Why doesn’t Renault make parts their for classic/vintage models

[ventura]

I find it amazing that Renault does not think it is a good idea to make parts for their older and classic cars. BMW and Porsche who I have worked for have quite a substantial back catalogue of parts available.

As Renault have many great older and classic models with a big following I am sure this would be worth while, it’s not like Renault couldn’t afford to do it!

 

[MarkK]

I don't think that many manufacturers outside Germany bother to supply anything beyond their minimum obligation, which is to supply maintenance parts for 10 years after the model is discontinued.

I play with old Jaguars, Lotus and Fords, and in all cases most parts are available from after-market suppliers, with Lotus and Jaguar particularly well supported. To restore old Fords, like Lotus Cortinas, Escort Mexicos etc.,you have to rely on a patchy network of suppliers for bits and pieces, and ebay for new-old-stock and good 2nd hand parts.

Panels are crazy prices, with a bodyshell restoration often using £10k - £15k of reproduction panels. More if NOS can be found. But it's the chrome and stainless steel trim that sells for truly eye-watering prices! So when you see a Lotus Cortina or an Escort with BDA being sold for £80k or £100k, it cost all of that to restore!

I guess the simple answer to you question is that the large mass-production companies can't see beyond unit cost and unit profit, and probably that last thing they want to do is support your efforts to keep one of their old cars on the road beyond its 10 or 12 year life. Heritage is something the German companies seem to be proud of, but for most others is just a term to use in the marketing department.

 

[ventura]

It’s mad as I’m sure people especially around Europe would purchase parts as Renault models have a big following with a lot of the Renault sport models becoming even more popular.

 

[Williams]

Renault fell short of their obligation of supplying parts for 10 years for the ph2 v6.. They even sold off all their Alpine/Renaulsport spares to a private investment company in 2018 maybe early 2019. All Dieppe parts.... gone. Shocking... [smilie=icon_eek.gif]

I guess the simple answer to you question is that the large mass-production companies can't see beyond unit cost and unit profit, and probably that last thing they want to do is support your efforts to keep one of their old cars on the road beyond its 10 or 12 year life. Heritage is something the German companies seem to be proud of, but for most others is just a term to use in the marketing department.

That may well be the case.. but it works both ways in my opinion. A 10 year old car these days is still a very good car to purchase, unlike, say, back in the mid 80's when a 10 year old car was generally falling apart and ready for scrapping. So not supplying parts for cars 10 years old and over will just cheapen the brand, as in some cases will render some models an un-viable purchase option.

 

[ventura]

Also I am amazed that no other parts company have come up with pattern parts so we can carry on looking after these cars?

 

[recoverysolutions]

With 1500 or so of each model there is no incentive/ profit to reproduce parts with such little demand , you have to get creative and adapt or re engineer.

 

[Kett]

The frustration is that Renault licensed certain bespoke products from external suppliers and effectively embargo reproduction of those certain parts to this day.

 

[Lankan]

It's not only the German manufacturers who have committed to supplying parts for cars that are out of production, but Japanese manufacturers are also pledging support for their cars - here's Honda's commitment to support the S2000.

Honda has been pretty good in supporting the S2000 (never had an issue in sourcing anything that was required), but it seems that they are going the extra mile to make sure enthusiasts are reassured.

I wish Renault learns from this and makes the effort...

 

[Kett]

The frustration is that Renault licensed certain bespoke products from external suppliers and effectively embargo reproduction of those certain parts to this day.

That means: Renault does not help us and hinders us in the procurement of spare parts.
Really amazing! When my V6 is ready, it will be sold.

All’s not lost! If the coils and starter motor are taken out of the equation - an unfettled V6 is pretty damn reliable.

I’ve got the trophy coils and the new stronger starter motor these days. Reliability isn’t an issue. Owners and specialists are pretty resourceful and there is always a way forward.

 

[DaveL485]

With 1500 or so of each model there is no incentive/ profit to reproduce parts with such little demand , you have to get creative and adapt or re engineer.

Even when people like me do group buys to reproduce parts, nobody ever wants to put up the cash anyway, It's always a battle to get stuff done. I only sort stuff that I need now!

 

[Kett]

The company Sachs announced 12 weeks after ordering that they would not build my clutch.
Now we look further with the company Helix. I am pissed off.
Maybe I should sell the car in parts? :ihatpcs:

Seen this?

https://www.rscenter.ch/en/products/used-parts/crs2/

 

[Kett]

Yes thanks, I saw that. We especially need the pressure plate. But we want to replace the complete clutch.

Helix some experience in V6 clutch components...

 

[DaveL485]

I had the same issue with my R21, I had a bespoke flywheel made by TTV to fit a standard issue Helix 200mm equispaced, refurbishable clutch setup. I had to make a suitable release bearing too, and it was quite expensive initially but onward reconditioning of the clutch was very cheap.

 

[Chris V6]

I got involved in a long debate with Renault over some parts, Renault won’t sell as they have stopped supplying, the company that made it won’t sell it to me as Renault hold the licence.

Renault customer service team did checked but they confirmed they definitely could not care less. And advise I checked ebay or such places.

 

[Kett]

I got involved in a long debate with Renault over some parts, Renault won’t sell as they have stopped supplying, the company that made it won’t sell it to me as Renault hold the licence.

Renault customer service team did checked but they confirmed they definitely could not care less. And advise I checked ebay or such places.

If there was anything that the owners clubs could do; it would be to resolve this enigma.

 

[DaveL485]

I got involved in a long debate with Renault over some parts, Renault won’t sell as they have stopped supplying, the company that made it won’t sell it to me as Renault hold the licence.

Renault customer service team did checked but they confirmed they definitely could not care less. And advise I checked ebay or such places.

What parts are they?

 

[Kett]

What parts are they?

I think we start with AP Calipers and Koni shocks. It would be easy-peasy for these guys to produce replacement parts but they don’t...

 

[Spike]

Yes thanks, I saw that. We especially need the pressure plate. But we want to replace the complete clutch.

Helix some experience in V6 clutch components...

I still have available a good used pressure plate and a driven plate with about 7.5mm on it.

Am open to offers.

 

[DaveL485]

What parts are they?

I think we start with AP Calipers and Koni shocks. It would be easy-peasy for these guys to produce replacement parts but they don’t...

Last time I looked AP would still refurb the calipers, but wont sell them direct (has to go through Renault).

I didnt get as far as comparing the caliper itself to one from the AP range for a straight swap.