Forums/Z31P/z31-repairs-forums engine-mechanical/Weather stripping, NEED YOUR HELP!, send your spare parts in
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NIVO: (2008-03-22 05:50:52)
If you are sick of getting wet or sick of all the little tricks to stop the leaks. Want to restore the car to its original state when it was brand new?
Well you and I both know the On body weather stripping is expensive, at $298 each! through courtesy Nissan and over $350 elsewhere not many can afford to replace them.
Now what I have done is went directly to the manufacturer Metro Moulded Parts Inc which work with Car clubs to make reproductions of existing rubber seals etc.
I showed them the target price we are looking for, they make exact replicas.
They also support car shows and events with goody bags etc… So if they take on this venture we need to show them there is a demand for this item. Also, once I speak the the new products manager on the phone I will ask for items like their banners etc so we can display at events. I would most likely set it up as free advertisement for them. Kind of like "you listen to us, we spread your name".
The key here is demand! and people who are serious about restoration and sick of leaks.
Here is some info from the manager:
Nivo,
Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, due to low demand and make/model considerations this is a vehicle that we probably will not develop parts for anytime soon. However, I will log your request in our master request database for future consideration. Thank you for your interest in Metro Moulded Parts and good luck with your efforts.
Best regards,
Mike Hinshaw
New Product Development Manager
Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
11610 Jay Street, P.O. Box 48130
Minneapolis, MN 55448
Direct Phone: (763) 231-7836
FAX: (763) 757-7228
E-mail: mikeh@metrommp.com
Then I said the following:
I had guys interested on the forums. Joe had us a little excited there in his last email so I went ahead and posted your company's info.
And now I don't know where to go for these. Also there is low demand because guys have almost given up looking for them since no one makes them at a reasonable price, Once I mentioned some where available for $130 they were flocking to a vendor who couldn't deliver the goods. The ones available do not fit well at all. I have been trying to find more manufacturers with no luck.
and now his answer has changed!:
Please send us good condition examples of the parts in question and we will review them. Once we have had a chance to do that, we will decide how to proceed from there. Thanks again for your interest in Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
Best regards,
Mike Hinshaw
New Product Development Manager
Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
11610 Jay Street, P.O. Box 48130
Minneapolis, MN 55448
Direct Phone: (763) 231-7836
FAX: (763) 757-7228
E-mail: mikeh@metrommp.com
8/30/2009
If you have a spare parts car laying in your yard we need your help!
To have the weather stripping made we need to have a few good samples of the factory weather seals of the car.
The company will then review the parts and get back to us if and when they will make reproductions of the original parts.
As some of you know the factory T-Top seals cost nearly $600 for the set!
Other seals as they become NLA will jump in price also.
This is your chance to help our Z31 community.
Thankz,
NIVO88T
Kennedy: (2008-03-22 10:02:38)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Available both 2 and 2+2 models?
Chris86NA2T: (2008-03-22 15:35:46)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
holy shit.. you have to be kidding.. i can have fresh, brand new t-top to body seals for only 260 bucks!! is this a special price for you, or is this the standard retail price? im veryhappy about this.. thankyou..
RocknTommy: (2008-03-22 17:38:33)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Yes please verify!
/me is getting giggily over this.
88NA2T: (2008-03-22 18:34:14)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
that place is only 20 minutes from me.I should go and check them out.
Kennedy: (2008-03-22 18:49:25)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I guess those are 1 and 2 in my picture ->
[attachment=0:c19f4]ttopseal.jpg[/attachment:c19f4]
If that T-Top panel strip is that #2.. it's expencive
BlackDragon
(1)
59-886 T-TOP SEAL-BODY SIDE-LH 300ZX CPE 84-89 (1) 474.94 379.95
59-887 T-TOP SEAL-BODY SIDE-RH 300ZX CPE 84-89 (1) 474.94 379.95
(2)
59-896 T-TOP SEAL-DOOR SIDE-LH 300ZX CPE 84-89 (1) 37.44 29.95
59-897 T-TOP SEAL-DOOR SIDE-RH 300ZX CPE 84-89 (1) 37.44 29.95
(3)
59-898 T-TOP SEAL-BODY SIDE 300ZX CPE 84-89 (2) 24.94 19.95
Gregmatic: (2008-03-22 23:06:18)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Well done Nivo! That guy is gonna get bombarded with orders.
