Metro rubber parts for Opels

[ghcoe]

If you are looking at this you may need rubber too.

A few weeks back I sent off a email to Metro Metro Moulded Parts Inc. Automotive Weatherstrip and Rubber Parts. For those who do not know Metro they produce rubber reproductions for a lot of different makes of cars all the way back to the early 1900's, including some hard to find, low volume stuff.

I was inquiring about what it would take for them to take a look at the Opel line of vehicles for rubber reproductions. I got a response today, but unfortunately I cannot pursue this any further so I thought I would post their response in case someone else may have the means or a better idea about how to get them to support our vehicles.

Hope this can get the ball rolling.

George


Email response follows.

George,

Thank you for the inquiry. At this time, parts from the Opel line are not something that we would necessarily consider taking up for development on our own. Considering the depressed overall economy, the limitations of the present car restoration market and Metro’s current distribution chain, targeting this line of vehicles would not be a safe bet.

You asked, “…what it would take for Metro to start to reproduce rubber for the Opel GT, Manta, and 1900 Models?”

What it would take for us to take this line of parts up for development would be a partnership with an interested individual or group. In this partnership, Metro would provide the development and production of the parts at a cost and the interested party would provide legacy information, testing support and financial backing. If this is something that sounds feasible to you or a group that you belong to, I am more than willing to discuss it further.

In regard to your assessment that you feel we have done “…some rare vehicle reproduction rubber and I feel that the Opel line from 1968-1975 would not be as rare as some you list”,

I would agree. However, most of the parts that would fall into that category, were at one time, exclusive parts. A group or dealer provided us with compensation to develop and produce that part for them and they enjoyed an exclusive sales agreement for a period of time. After their exclusive ended, it was agreed that we would be able to add that part to our general line and offer it to anyone. This is an option that would be available to you or your group as well.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the possibilities further, please contact me. Thank you 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