I always have a laugh when guys advertise used parts as NOS or "near NOS", especially when it is a body part that is cut off the car.
Sure, when ****ty quality and bad metal was the only repop stuff around then the NOS was the only way to go. But when new stuff is an exact match or even better quality than the original, then how can someone justify insane prices for a used part?
Wheel wells are $45 for each inner/outter, so why would you spend hundreds on a used one??
'69 Quarter Panels are an exact match for $350 a side. Would anyone really pay $1000 for a used one?
Don't get me started on some of the other "rare" parts. What a joke.
Long Live Dynacorn!

On an offshoot, I'm curious about the legalities of repops. Does Ford get a royalty on each part sold? What sort of markup does that cause? Is there a black market of repops?

 

There are lots of repro parts that are nowhere near the quality of a good NOS part. Body parts are a very good example of this, although Dynacorn is making a good dent in the industry by providing correct body parts to certain years/body styles. But for the most part you can expect to have to do some 'adjusting' with repro body parts, whereas you can almost always expect an NOS or good used part to fit perfectly.

Plus, certain show classes require all original or NOS parts. You get docked for incorrect items. Some of these people will spend an amazing amount of money on what seems like a trivial part. I've seen NOS tie rod ends go for $100+, when you can pick up replacements at your local parts store for $20. It's all in the details.

 

I don't believe that Ford gets any royalty on repop body panels sold. The seller just cannot claim that they are NOS or "Original" in any way. Now branded items like emblems are adifferent story. Many items like that are either copyrighted or trademarked. I couple years agowe wanted to make some specialFord I6 emblems forfordsix.com forum members using the running horse or the ford oval. Ford was contacted, and they HELL NO!