Core Charge and Exchange Explained:
If you are new to the world of classic car restoration, one of the many things you are bound to learn about are core charges and core exchange policies. For those of us who have been working on restoring classic cars, a core charge and exchange is part of the reality when purchasing OEM parts that are reconditioned, rebuilt to factory specifications, and ready to be put back into service on your vehicle.
Important: A core is simply the old part you are replacing with a new one. Cores are used to remanufacture new parts. Many parts like starters, steering boxes, carburetors, water pumps, transmissions and more are rebuilt from cores— it’s like gearhead recycling. That’s why it is important to return your old part when you get your new, remanufactured one.
Core Exchange Refund Policy
We will refund the core charge when you return a rebuildable part or core that is comparable to the new part. You get your money back and help ensure that a new part can be made for a fellow enthusiast.
The Fine Print
Core returns must be returned within 30 days of the date your new part was received. FREIGHT MUST BE PREPAID! Cores sent C.O.D. will be refused. Upon receiving core returns, So. Cal. Imports will thoroughly inspect all components to determine if they can be rebuilt. Credit cannot be given for non-rebuildable cores. Please package all cores securely and print “CORE RETURN” clearly on the outside of the box. You must drain all gear oil from transaxles before shipping to avoid spills and to reduce shipping weight. Always include a copy of your invoice from your original parts order.
• Shipping charges for returning a core are not refundable
• Damaged or unusable cores will not be accepted, and the core charge will not be refunded
• Only cores is found acceptable for rebuilding, we will refund the core charge as a credit to your account via the original payment method. Core return shipping charges are not refundable.
Cores are used OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts that are required as the foundation to be refurbished to provide good quality parts that are out of production and new parts are not available. Since there is a finite amount of OEM parts that were produced, as time marches on good quality cores become scarce and harder to find as people use them up over time to build their cars. The scarcity of vintage car parts not only drives up the value of the core that was reconditioned to build the fresh parts that we offer at So. Cal. Imports, but it also drives the price up on the serviceable parts waiting to be rebuilt!
The good news is that even though quality cores are harder to find they are still out there and they have value. Before you throw any old parts into the dumpster, do yourself a favor and check to see if those old parts have a core charge. If you have some old parts just taking up space they could be worth good money! Be aware that not all cores are serviceable due to damage and/or excessive wear. To determine the viability of a core, it will have to be inspected by a professional.
Too often, we have a customer tell us that they didn’t think keeping the parts was worth it, or that it was too much of a hassle to turn in their cores, and they just chose to throw them away. The problem with this thinking is that, again, VW isn’t making new parts for our beloved old cars, and you can count on it that there is a member of the air-cooled VW community who is searching high and low for the parts that someone just threw in the dumpster. So, it’s not just about making a little money for something you need, more so it’s about helping out the people that share your passion and enthusiasm for classic VWs. Perhaps you remember that time when someone had a hard to get part you so desperately needed once upon a time, and how happy you were to have finally found it…? If we’re to keep our classic VW enthusiast culture alive and strong we’re going to have to turn in our cores so they can stay in service for the future.
To keep our classic VWs running strong now and in the future, chances are that a part will be needed requiring a core charge or exchange at some point. So, let’s not throw any parts away that someone could use for their car.
Please return cores to;
So. Cal. Imports
6831 Paramount Blvd.
Long Beach, CA. 90805
Att: Returns Department
So. Cal. Imports wants your old cores!
Whether you work on cars for a living or just enjoy the hobby, or maybe some combination of both, chances are very good that you may have some extra parts hanging around your garage doing nothing but collecting dust. Sound familiar? Well, here’s one of those rare opportunities to turn those dust collecting doorstops into something we all could use a little more of – cash!
So. Cal. Imports is currently looking for the following cores:
• VW 12 Volt Manual Transmission
• VW Ball Joint Trailing Arms
Not all cores have equal value, the price offered will depend on the specific model and condition of your core.
To find out more about exchanging your core for cash please call 1-562-633-4979 or email us at: sales@socalautoparts.com