Slydwyz: (2008-03-23 00:40:04)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
HELL YEAH. This is the best find yet....thanks NIVO. Over a $400 saving from that of BGA's prices…
- BOOKMARK*
NIVO: (2008-03-23 05:35:05)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I will be ordering and will report back. if it's all good we found a place for the most critical part of our Z cars! those pesky little leaks!
dan86t: (2008-03-24 18:04:52)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Group buy! Group buy! Group buy! :-)
I hold that Nivo should be the guinea pig. If the guy has quality goods somebody needs to organize a group buy.
OK85ZX: (2008-03-24 18:39:02)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Agreed on the group buy, I'd be in [archived image: smile.png] maybe even for two!
jn1cz: (2008-03-25 02:01:31)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Cool deal bro…I'm almost sorry mine don't leak…not really tho [archived image: wink.png]
Slydwyz: (2008-03-25 16:15:43)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
If the group buy falls around the May time, Ill be in for a full set. Thats when we get our $600 back from the Government....BOOYAH.
I want to know though, is #3 available too? Or do they just offer #1 and 2?
Just wondering…
Az4u2c: (2008-03-27 02:36:04)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
ZOMG
I'm anxiously awaiting feedback here…
Neil86t: (2008-03-27 03:35:12)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Awesome! I cannot wait!
zzzz31: (2008-04-01 07:57:40)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
group buy? i'm definately in…
rjkardo: (2008-04-17 17:30:12)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Anything on this?
Any confirmation of the parts/prices?
Rod
G-E: (2008-04-19 05:57:36)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
this is a good thing for may.... I have some stuff to repair and it's going to require ripping mine off… I know it's not going to come clean
NIVO: (2008-04-19 14:53:03)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I postponed my purchase in hopes that we can get this GB together. will post up once I get final pricing for x amount of purchases. :-D
NIVO: (2008-04-19 14:55:17)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I will be finding out pricing shortly on a GB. I bet it will drop if we can get 10 buyers
ShamWow: (2008-04-21 03:13:47)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I'm interested! May for sure. Spread the word so we can get them cheap!
Capn_Razzamatazz: (2008-04-21 04:43:01)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I'm in too! I am in desperate need for some body to t-top seals. Not desperate enough to pay $500+ though. :-D
Racinjitter: (2008-04-21 04:54:19)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Not to be negative, but has anything been asked about fitment? If fitment is guaranteed I will be in. My price on OE stuff it a little higher that I thought, compared to these prices.
Kennedy: (2008-04-21 06:57:52)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Same thoughts here too.. Few of my friends have buy S30 body aftermaket seals and the fitment has not been perfect.
mihai7645: (2008-05-09 20:59:03)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
i'm in for a group buy. but i would like a confirmation first that they fit on any 300ZX 84-89
Jared85t: (2008-05-11 06:26:56)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
in for a group buy if it goes down, keep us updated! leaks are breaking my heart =]
NIVO: (2008-05-11 14:27:41)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Ok, here is an update, after waiting for weeks for the weatherstrip.
Company:
Sorry, we are unable to locate the parts you requested.
NIVO:
Is there a way we can get in contact with the weatherstrip/seal manufacturers? So we can have some made. I think it is outrageous pricing at the dealer.
Since I posted the pricing on several forums saying your company carries these at the prices given to me the guys are going crazy wanting to know quality etc..
I am not sure why I was given prices if the parts can't be located. Is there a shop owner i can speak with to see if we can have some made and distributed by your company?
Company:
These prices were quoted to us by Nissan, we know of no after market company making them.
We recommend contacting your local Nissan Dealer.
As a refresher here is the original, in writing, the pricing.:
Sorry, email problems all morning.
Here are the prices you equested.
