stepdown rocker panels

[Deleted User] · July 2011

At this time I would like to ask the users of the Hudson forum for some input. I have the opportunity to potentially reproduce rocker panels for the 48-53 stepdown. They would be fiberglass due to the enormous expense of reproducing them in steel. What I would like to know is if there was a demand for them, and how much demand there was. Also what has the larger demand, coupe or sedan? Price is to be determined but right now I'm trying to determine demand. Any and all input would be appreciated.

ski4life65 · July 2011

I have had to fix a few sets that were rough, so I am sure I could use a set at some point.

Aaron D. IL · July 2011

I think it's a great idea. Fiberglass panels painted silver wouldn't rust and no one would know the difference if the molds were right. Coupe and sedan don't matter I think. long and short WB does. So Pacemakers Wasps at 119" and all other step-downs at 124"
Also you'd probably be only making them for 1948-'53 as the mold lines on '54 are different. Alternatively you make em all smooth and owners would have to paint in the stamping lines but some might consider that cheap looking.

You could know exactly how many cars out there might need them as of the 2007 HET Roster which I made a census from to include all HET member's cars that the club is aware of.

I'd buy a pair off you but not at more than $150 ea (300 pair) my 2 cents

Marconi · July 2011

I think the difference between the 2 and 4 dr rockers are the small 'cutouts' in the top mounting surface that are notched out for the door post and maybe something else. I think it would be a minor point because if the panels were made solid all the way across whoever bought them could trim them out with a sabre saw to fit their car. My 2 cents worth!

bent metal · July 2011

I think they would sell well. As long as you keep the quality up. It's hard to reproduce things, keep the quality good, the price reasonable, and still make a profit.

Just my two cents, if you start to make them cheap, to keep the price cheap. It will be a disaster. So keep them good quality and you'll do well.:)

Snailslayer · July 2011

Id be in for a set on a LWB Sedan. I agree with Bent Metal with making a high quality item and charging more versus low quality and cheap. I dont know how long they are off the top of my head, but keep UPS shipping dimensions in mind. if they are oversized, it might be cost prohibitive to ship effectively, especially internationally. my .02

Edwardjohnsr · July 2011

I would probably purchase one or two for my 53 Hornet 4 dr. By the way, I recently shipped one rocker panel with the stainless steel attached by Fedex. It was under $30 to ship from NH to OH.
Ed

[Deleted User] · July 2011

Thanks so far for your feedback. I'll keep this bumped up for those who are at the National and didn't see it.

[Deleted User] · July 2011

HI Lance, I really think there would be a market for them. As you know I only have 54s, but I know there are a lot more 48-53s than there are 54s. As was stated before If you make a good quality piece you could sell them.
Bob

PAULARGETYPE · July 2011

LANCE I THINK IT IS A GREAT PROJECT THERE WERE SOME MADE A FEW YAERS AGO BY GREEN MNT. FROM NEW ENGLAND THEY DID NOT HAVE THE ARK END TO END THAT THE ORIGNALS HAD PUT ME DOWN FOR A SET I NEED SHORT WB CP OR CV I KNOW THEY ARE NOT THE MOST IN DEMAND

Ducor Kid · July 2011

Lance,
I would be interested in rockers for swb 4 door.
The need for good rockers is evident after searching and settling on the least rusted out ones.

Larry

nick s · July 2011

lance, definitely a needed item and very marketable if you can come in under the market value of the real deal.

as a thought what about supplying them prefinished? 48-53 are all the same color so why not explore the possibility? not sure if you can get a low gloss gelcoat but if you could it would be fantastic to have a part ready to go right out of the box.

[Deleted User] · July 2011

nick s wrote:

lance, definitely a needed item and very marketable if you can come in under the market value of the real deal.

as a thought what about supplying them prefinished? 48-53 are all the same color so why not explore the possibility? not sure if you can get a low gloss gelcoat but if you could it would be fantastic to have a part ready to go right out of the box.

Very good idea Nick.

[Deleted User] · July 2011

I was at the meet in OKC, there had to be at least 30-40 rocker panels there for sale. Most were 4dr lwb, but they are still out there if you look around. I know Carl Weber had at least 6 there for sale and did'nt sell one.

Tom Brintnall.

Jon B · July 2011

I'm curious: if someone had a Pacemaker coupe (for example) could he cut down a good 4-door LWB and make it fit? (I'm a "prehistoric" Hudson owner so have no idea about these newfangled Postwar models...)

[Deleted User] · July 2011

We bought a SWB 2 door rocker from Carl, but we still need one for the passenger side. Any one have one close to north Alabama?? Thanks, Bob P

RL Chilton · July 2011

Lance-

Great idea. I like Nick's idea, as well. Also, bentmetal's about reproducing good quality pieces.

For the record, at this year's Nat'l., I bought an NOS pass. side rocker for a LWB 2DR. $165.00. A repro priced around $150/side seems to be a good figure to start.

As far as marketability, I think it very feasible to sell 100 sets. 25-40 relatively quick, and the rest over the next few years.

Might talk to Russ Maas and see how he has done on his lower trim repros. I'm pretty sure he sold the first 25 sets almost immediately. These are along the same vein, as you know, but wouldn't service as many cars as the entire rockers would. With 6000 step-downs out there, even if your market was 2%, that's 120 sets. Just my opinion.

stepdown rocker panels

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