KF Parts in 1976--cheap by today's prices

I have been sorting some old files here lately and one item I ran across is a listing of parts and prices from Buchinger's Kaiser-Frazer Parts dated 1976.

There are some interesting prices for sure! Here are a few examples.

100154 vent shades for 51-55 Kaiser 4 door $14.50 for the set

207844 outside door handles 51-55 Kaiser $7.50

214411 full disc wheel cover 51-54 Henry J, Darrin $6.50

216221 heater control valve 51-54 Kaiser $14.75

202297 drive shaft support insulator 47-50 Kaiser, 47-51 Frazer $0.45

213734 r tail light lens 52-54 Henry J $6.25

213735 l tail light lens 52-54 Henry J $6.25

208469 master cylinder 51-55 Kaiser $14.50

If you had been into KF at the time would you have stocked up on any items? I joined the club in 1981 and I recall buying parts at the first National I attended in Pigeon Forge, TN. Some of these I needed at the time but many just looked like items that would for sure be needed some time in the future. I bought some overdrive electrical components for next to nothing that came in handy and I likely have a few things left even today that I have yet to need. I remember finding a whole unopened box of the 202297 drive shaft insulators listed above at a swap meet in Decatur TX (I paid $5 for the full box.) before the St Louis National. I kept a few for my use and took the rest with me to sell at my vending space. John Parker I think was selling these at the time for around $2.00 each and a car requires 4. I priced them at $0.50 each and really hawked them. Most people did not even know what they were. Some bought a spare set after I explained the use. John came by and saw them and told me he would buy any I had left over and I ended up selling him quite a few at the end of the day.

Another comment about the Buchinger's list is the order blank stated not to send remittance with order and that a bill would be issued for parts and shipping after the order is sent out! How many vendors follow this practice today?

Really big Kaiser...

I have been sorting out my advertising collection. I ran across what may be the largest Kaiser ever built. As far as I know this was a one-off item. The idea was to pack more passengers into the box so-to-speak and of course sell some magnesium and aluminum as well.

Here is the text of the ad (published in MOTOR magazine, date unknown, on page 129):

This 60-foot super-deluxe articulated bus was built at the California magnesium plant of the Kaiser-directed Permanente Metals Corporation. Rolling on Timken Bearings in the wheels, steering pivot, steering gear, steering arm, differential and pinion--22 in all--this marvel of the highways was built especially for Santa Fe Trailways. This manufacturer, like other leaders in the automotive industry, knows the importance of adequate bearing protection. Be sure to look for the trade-mark "TIMKEN" on every bearing you use.