Main T-Top weatherstrip RH $130
Main T-Top weatherstrip LH $130
T-Top panel weatherstrip above door glass RH $74.25
T-Top panel weatherstrip above door glass LH $74.25
Please call xxx-xxx-xxxx between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm Eastern Time
with any questions or to place your order.''
We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express.
Thank You,
Customer Service
Now what I have done is went directly to the manufacturer Metro Moulded Parts Inc which work with Car clubs to make reproductions of existing rubber seals etc.
I showed them the target price we are looking for, they make exact replicas.
They also support car shows and events with goody bags etc… So if they take on this venture we need to show them there is a demand for this item. Also, once I speak the the new products manager on the phone I will ask for items like their banners etc so we can display at events. I would most likely set it up as free advertisement for them. Kind of like "you listen to us, we spread your name".
The key here is demand! and people who are serious about restoration and sick of leaks.
I should be putting the call in next week. I will get back to this post then.
NIVO: (2008-05-12 22:09:01)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Latest update!
Hello Nivo,
You may receive more than one response to your request because I have not had the opportunity to meet with Mike Hinshaw about this yet.
These cars have and always will be incredible and I would like to take a serious look at doing these. I might be asking alot but could you send us a used set of these to review? If so please send these to either Mike H attention or to me so we can get a close look at these.
Thank you for your interest in Metro Moulded Parts Inc. Supersoft Weatherstripping!
We look forward to hear back from you soon.
Best Regards,
Joseph Frascella
Metro Moulded Parts Inc.
So directly to the manufacturer I went! and here is a brief answer to our problem. Now does anyone have the following from a spare parts car (Please do not PM me and ask me to buy them from you, help the Z31 community and donate for the cause):
2 Seater RH and LH weatherstrip
4 Seater RH and LH weatherstrip
They are looking for these pieces to duplicate and possibly improve on. If you have these parts, please ship to the following address, make sure to let everyone know you have done so and let the company know the make, year, model and if it is a 2 seater or 4 seater. Remember help out the community to get another hard to find part at a reasonable cost!
Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
11610 Jay Street NW
P.O. Box 48130
Minneapolis, MN 55448
NIVO: (2008-05-22 21:59:54)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
We almost got cut off!
Nivo,
Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, due to low demand and make/model considerations this is a vehicle that we probably will not develop parts for anytime soon. However, I will log your request in our master request database for future consideration. Thank you for your interest in Metro Moulded Parts and good luck with your efforts.
Best regards,
Mike Hinshaw
New Product Development Manager
Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
11610 Jay Street, P.O. Box 48130
Minneapolis, MN 55448
Direct Phone: (763) 231-7836
FAX: (763) 757-7228
E-mail: mikeh@metrommp.com
Then I said the following:
I had guys interested on the forums. Joe had us a little excited there in his last email so I went ahead and posted your company's info.
And now I don't know where to go for these. Also there is low demand because guys have almost given up looking for them since no one makes them at a reasonable price, Once I mentioned some where available for $130 they were flocking to a vendor who couldn't deliver the goods. The ones available do not fit well at all. I have been trying to find more manufacturers with no luck.
and now his answer has changed!:
Please send us good condition examples of the parts in question and we will review them. Once we have had a chance to do that, we will decide how to proceed from there. Thanks again for your interest in Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
Best regards,
Mike Hinshaw
New Product Development Manager
Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
11610 Jay Street, P.O. Box 48130
Minneapolis, MN 55448
Direct Phone: (763) 231-7836
FAX: (763) 757-7228
E-mail: mikeh@metrommp.com
So If anyone can help out and really show them there is a demand this is the time! all rubber and any rubber in good condition that you may have would be great!
xenonxiii: (2008-05-24 23:10:20)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Today was an OK day for junkyard hopping.
I was able to get a set of 2+2 t-top seals. Unfortunately, the only 2 seater was a Slicktop.
NIVO: (2008-05-25 03:31:28)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
xenonxiii wrote: Today was an OK day for junkyard hopping.
I was able to get a set of 2+2 t-top seals. Unfortunately, the only 2 seater was a Slicktop.
xenonxiii: (2008-05-25 16:52:06)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
UPDATE!
