NOT NOS; it is simply "unused". The term NOS needs to be reserved for a spare part or item bought after the car was delivered and is probably still in its original packaging and/or never installed, mounted, or used in any way. If the item was NOS but mounted or installed but never used or abused, simply state this. (I.E: If an NOS sport seat was installed but no one ever farted in it, that would pass the NOS smell test for me. Literally.)

Why do I say this? Because there are still tons of 50 year old brand spankin new parts out there in the original wrapper and we need to be able to distinguish those from the rest. Let's protect the gift of language.

This practice of redefining terms and words to suit ones personal agenda is getting ridiculous.

[johns4949]

'Rare' 'Hard to find' 'Original' A few more words tossed around by sellers.

[Frank Beck]

"Original" should be an easy one. A part is or isn't.

"Rare" or "hard to find" are subjective. For some people this may be an accurate description based on their tiny world. But I think it's prudent to use a standard that's acceptable to the experts and pros in our given field.

[911quest]

NOS the truth. Usually it fits one of these scenarios

hoarder and put used part back in the new box.
bought the new part to remove some clip or widget off of it put the rest in the box.
it's some over priced part that has a shelf life that you end up having to rebuild anyway...
then theres Green sheet metal looks good then you get if and its been trimmed by the last body guy that had it.

[Frank Beck]

NOS the truth. Usually it fits one of these scenarios

hoarder and put used part back in the new box.
bought the new part to remove some clip or widget off of it put the rest in the box.
it's some over priced part that has a shelf life that you end up having to rebuild anyway...
then theres Green sheet metal looks good then you get if and its been trimmed by the last body guy that had it.

Oh Contraire!

Many guys have been quietly buying up dealer overstock inventory over the last 30 years.

You would be dumbfounded as to how much NOS is still out there.

[911quest]

I'm dumbfounded daily... I agree and have been lucky enough to get my greasy little hands on some of the good stuff.You still have to doing a lot of digging to find a treasure.

[John Straub]

I agree with Tony...I'm Dumbfounded daily too. It seems about everything anymore.

John

[Sinnerman]

Over-promise and under-deliver...it's the way of the world these days.

[Frankr]

A distinction without a real difference. My wife has an unplayed original Beatles 45 from the early 60's in original sleeve that has rarely been in daylight. NOS or just unused and who cares? Same value.

[CurtEgerer]

And NOS does not necessarily imply perfect or excellent condition. I've seen plenty of genuine NOS parts that have shelf wear, corrosion, etc. depending on where they were sitting for the past 40+ years!