Harvesting Original Parts

[Mr70]

Have any of you encountered this?
With the prices of real 30+ year old Parts today,I would imagine this was inevitable.
You go to look at either a Full Frame off restored,or Unrestored Car for Sale,and upon it's inspection you like the Car & the details you see.You close the deal,and you & the seller agree to have the car in your garage weeks later.You had to fly in,so you can't take it home that very Day.
Weeks later,After delivery & full Payment,you notice somethings are not as they were,thanks to your notes.
Date coded door mirror is now a Taiwan repop,T-3 headlights,Taillamps,weatherstripping,Ex. tips & Center caps are too.
Spiral shocks are no longer date coded.
Engine components are also exchanged for overseas unauthentic items.It seems the seller has pulled a Bait and switch of sorts.Granted these are small finger items,but they add up,and they were indeed there when you looked the entire car over weeks earlier.I am seeing & hearing this more frequently,and was wondering if this is happening to any of you?

[Zedder]

That's been happening with Corvettes for years. Some dealers have quite a reputation for doing this. The only sure fire way to prevent this is to show up with a trailer and take the car with you. Obviously, this is difficult to do with a long-distance purchase.

[68z302]

That has to be top of the list for bottom of the barrel, low ball, bull**** thing I've ever heard of in selling a car.
But this is ebay & you never really know who you're dealing with.

[SS427]

This is very common especially on 437 LS-6 distributors! I used to video document but now digitially do it as well as listing all pertinent numbers and dates on paper and also make note of any parts showing abnormal wear. I also have the seller sign a note stating the car will remain as is, nothing removed, altered or changed and the car cannot be driven until delivery. That has pretty much cured that problem.

[Belair62]

I never heard of that happening....jeez.

[mrrec]

Folks, this is fraud and if documented, you'll have a good case. Go after them! Same with the fake cars. If it's a clone represented as the real deal, you really need to get a lawyer and make these guys pay. It is all they understand!

If we don't put up with this parts swapping and fake car stuff, it will slow down. It's a hassle, but have a lawyer write a letter and threaten a suit and follow through! The clowns will think twice next time.

Dave

[Don_Lightfoot]

Very interesting Rick. Can't say I've ever heard of this happening or ever gave it a thought myself. Given the prices of parts today as you explained, it certainly would entice some people to do it. Thanks for the "heads up".

[firstgenaddict]

That happened to a friend of my dad's with a 40 Ford Woodie Wagon. Many of the hard to find parts were replaced with home made brackets and many other wrong (cheaper) parts after he bought the car.

[CTinCT]

My Dad had a lot of ideas, and his own way of doing things. He always tried to teach his kids certain things. He used to tell me that if you tell somebody you are going to buy something, you buy it. Stick to your word. Even if you want to change your mind it's too late. This goes for selling too. He also had his own ideas when it came to buying cars(he bought thousands in my lifetime). Don't make an offer unless you are serious and prepared to BUY the car. Bring the money with you, and TAKE THE CAR WITH YOU! Lots of things can happen between leaving a deposit and picking up a car! Just think....You leave a deposit with the 75 year old guy on his Yenko, you tell him you will be back Saturday for the car, he tells his son the next day, the son crys the blues about wanting the car, you are out.... It also keeps the seller from last minute joy rides, better offers, and swapping parts. Many times people have lost cars when somebody comes and offers the seller more money.

[Pantera]

Good advice for sure. I always did the same thing. I might add that if you just have to leave for any reason then be sure to write up anything on paper with all the terms and any conditions on it and have them sign it. At least the son will not get it. It will hold up in any court.