I just got the 2-Seater weather strips and What I think people are asking for on the Door Mirror Triangle Seals.
I will get pictures when I pack them latter today.
Slydwyz: (2008-05-26 14:18:12)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Your picture showing the push pins says "Pish Pin Fasteners" Just so you know.
Guest: (2008-05-26 14:46:24)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
NIVO wrote: [quote=xenonxiii]Today was an OK day for junkyard hopping.
I was able to get a set of 2+2 t-top seals. Unfortunately, the only 2 seater was a Slicktop.
xenonxiii: (2008-05-26 22:03:13)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
[quote]Slydwyz wrote:
UPDATE!
I just got the 2-Seater weather strips and What I think people are asking for on the Door Mirror Triangle Seals.
I will get pictures when I pack them latter today.Your picture showing the push pins says "Pish
Pin Fasteners" Just so you know.
Thanks, It has been Corrected. I did those Captions late lastnight.
NIVO: (2008-05-28 04:46:16)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Let me know when you ship so I can let mike know.
NIVO: (2008-06-27 14:01:04)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
did these ship out to them?
1SIKZ31: (2008-06-27 15:57:42)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
SlickTop FTW! :langue
xenonxiii: (2008-06-28 22:50:24)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Sorry Nivo. Have gotten them out.
Stuff is crazy here lately. I have been working 12 hour shifts the last month and a half.
They are boxed but not tagged yet.
NIVO: (2008-08-09 15:42:36)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Did these ship out? xenonxiii 8)
xenonxiii: (2008-08-13 20:36:46)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Thanks for reminding me.
I can't believe I have forgotten about them. They are still sitting in a box at the garage.
I need to label them then I'll get them shipped this week.
NIVO: (2008-08-16 15:33:56)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
I got asked that's why i revisited…
NIVO: (2008-11-02 18:16:36)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Update!!!!
Nivo,
They are not coming along at all presently. I have
yet to receive samples to review and therefore, unable to make any type of
decision on the project. When I do receive samples, I will be able to assess
the situation and move forward.
Best regards,
Mike Hinshaw
New Product Development Manager
Metro Moulded Parts, Inc.
11610 Jay Street, P.O. Box 48130
Minneapolis, MN 55448
Direct Phone: (763) 231-7836
FAX: (763) 757-7228
E-mail: mikeh@metrommp.com
NissanEgg: (2008-11-02 20:38:19)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
People, get off your asses and get some samples in, dadgummit!
It just disgusts me that the Z31 community can't seem to get anything done for 2 reasons:
- 1-most Z31 owners are too broke to do anything
- 2-most Z31 owners are too lazy to get around to getting anything done.
ZMIKEMAN: (2008-11-26 04:48:34)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
My T-Tops finally started to leak :-( . Anyone ever manage to find a set to send in? I'm definitely interested.
NIVO: (2009-03-02 04:44:07)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
No word from Mike yet so I take it they have yet to get any in…
Rick88ss: (2009-08-30 04:31:28)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
any info ????
NissanEgg: (2009-08-30 04:41:56)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
+1[archived image: frown.png]
Rick88ss: (2009-08-30 05:09:28)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
Did the guy that Nivo talked to at tghe weatherstripping place say how many units had to be sold for them to make a set?
NIVO: (2009-08-30 16:12:03)
Re: Getting sick of wet seat or front floor area? Weather strip
This is how it works:
Before any quotes go out and before they even attempt to make the parts they review the part, Then they will go to their distributors and dealers and ask if this part is on high demand.
If the part is on high demand they will make them.
Metro Moulded Parts is a high volume manufacturer, They can manufacture anything as far as seals go.
Problem is, besides us having a chat between a couple of interested guys there is really no demand here. :-(
They have yet to receive parts from us to review, never mind even thinking about quoting etc…
If I had a parts car laying around with decent seals I would ship them out to them for review.
door seals, t-top seals, side view mirror triangle seals etc..
