Another One Bites the Dust

[cericd]

So, the other day I ran across something I had been looking for for over 2 years now. An actual NOS 1970 only inner grille. It was on ebay and I had my hesitations about whether or not it would make the trip to me intact. Everything seemed okay as I slid the grille (which was wrapped in close cellulose foam) from the original GM box. Then I carefully began unwrapping the foam to reveal a pristine cleanly molded original GM part then as I unwrapped the last corner, BAM!!! There they were staring at me like two knocked out buckteeth.





Here are a few photos showing how it was packaged. Such a shame. This could have been avoided.












I knew I was taking a chance not requesting to have this item packaged more securely but I was assured by the seller that he had shipped several this way without incident. I don't doubt that claim but as they say "there's a first time for everything."

If you want to ensure that you receive your NOS or rare parts, Keith (lolife99) has a great thread on just that subject. I should have listened but it's not every day you find a seller willing to go to those lengths to package a part.

Another new old stock part bites the dust.

[boraxman]

Too bad/

[71blksuper4x4]

You can fix it. Get a scrap piece of a old inner grille and put chunks of it in a glass jar with some MEK solvent. Over the next days the plastic will dissolve into a paste. Brush the cleanly broke pieces (without sanding them), on the edges with the paste you made and tape into place in a few spots. In a day-2days, the solvent will dissipate from the paste and create a plastic weld. If there are any excess paste from the joints, don't worry, a file or some sandpaper can knock it down. Saves a nice piece. Trevor

[Vintage Windmills]

Thats a shame. I'm sure the shipping co will say it wasn't properly packaged and then its up to you and seller to resolve who should pay. I would think he should cover all damage since it does look feebly packaged. Could probably glue it back together and make it at least usable in some form?

[cericd]

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

Thats a shame. I'm sure the shipping co will say it wasn't properly packaged and then its up to you and seller to resolve who should pay. I would think he should cover all damage since it does look feebly packaged. Could probably glue it back together and make it at least usable in some form?

I've been in contact with the seller and it seems like things are moving in the right direction.

Unfortunately i didn't pay the "usable in some form" price. I paid the NOS Rare GM Part on ebay price.

[tommys72]

There are a bunch of things that could be said here...only my best guess, but, I'd assume you want the money back, he doesn't want to give it back and get a broken part back. fixing it and using it would be the easiest. Probably not what you want to hear again, but it's both parties faults. His for not packing more thoroughly, yours for not telling him to do just that being that it's a valuable and rare piece.

Good luck

Tommy

[cericd]

Incorrect. I contacted the seller through ebay prior to paying for the item expressing my concern for it being damaged during shipment. The seller responded by saying how it would be shipped and that they had shipped several grilles over the years with not one issue. This thread was not started to bash the seller and I haven't done so. The seller has been very responsive and told me that this item was not packaged to the same standard as a '71-72 grille that he also shipped last week. This was posted as a cautionary tale to those who value originality in these old trucks. Nothing more.

[cericd]

Oh and thank you 71blksuper4x4 for the informative post on how to repair these grilles. I may just test that out on my original 1970 inner grille.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by cericd

I've been in contact with the seller and it seems like things are moving in the right direction.

Unfortunately i didn't pay the "usable in some form" price. I paid the NOS Rare GM Part on ebay price.

Its sucks that it happened but the damage does look fixable, work with the seller on your now discounted NOS part due to the lack of effort in packaging correctly on his part, do the plastic repair and then enjoy your find. I see that you mention having had looked for over two years to find this inner, you could have messaged me on this when you first started looking. The last NOS one that I sold was $250. 7 or so years back, I do not follow ebay but am curious what todays "NOS Rare Part on ebay" going rate is for a real NOS 70 style inner with the black inset vertical bars? Mel

[sduckworth13]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

You can fix it. Get a scrap piece of a old inner grille and put chunks of it in a glass jar with some MEK solvent. Over the next days the plastic will dissolve into a paste. Brush the cleanly broke pieces (without sanding them), on the edges with the paste you made and tape into place in a few spots. In a day-2days, the solvent will dissipate from the paste and create a plastic weld. If there are any excess paste from the joints, don't worry, a file or some sandpaper can knock it down. Saves a nice piece. Trevor

Thanks Trevor for the tip, I have a old grille that needs to be repaired. I love this forum.

Good luck Chris on getting the issue sorted out. I do have a old grille insert if you need a piece off of it if you end up keeping the insert.

[Classic Bowties]

Also, just noticed the shipping label attached to the outside of your above pictured grill box, at the bare minimum that thing should have been double boxed (if not crated in plywood) for the ride. Mel

[special-K]

Originally Posted by cericd

I knew I was taking a chance not requesting to have this item packaged more securely but I was assured by the seller that he had shipped several this way without incident.

Well, he just proved himself wrong. This was his gamble and he lost. It is not your responsibility to request proper packaging, it is his. If he received your payment ok, you should receive your part ok. Time for this seller to own up!

[70cst]

Sellers need to read Shipping 101.

[Fatherflash]

Trevor is correct that this can addressed using MEK. If you go this route, please use more than adequate protective equipment (glasses, ventilation, respirator, no direct skin contact) while doing this repair. MEK can really screw someone up especially over the long term.

Once glued in place, I would also recommend you add a layer of 120 fiberglass impregnated with adhesive to an area that is not visible once repaired. This will provide some support to structure that has been removed due to incurred damage. 120 glass is 0.005" thick and can be worked very easily even when impregnated with glue. It also sands well and can worked so it is not at all visible through sanding or finish filler application once repaired. If you need advice on any of this, let me know and I will provide what I can.

[cericd]

Originally Posted by Fatherflash

Trevor is correct that this can addressed using MEK. If you go this route, please use more than adequate protective equipment (glasses, ventilation, respirator, no direct skin contact) while doing this repair. MEK can really screw someone up especially over the long term.

Once glued in place, I would also recommend you add a layer of 120 fiberglass impregnated with adhesive to an area that is not visible once repaired. This will provide some support to structure that has been removed due to incurred damage. 120 glass is 0.005" thick and can be worked very easily even when impregnated with glue. It also sands well and can worked so it is not at all visible through sanding or finish filler application once repaired. If you need advice on any of this, let me know and I will provide what I can.

Thanks for the additional info. If I end up doing this repair I'll likely be in touch.

[cericd]

I just noticed I forgot to include the link to Keith's "How To Package..." thread: 67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=522965

[In The Ten Ring]

I bought a fender off a member here and they assured me just a cardboard box would do. *I had asked for a wooden crate.*

Well, guess what? UPS dents the crap out of the thing. UPS (finally) paid for most of the bodywork but I had to kick in the rest. And....I will NEVER again allow a piece that can break or be dented ship without a crate. PERIOD.

Sorry this happened to you. *I had a rifle sight stolen out of my mailbox last month...still waiting on the seller to send my money back on that one.