Dear Classic Car Friends,

My name is Lukas, I am 24 years old and come from Munich. Classic cars have been inspiring me ever since I put my feet on the pedals. I have decided to turn my hobby into a job. I am currently on this path:

I have been doing a research master’s degree at Stellenbosch University SA for a year. My topic is the use of 3D printing to produce spare parts for classic cars. The aim of my research is to develop a method to identify spare parts for 3D printing. In addition to the usual factors such as size, material, and function, up to 10 other factors are analysed in this method. To test my method, I need data from classic car owners who have problems with the supply of spare parts. For this purpose, I would like to ask you to take part in my 10-minute survey:

https://redcap.sun.ac.za/surveys/?s=YR4J8PAYWA

Important note: This is not an advertisement for a service, and I have no financial benefit from your participation. Your participation only serves the community and the completion of my master’s degree.

At the end of the survey, you have the opportunity to take part in a raffle for a personalized, 3D-printed emblem with your car and your name.

Thank you for your interest in my work and thank you in advance for your participation!

 

I am impressed with your career choice. I have always thought that it would be an excellent opportunity and service for the community. If I were younger, I would consider it myself.

I would contact both the AACA and CCA organizations. They should both be happy to hear from you.

 

I looked at the survey....
I have a Marketer and pay him annually for his services, he is located in Woodside Ca. and covers global marketing for auto parts which some like yourself are attempting to get for free. I suggest hire a real marketer to get the information you want for your prospective business. Your survey although may seem beneficial is waaaaaaay to vague to really do what you want . But I am sure will find that out quickly enough. I do wish you luck in your business venture!

 

Thank you for your nice message. For me, it is also a very interesting field of study.

Could you please specify what AACA and CCA are? I have not fund any information on the internet.

Regards,

Lukas

 

Hi Callisto,

Thank you for looking at my survey.
As you may have read, I am a student and not a business owner.
Good luck also with your business.

 

I own/owned several "business" in the Automotive industry.

I would suggest that you narrow your research down a bit. i.e. British, American 50's 60's 70's, Japanese , etc.... the people that take your survey will basically want parts for there car and not necessarily what the market would support. I would also look at listing in the for SEMA Specialty Equipment Market Association
to get a good idea what is most popular in the US and also sold globally for aftermarket performance parts and accessories.

 

The AACA is at www.AACA.org. They are the largest antique car club in the US if not the world and are focused on cars over 25 years old in original condition. No customs or hot rods. I have found them to be a great group of people and especially interested in helping out young people new to the hobby.

I suspect they would be interested in helping someone with an interest in developing replacement parts where the supply is no longer available. They also have a library where I suspect they might be able to get you the specifications for some parts.

If you can work in metal, a great place to start may be hood ornaments. The AACA Museum www.AACA museum.org (not related but a long story) has a large selection that I bet they they would take a bunch of pictures and measurements if you ask. This would be a great way to show your skills.

The CCA is for true classics. They may not be as interested in non original parts. I am not as familiar with them.