Right folks
There does seem to be enough interest in this project, however:
Sourcing a genuine one is proving an expensive problem. Ideally a second hand one would be great but can't find one
After being assured I could get one for £475 delivered I have since been informed that due to the yen exchange rates we are looking at £550 (6 weeks lead time) or there is one supplier that has stock in the UK at £600 delivered
The original bumper can be prepped up ready to sell once the mould is done, Im not sure what the prepping will cost but there will be a few tiny pinholes to fill and then propably undercoat. The price of the original bumper and the difference lost has to be incorporated in the price so say 12 of us chip in and pay £50 for the initial outlay then it gets prepped for £100 and sold for £400 then we would get £25 back.
Other bad news is the insert, current quotes are around £500 and although this part will not be drilled in anyway it may have surface scratches left on it from the wax and gel coat so I don't know if it could be reselled. However the replica will allow the original to fit should you wish to purchase it.
Good news is the price is still looking ok at £220 + vat but this will be confirmed when the company receive the bumper. Then the extras will be approx £25 for mould and delivery charges.
As for the delivery charges, at present We are parcels.com do not offer to ship bumpers due to the sheer volumetric size of them and the fact we can't be competitive with our current vendors. However I am in talks with a courier company that do specialise in bulky items. I might be able to set something up at around £25 -£30 but I will need to confirm. If you are reasonably local to the midlands then someone will deliver to you in our van for around £15.
If anyone knows of anywhere cheaper that we can source an original bumper or if anyone knows where we can find a second hand or even damaged insert worldwide then let me know. If anyone posts on US forums or owt then please pop a wanted post up.
Before anyone questions (and I know the majority won't especially those who know me) why shouldnt I be paying for the originals for mould, well the honest answer is that there is very little in this venture for me. By the time ive covered expences, time invested, petrol, diesel then ive pretty much broke even but ive got the chance to own a uk Chargespeed replica bumper half the price of an original which was the reason for coming up with this project. I did look into funding myself but I would be seriously out of pocket and may as well save all the hassle and buy an original for myself.
Will leave this thread to roll for a week and see if anything helpful pops up