Rick88ss: (2009-08-31 00:13:16)
Hey Nivo..does it matter if the T-top seals already leak or do they have to be in perfect condition so they can check them out?
NIVO: (2009-08-31 02:48:02)
I don't think they care if they leak as long as they are intact and not 2 pieces from being rotted.
NIVO: (2010-05-11 23:28:26)
Ok guys, Mike ( Metro Moulded Parts) asked me to give him a call to discuss the Z31 t-top seal project further!
It has been a long road and it looks like it has come to our turn.
Will post back what we talk about.
Rick88ss: (2010-05-12 03:54:44)
I paid for some t-top seals and they were sent to the address that you posted for Metro Moulded Parts.
Did they get a set of t-top seals?
NIVO: (2010-05-12 03:58:58)
yes, thanks to you they got to see them!
Mike contacted me to give him a call to talk further about the seals. I will keep you posted Rick.
Hopefully I can talk him into making the window triangles too! maybe the rear spoiler gaskets.
Rick88ss: (2010-05-12 04:04:39)
Cool. I already put on some new t-top seals on my SS but I wanted to do my part just in case.
Robyr: (2010-05-12 04:25:08)
Holy crap. This is an excellent development. Thanks for all that you've done, and continue to do for our community NIVO, you rock. And a special thanks to those that are providing parts!
Deseptur: (2010-05-12 05:02:48)
Man this is an old thread. But if they do become available I'm in for a set for sure!
NIVO: (2010-05-12 05:04:56)
it has been a long waiting process because we were put on the back burner due to lack of interest and demand. also it took a year to get them the weather stripping.
Deseptur: (2010-05-12 05:18:34)
yeah I noticed how long that took, must be frustrating. If I was on this forum that long ago I would have been shipping them in same day as I always had 2-3 Z's sitting around! Good luck and let me know if there's anything I can do!
NIVO: (2010-05-12 21:27:36)
Well I talked to Mike H for a good while.
And it isn't good news that some of you were hoping.
First off, he explained that tooling for them will be expensive. How expensive? the sum of $100,000. He mentioned that the pieces are not cheap to make tooling for.
He told me that he had a few hours of research into this project. There is injection molding among of other things to make them.
Talking business wise he mentioned that he can't just go into this, put up time, money and resources into making the tooling and making a few pieces. He would need a huge buy to make it happen. Realistically this is true, he can't spend all this money and sell 25-50 a year for 15 years to get a return of investment.
I understood this, which is true. He made mention of maybe a specialty Z shop like Ultimate z OR MSA to hold a group buy, put money up[ front and then they can do it.
Other alternative is he directed me to another company in washington state, they have dealt with Datsun/Nissan and he mentioned they have outsourcing to overseas which will make the product less expensive in the end.
He told me that he is sorry and that at this time it is not a wise business move to spend $100k and such a low demand product, the other thing is that his wholesalers are all domestic muscle car distributors.
The people who sent them seals will get them back. I am going to contact The other place and tell them Mike H. sent me.
I will keep this posted as this has been long time running. But I got some good inside business info and leads so all is well. Mike mentioned "we are not the only sharks in the water".
He was very helpful even though he couldn't meet our demands currently.
Next place is Precision Replacement Parts. ::tilt
Deseptur: (2010-05-13 01:58:36)
Its cool your are doing this, keep up the good work!
NIVO: (2010-05-13 13:26:14)
I am already in contact with the company that Mike H. from Metro Moulded Parts directed me to.
voodooblock: (2010-12-07 01:52:52)
hey idk exactly but i ran across this site and it is a lil expensive but they have alot of parts and amazing diagrams http://www.courtesyparts.com/300zx-part … _2318.html
sonicz31: (2010-12-07 03:29:37)
Any chance for slicktop door seals?
ZEricMZ: (2010-12-07 20:35:13)
I would definitely be interested in a set. It sucks driving in the rain and getting rained on = not bad it just be nice if it was completely dry lol
NIVO: (2011-03-21 21:26:22)
Sorry guys, the demand wasn't there.. got word that for the time this has been going on they had about 25 or so inquiries....