In fairness I'm forwarding Ralle's response. I don't know if it answers the
one question I asked, I was most interested in, namely, "Can I get a
catalog?" I asked this because over six months have past since I filled out
their catalog request. I never got it. I guess I didn't include the check! I
still don't believe that any one should charge to tell you what they carry.
Maybe I have this all wrong. If I do, My apologies will come as a parts
order.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dann <rallye@datsunroadster.com>
To: Victor Laury <vlaury@earthlink.net>
Date: Monday, March 01, 1999 12:07 PM
Subject: RALLYE INFO RESPONSE: V. Laury 3/1/99
Victor,
Thanks for the note.
As a hobbyist since 1972 helping others, and since starting a 24hour a
day roadster business in 1976, we have been short of just one thing,
TIME. It would be cool to put up pictures of the few odd thousand
things we stock on our as yet tiny website but the orders that are
coming in now, today, have to come first. (If I could only clone
myself).
We may be a mystery to you, and for that I am sorry, but we
weren't/aren't to the 11,000 catalog holders out there. They all have
seemed to tell someone else as well. We never imagined the catalogs
would go so fast given what we thought was the number of cars that exist
and have been caught with our pants truly down without the next
generation book we've always wanted to have. Getting it done is and has
been a struggle, timewise and a number of other reasons wise.
As for the mailing list, I do keep track of it. Sometimes if someone
doesn't seem to be getting an answer I'll respond to them directly.
Fortunately, there are a great number of hobbyists out there who are
willing to scratch their noggin and answer the most difficult of
questions. If 2 heads are better than one; than 600+? is even better.
Our catalog insert has a section in it which has helped one or two
people over the years avoid some of the pitfalls of roadster ownership.
I've have spent just few hours over the last 23 years trying to procure
parts. To get just a couple of vent w/strips manufactured we had to
agree to part with a minimum of $7K, and I think the first order ended
up at closer to $12K. It's always been a time consuming struggle to
keep inventory for these cars. At least it's not as emotionally
draining as having Nissan throw the stuff in the garbage in the 70's.
Trying to buy it before it was trashed was a challenge, from a financial
standpoint and sometimes just getting Nissan to separate the roadster
stuff out of the scrap pile. Sometimes though the bad times would be
brightened when before the stuff was scrapped Nissan would offer it for
sale at rock bottom prices. There's a few of us that remember those
days! (Mike Kerr and Scott Sheeler and few others probably have some
tales to tell as well) $10 2000 grills...$77 new shortblocks, $19
fenders. It's not that easy these days, it takes even more time
digging.
As for advertising specials on the mailing list, it was my impression
that this was an owners group and that businesses promoting themselves
should stay off of it. Some groups consider it bad manners to advertise
on this type of a list. If the general consensus is that it is OK,
well, I'd like to know it.
After a time we plan on dropping a note out to those that have contacted
us directly as by their contact I'd think it would be welcomed.
I know I don't like the piles of stuff I get from all over the planet in
my box from companies selling every possible item.
I hope I've answered your questions without too much horn tooting. With
all of the information floating around between owners, it makes owning a
roadster much easier and more pleasant, and that helps everyone.
When the elusive catalog gets closer I'll let you know and the website
will inch forward as time permits. I've got to have a little time to
put the top down too...
Thanks again for your note.
Dann Bramhall
Rallye Enterprises, Ltd.
PO Box 367
Graham, WA 98338
360-893-4200
360-893-2000 fax
email: rallye@datsunroadster.com
web: www.datsunroadster.com
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