Ron's Classic Cutlass, Monticello, Indiana.

General Discussion

8 replies in this topic | 3,286 reads
oldy442
Newbie
#1

I recently had some still boxed New Old Stock parts to sell. I called Fusik's and they recommended I contact Ron Memmer. He said he would come out to see the parts. He came to see my parts. He wrote down on a piece of paper what he said were the retail prices for each of the NOS parts I had. He assured me that he was an expert and this was his profession, and I could trust the prices were the correct retail prices. He wrote;Ram Airhood $5000-$6000; grill $500-$600; rear bumper $1000-$1200; convertible quarters $1800 each; fenders $2000 each; and sport steering wheel $400-$500. He bought the steering wheel, still new in box. I learned that he offered the steering wheel one day later for $1500. I called him about it and he said they could go for up to $2200 "if you had enough time to wait". Has anyone else had this experience with a professional parts dealer?

allyolds68
Beginner
#2
oldy442 wrote:

I recently had some still boxed New Old Stock parts to sell. I called Fusik's and they recommended I contact Ron Memmer. He said he would come out to see the parts. He came to see my parts. He wrote down on a piece of paper what he said were the retail prices for each of the NOS parts I had. He assured me that he was an expert and this was his profession, and I could trust the prices were the correct retail prices. He wrote;Ram Airhood $5000-$6000; grill $500-$600; rear bumper $1000-$1200; convertible quarters $1800 each; fenders $2000 each; and sport steering wheel $400-$500. He bought the steering wheel, still new in box. I learned that he offered the steering wheel one day later for $1500. I called him about it and he said they could go for up to $2200 "if you had enough time to wait". Has anyone else had this experience with a professional parts dealer?

I saw your post on ClassicOlds too. As I'm sure you're aware, NOS parts can bring almost anything. Memmer is willing to sit on parts for years or even decades until he gets his price. Given those parameters what he quotes you for a market price is irrelevant. You said he told you NOS fenders are selling for $2k each. I've never seen an NOS 71-72 fender for anywhere near that. If you have a 70 fender that's a different story but most people are selling 71-72's because those were available from GM until fairlyrecently. (10-15 years ago). The market very well may be $400-$500 for a sport steering wheel. Memmer just found someone that needed it and was willing to pay whatever price he shot out there for it. The bottom line is you need to do your own research and come to a sale price for your parts that makes you happy, not rely on a salesman to quote you "market prices". I'm sure you're already making a healthy profit over what you originally paid for the parts.

oldy442
Newbie
#3
allyolds68 wrote:
oldy442 wrote:

I recently had some still boxed New Old Stock parts to sell. I called Fusik's and they recommended I contact Ron Memmer. He said he would come out to see the parts. He came to see my parts. He wrote down on a piece of paper what he said were the retail prices for each of the NOS parts I had. He assured me that he was an expert and this was his profession, and I could trust the prices were the correct retail prices. He wrote;Ram Airhood $5000-$6000; grill $500-$600; rear bumper $1000-$1200; convertible quarters $1800 each; fenders $2000 each; and sport steering wheel $400-$500. He bought the steering wheel, still new in box. I learned that he offered the steering wheel one day later for $1500. I called him about it and he said they could go for up to $2200 "if you had enough time to wait". Has anyone else had this experience with a professional parts dealer?

I saw your post on ClassicOlds too. As I'm sure you're aware, NOS parts can bring almost anything. Memmer is willing to sit on parts for years or even decades until he gets his price. Given those parameters what he quotes you for a market price is irrelevant. You said he told you NOS fenders are selling for $2k each. I've never seen an NOS 71-72 fender for anywhere near that. If you have a 70 fender that's a different story but most people are selling 71-72's because those were available from GM until fairlyrecently. (10-15 years ago). The market very well may be $400-$500 for a sport steering wheel. Memmer just found someone that needed it and was willing to pay whatever price he shot out there for it. The bottom line is you need to do your own research and come to a sale price for your parts that makes you happy, not rely on a salesman to quote you "market prices". I'm sure you're already making a healthy profit over what you originally paid for the parts.


oldy442
Newbie
#4

I understand what you are saying. But you are missing the main point. Ron Memmer spent a long time telling me what an honest expert he is. Then he wrote down his "expert" retail prices, most of which were overly optimistic except the steering wheel, which he priced at 25-30% of its actual price. There is a big difference between "horse trading" and lying. It hurts all the honest collectors when one guy uses deceit to make money.

oldy442
Newbie
#5

By the way, I did do my own research. I called Thornton's and Fusik's and they recommended this guy. How am I to guard against his dishonesty. I have his handwritten "retail prices".

jimbo442
Newbie
#6

I also have dealt with "Mr. Memmer". A few years ago I contacted him reguarding my need for a set of composite headlights for my 87 442. He emailed me that he had a set of NOS Units still in the box and would bring them to our yearly Oldsmobile show in Alliance ohio. Upon my inspection of these and part numbers,left and right I discovered they were both RIGHT side units.Now I ask you would a truly honest and knowledgeable parts salesman have done this ? A mistake maybe ??.

jimbo442
Beginner
#7

I also have dealt with "Mr. Memmer". A few years ago I contacted him reguarding my need for a set of composite headlights for my 87 442. He emailed me that he had a set of NOS Units still in the box and would bring them to our yearly Oldsmobile show in Alliance ohio. Upon my inspection of these and part numbers,left and right I discovered they were both RIGHT side units.Now I ask you would a truly honest and knowledgeable parts salesman have done this ? A mistake maybe ??.

jimbo442
Beginner
#8

I also have dealt with "Mr. Memmer". A few years ago I contacted him reguarding my need for a set of composite headlights for my 87 442. He emailed me that he had a set of NOS Units still in the box and would bring them to our yearly Oldsmobile show in Alliance ohio. Upon my inspection of these and part numbers,left and right I discovered they were both RIGHT side units.Now I ask you would a truly honest and knowledgeable parts salesman have done this ? A mistake maybe ??.

allyolds68
Beginner
#9

You're missing my point. If I have something incredibly rare, just because I think the market value for something is X, doesn't mean I don't start with X+Y to see if I can get it. Maybe Memmer just threw a number out and someone paid it. Next time throw it on EBay. They you'll know you got what it was worth (minus their ridiculous fees of course)

salb58
Newbie
#10

I have dealt with Ron several times and I think he is on the expensive side too, but is fair. Timing, availability, and a zillion other factors have to be taken into consideration when it comes to his pricing. He does have some pretty rare and quality stuff, but wants to get paid for them. There are items that you can get from others cheaper, but if you are looking for something hard to find and rare, he usually can get his hands on it. I guess you have tofactor in you are paying for his experience and knowledge too.

Joffroi
Administrator
#11

Items are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them.

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