Ruf style front spoiler

Geronimo '74 · 09-01-2008, 09:02 AM

I'm looking to buy a Ruf style front spoiler and rear bumper but I cannot find any European suppliers.
I've contacted Betterbodiesmotorsport and they were very helpful. But with all the taxes when I import these parts, I can't use the Dollar-Euro rate to my advantage.
That's why I'm looking to buy more locally. (I'm from Belgium)
Are there any Pelicans who can point me in the right direction?

TIA,

javadog · 09-01-2008, 10:41 AM

Ruf is in Europe....how about buying it from the source?

JR

spuggy · 11:55 AM

Given the prices of genuine Ruf parts

960 Euros for a front valance/spoiler: http://www.ruf-automobile.de/content.php?seite=shop/produkte.php&hauptrubrik=5&rubriken_zubehoer=11&details=141

1560 Euros for a lightweight CTR-look front bumper: http://www.ruf-automobile.de/content.php?seite=shop/produkte.php&hauptrubrik=5&rubriken_zubehoer=11&details=146

1360 Euros for a lightweight CTR-look rear bumper (the later CTR-style slotted one is 300 Euro more): http://www.ruf-automobile.de/content.php?seite=shop/produkte.php&hauptrubrik=5&rubriken_zubehoer=11&details=152

And this subject to 19% VAT on top in the EU.

I make that about $4,000 USD including VAT (but not shipping in Europe). Ouch!

I find it difficult to believe that you wouldn't save a lot of money with BetterBodies ($875 front and rear for the BB RS parts) or Rennspeed ($700 US for front and rear RB-911) Ruf-alike parts, even with shipping, import duty and VAT.

If it really is a wash on the price, then buy the Ruf parts. It'll be hard to better their quality and fit. I've heard the BetterBodies stuff is good, but I've never seen them. PO bought Rennspeed, and I'm quite impressed with quality, thickness of fibreglass and fit etc.

richde · 09-01-2008, 12:00 PM

Would it make you feel better if those prices included VAT?

Tough spot Geronimo. There has to be Euro distributors of some of the US 'glass places. Try asking the companies who they deal with on the continent.

kiwiokie · 09-01-2008, 04:14 PM

I beleive the Ruf front spoiler is polyurethane not fiberglass which will account for some of the price difference. I understand PU molds are more expensive to produce and therefore I would expect the parts to be more expensive too. Not sure about the rear.

spuggy · 09-01-2008, 05:01 PM

Geronimo, there's a lot of variation in air freight pricing. The big carriers - the likes of FedEx, UPS etc. - are usually nowhere near the cheapest. By a huge margin, like a factor of 2 or 3. The "name" airline freight services are usually not the cheapest.

See if your supplier can work with you and help you shop around - or find a buddy with a Vonage phone (free US calls from Europe) and go through the US-local phone book for a freight service offering a pick-up.

By far the cheapest option to ship stuff is Excess Baggage (BA want 550 Euro to fly you return Brussells->London->LAX, and a piece of EB is 88 Euros extra), but those parts would exceed the maximum sizes (HxWxL <= 62") accepted, unfortunately.

To give you an idea, Rennspeed Ruf bumper caps, allowing 4" either side for packaging, would require roughly:

Front: 64"x28"x22"
Rear: 64"x38"x18"

Geronimo '74 · 09-01-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richde

Tough spot Geronimo. There has to be Euro distributors of some of the US 'glass places. Try asking the companies who they deal with on the continent.

Good advice, I guess that's what I'll do. And if nothing comes up then I'll make my order with Betterbodies.

Thanks you guys.