I have talked to many people and have come to understand that it is becoming impossible to find original 1970 455 Fan Shrouds for sale. I know there is a reproduction available, but from what I hear it is OK for a driver but not a show car. I do not know what they sell for or who sells them. Years ago my company reproduced 1965 fan shrouds for Doug Dougherty. They were a fiberglass reproduction that looked virtually identical to the original part. I can do the same thing for the 1970 Big Block fan shrouds, but there is a catch. First, I will need the loan of a perfect Fan Shroud to be used for the mold. It would not be harmed in any way and would be returned to the owner along with a free reproduction shroud. (For his/her help with the project.) Second, The expected cost of each part will be in the $285-$330 price range plus shipping. I will know further when I start looking at how the mold needs to be braced, how much material it takes, and the amount of finish time required. Third, There will be an initial run of between 50-100 pieces. All parts will be molded in semi-gloss black. I know some looked somewhat brownish but some were molded in a black material. I also will not promise there will be other runs. Fourth, I will require a 50% deposit on at least 50 parts before I start with the project. I know some people will complain about my using other peoples money for financing, but I cannot afford to do it myself. Fifth, If for any reason I cannot make a part that meets my satisfaction all deposit money will be returned, and the project will be terminated. Ok, the ball is in your court. I hear all the time "Why doesn't anyone reproduce our parts?" Well I am willing to do it but I need help. If you want the parts show it by responding to this posting. If there is enough demand I will begin the process and get the price pigeon-holed. After this you can start sending deposits. The bottom line is this; If I can't get 50 deposits for a part that everyone says is so hard to find then obviously it isn't needed that badly. Everything will stay the same, decent originals will continue to bring $600.00 or more on e-bay (2 years ago they brought $300-350 each), and everyone will still need fan shrouds for their cars. The choice is up to you. If you want reproduction parts you need to help make it happen. The time for waiting for some company to make them is over. There are quite a few of us small manufacturers out there, like Mike Garrison and myself to name a few. We are willing to make the parts, but are having problems funding the projects. Just think what we could accomplish with a little help. Duane Heckman (Classic Car Interiors)
Duane - Although I'm not currently in need of one, I certainly do appreciate your efforts (and Mike's and others)!!!:TU: :TU: This really sounds like a good and NEEDED project - I hope you get the support you need to get the ball rolling. I'd really hate to see you or the other few on the board that are willing and able to repro parts - get discouraged because of lack of interest in supporting such a worthy cause!! If I was able to, I would buy one just to have it in case I needed it! That's not currently an opton, though.
What a club can do for you! Wow, great news Duane, Folks, here is a perfect example of what a strong, member oriented club can do for you. If the BPG had as many members as this BB does, I am quite certain that we would have no problem making sure that Duane had enough deposit money to get this done. 1000 members @ $35.00 each = $35,000.... with those kind of funds at our disposal, projects like this, thru a dedicated, quality oriented club member like Duane.... GET DONE!!!!!!!!!! This is the very premise that the BPG was founded on. As a non-profit club, we will work agressively with both individuals and companies, to get the parts we need. I can guarantee you, this is the only way you will ever see repro grills, sheetmetal, interior trim, ect... So, sending your $35.00 to the BPG, not only gets you a great newsletter,(with a color front and back cover!!) quality events, and great hassel-free comradarie with fellow Buick owners, but also enables us to get the parts that will benefit nearly all of us, sooner or later. This is so easy... so easy... On a personal note, put me down for 2 deposits Duane!!! And thanks for stepping up to the plate on this one! JW
I'm in OK, Duane I'll put my money where my mouth is. As you know,I need a correct shroud for my X as it has a big car shroud in it now.Thanks for stepping up to the plate. Let me know when and where to send the deposit...:TU:
Souds good to me too. Count me in. I need a correct shroud for my '70 GSX restoration which has a big car shroud in it right now. I did purchase a reproduction piece, but the quality and the look were just not there for a show car. I hope we can improve the quality of some of these "reproduction" pieces out there. It's frustrating to see how many good quality pieces are available for Mustangs, Chebies, etc, and our cars suffer due to lack of numbers.
I'm game for a shroud. Let me know where, when and how much the deposit will be. rrennick2000@yahoo.com
Ira, To do one in the correct plastic would require making matched metal dies and would probably need to be made overseas. The initial costs would exceed $100,000.00, price of mold and parts. If the retail cost per part was $350.00 it would take at least a year for a manufacturer to break even. (With 300 parts sold.) I don't think you could find a manufacturer willing to put out that much money and wait a year to possibly break even. The realistic price a manufacturer would need to charge would be around $500.00 each. This puts you up to the price of a good original. Sorry to say it but thats the way it is. We just do not have the numbers of cars available, like the chevy people, in order to make something like this affordable. To make them in fiberglass I am asking for initial deposits totaling $7,500.00 This will get the mold started. I can then float the rest of the expenses until parts start being produced. I should be at a break even point by the end of the production run. That way the mold will be paid for and if the demand for parts is filled I will not be out any money. If other runs are needed, the profit can be funneled into other projects. Duane
Sam, Thanks for the offer. It will really help a lot. Now we need more interest and we can start the ball rolling. Say Hi to Mom for me. Duane
If anyone has a cracked or busted 70 455 fan shroud that is no good and could send it to me it would be helpful. I don't care if it is in 2 pieces or has a big chunk out of it. I need to show it to my mold man in order to get an idea of the number of pieces needed for the dies. (Mold parting lines.) I can send it back if the owner wants it returned. I am embarrased about asking for one, but I sold all my 70 cars and have nothing to show him. I have a 69 BB Shroud on my X-Camino. Oh well. Duane
