So, I want to ask HLJ for some parts...

[willimo]

...from a kit I haven't bought from them, or anyone.

Now, this has been mentioned in other threads, including one I authored about 1:12 wheels. But I want a new thread about it so it can be addressed alone and directly.

I want to ask HLJ for the wheels and tires from a 1:12 Skyline.

1. Does HLJ have to break up the kits in order to provide the parts, or are they able to get the parts from the manufacturer (ie, Fujimi)? Can I go straight to Fujimi (that would be preferable).

2. This seems to me inherently unethical. I am essentially asking for replacement parts that were damaged or flawed in a kit that I bought, which I did not. Thoughts on this?

3. Ok, so those are the two real qualms I have, that I can think of. Anyone have input on this? I'm at the end of my rope for sourcing some parts, and this is my last option, but I don't want to have to do it.

[RallyRaider]

I believe that HLJ simply order the parts from Fujimi. Remember reading somewhere that it can take a long time because the let the orders stack up and do them as a group rather than one at a time. So they don't trash kits to get the parts.

As for the ethical question, yes it would be wrong to claim you have a damaged kit when it is not true. But you don't need to lie. All you need to do is order the parts and pay for them. Just like any other transaction as far as everybody involved is concerned. Okay you may be out of luck if the parts are OOP and you may have to wait a hell of a long time to get hold of them. What have you got to lose?

[rsxse240]

suggestion....

find someone on here that has one and "borrow" their wheels and resin cast them and make abunch of copies and you'll never want for another again.

[ImolaEK]

If your thinking of claiming broken parts to HLJ have some pictures ready, which you wont have. I don't know if HLJ will pull a favor for you but hey i have never tried it. Would be cool and very kind. What do they have to lose anyways, companies provide them with the parts that people claim to be "broken." I don't know about contacting Fujimi by yourself. Their site is a bit confusing...specially when you can't understand the language (I need to learn Japanese ) It would be cool if HLJ did do things like that. Phil is right, it would be more legit if you just place an order to them for those parts.

PEACE!

[blubaja]

Hey,

When I orderd parts form tamiya, I just bought them. Just try to explain to them you want them. Or you can make up how you bought the kit at your lhs and they are your last hope. You might have to pay. I don't know though, I've never recieved anythtng broken from them. Good luck.

Frank X.

[Vric]

They order part from the compagny. If the kit is very old and OOP, you will have no luck.

[willimo]

I would be glad to buy them. More than happy to buy them! Do you just go through the replacement parts channels, but explain that you want to purchase the parts?

[RallyRaider]

Actually now I think about it, do HLJ offer this service? I know Rainbow 10 do for Tamiya and Bandai. Can they get hold of Fujimi bits too?

[Vric]

Originally Posted by RallyRaider

Actually now I think about it, do HLJ offer this service? I know Rainbow 10 do for Tamiya and Bandai. Can they get hold of Fujimi bits too?

yes they did it for me with a Fujimi Altezza

if you want to buy part, ask for it, if you ask a replacement, they will be free.

But 4 Rims, well it's kinda strange to ask replacement for that

[hirofkd]

I don't think there's any ethical issue involved, as long as you pay.

Each company has its own policy of selling parts like Aoshima doesn't allow you to more than 1 item of the same parts, while Tamiya doesn't have such restriction.

Also, it takes some time (like 2 weeks), plus you're expected to pay for the domestic shipping, too. So, sometimes it's cheaper to buy a whole kit.

[cyclone1410]

[quote=willimo
2. This seems to me inherently unethical. I am essentially asking for replacement parts that were damaged or flawed in a kit that I bought, which I did not. Thoughts on this?

[/QUOTE]

You can source parts via the email address [email protected]. They will reply at some stage (usually 48 hours) informing you if they can get them along with cost details, etc. They usually get the parts from the manufacturer. I have received parts for Tamiya, Aoshima, Hasegawa, and Fujimi from HLJ with no problems. If HLJ can't get it from the manufacturer, then I doubt anybody else can.

Don't try the replacement part (as in replacing allegedly damaged parts) route as this is unethical and eventually ruins it for people making legitimate claims.

If you have no luck sourcing the parts via HLJ, then I guess the only alternative is to buy another kit from your LHS, ebay, or from someone on AF.

Good luck.