Weak Euro/ group buy for FFO from Spider Point?

[zachmac]

I am not one to relish another's failure and I recognize that our country's current economic policy (as wellas past administrations, NOT wanting to start a political discussion) may well lead us to look a lot like greece sooner than we think, BUT, with the Euro getting weaker against the dollar by the minute maybe it is time to re-think ordering some of that cool stuff I've been wanting from Spider Point in Germany? The Euro is already off 16% against the dollar and I think we could get to a 25% drop pretty quickly. All of Spider Points prices are in Euro's so as the Euro drops our US $ buys more.

Maybe if enough folks are interested in some of there items AND we combine for a group buy we could bet a volume discount as well? In addition, we could save on shipping if everyone is going to Freak OUt by having it all shipped to one of us and that person agreeing to bring it all to FFO for distribution? Wadda ya think?

I for one like the idea of a set of bumperettes for closer to $300 than $400 US.

[zachmac]

I guess the cheese stands alone!

[So Cal Mark]

it's a good idea for you east coast guys and girls that attend FFO

[NCArachnid]

Good idea. I have been eyeing the early style bumpers from spider point. If I can get them new for cheaper than straightening, welding the holes up, and rechroming the old ones, I'm game. BTW does anyone know of a good chrome shop in this area to get quotes?

Oh, will you all even let me in at the FFO if I show up in my Lexus IS?

[zachmac]

Oh, will you all even let me in at the FFO if I show up in my Lexus IS?

NO

[baltobernie]

BTW does anyone know of a good chrome shop in this area to get quotes?

Richmond is about 200 miles from you; but Jeff Hanlon makes pickup/dropoff runs to the DC area monthly. Maybe he does so to Charlotte, too. $500 for front and rear blade bumpers, including welding up the front overrider holes.
http://www.hanlonplating.com/

ps for you guys ordering from SpiderPoint, I too was stunned by their prices, but they do have some unique items. They are very reasonable on shipping; Deutsch Post 3-4 days to the states, with tracking numbers. Also discovered that Capital One and HSCB MasterCards do not charge a processing fee for currency conversion. I always thought Amex was the company to use overseas, but it looks (like the rest of us) they've gotten fat and lazy.

[NCArachnid]

Thank you for the tip on a chrome shop, I will call them soon. I have a buddy here who used Advanced Plating in Nashville for the bumpers on his '67 Chevelle and liked them. Has anyone used them? Either way the killer is the shipping. If I spend $500 for the plating and $200 for shipping, It would almost be the same as buying the new ones.

Given the exchange rate of $1.2349/1 euro (as of 5/17/10) the chrome set of 3 would be $492.73 plus shipping or Stainless Steel @ $616.22. Any idea on shipping costs? Is it by weight or dollars (euros) ordered? I'll have to think about it.

How soon would we have to order to be here by FFO?

[baltobernie]

That's why Jeff makes runs in his truck; shipping costs on "oversize" items via UPS costs a fortune.

Did you know that you can buy the Vietnam bumpers directly from the source? Here's what they quoted me for stainless:

Hello Mr Bernard,
Thank you for your interest in our products.
The price for a complete set of Fiat 124 Spider bumpers is USD 789 including shipping to Baltimore/US. The delivery for this type of bumpers is around 2 - 3 weeks after we received your order. Shipping is with DHL airfreight which takes 3 - 4 days to deliver to your door.
Please send me an email to shine (at) groupharringtonc.com, I will then send you more details, photos, payment methods.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question.
Best regards
Thy
groupharrington.com

Check to ensure that these aftermarket bumpers will fit your OEM brackets, or be prepared to buy/fabricate your own.

[NCArachnid]

Check to ensure that these aftermarket bumpers will fit your OEM brackets, or be prepared to buy/fabricate your own.

That is a definite concern when ordering new reproduction parts. They may be thinner steel, cheaper chrome (if not stainless), or incorrect fit (mounting, etc.). That is a lot of money to roll the dice with.

I'll probably go with re-chroming mine. Thanks for all the info from someone who has been in the same position I'm in.

Oh BTW, I found a parts supplier http://www.mrfiat.com/, based in Atlanta. It looks like they sell a lot of the same stuff that Spider-point does. The web-site prices don't appear to reflect the more favorable declining Euro. Anyone with experience with this site?

[mdrburchette]

Jon, have you tried Capital Bumper in Raleigh?
Here's the contact info:

Capital Bumper
826 Purser Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 772-7330

I got a quote from Keystone in Greensboro. They have to ship them to their facility in another state and it would have cost me around $800 for a set. This was after I paid $500 for a shoddy job at a local shop in Greensboro.

[NCArachnid]

Thanks mdrburchette. I will call them this Friday. If they are reasonable, I can handle the shipping myself.

[stefhahn]

Hi -

if you can complie a list of parts I can ask several dealers in Germany on your behalf what prices plus shipping would be - I expect at least some discount if we are talking a four to five digit sum. In addition you could get back the VAT (thats 19% off of the prices as all prices listed include VAT in GY) or a(even better) not even pay it in the first place. And: SpiderPoint is not the only dealer in GY (see my previous posts)- also not the only one shipping worldwide - so a native speaker with a german phone flatrate could be handy for you. So: I could check prices based on a compiled list and get back to you and make the contact to the dealer you finally selected. No financial interest on my side.
Let me know.

ciao,
Stefan

[Gunsmith]

Stefan,

This is why I love this site! Everyone wants to help. Now I have to start making my list.

Thanks,