He's had his business for sale for a few years now. It's more involved than simply handing Rodney a wad of cash. The relationships and trust with his suppliers and manufacturers has to be rebuilt with the new owner and sometimes suppliers simply do not want to deal with new people.
I actually hope his business does NOT sell to a large company. I've seen too many times where a big company buys a smaller one only to close down entirely a few years later. Then we lose EVERYTHING. Independent small businesses for the Fiero is probably a better way to go.
Rodney basically has three product lines. One is largely resale from suppliers (lots of people could buy and support this side), one is in house fabricated parts (this is where the buyer pool becomes very limited), and the 3rd are assemblies/kits that are a combination of both.
Last email I got (couple months ago) if he didn't find a buyer for it all, he was going to sell the resale portion of the business to Fiero Store and start subdividing the fabrication and assemblies/kits product lines.
[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 03-04-2023).]
Rodney basically has three product lines. One is largely resale from suppliers (lots of people could buy and support this side), one is in house fabricated parts (this is where the buyer pool becomes very limited), and the 3rd are assemblies/kits that are a combination of both.
Last email I got (couple months ago) if he didn't find a buyer for it all, he was going to sell the resale portion of the business to Fiero Store and start subdividing the fabrication and assemblies/kits product lines.
That's probably the best. I know he receives plenty of inquiries, but no one has pulled the trigger to go forward with it.
Honestly, I hope someone does or his products sticks around either through the Fiero Store or subdivded in some way. That would be the best scenario.
I hope I'm wrong about this assumption, but I honestly think that it's a dying business, because Fiero's are increasingly becoming rarer every year that passes and much fewer people getting into this vehicle hobby. It's not to say that business can still be viable, but just that it won't be growing.
, but I honestly think that it's a dying business, because Fiero's are increasingly becoming rarer every year that passes and much fewer people getting into this vehicle hobby..
IMO you are seriously wrong. The Fiero is an especially collectable/desirable collector car with timeless styling. It will live on forever. Take one to a local car show and see how many will people stop and admire it and talk about them. I'm seeing more and more parts no longer being available in the automotive aftermarket. This no doubt will continue. I have found a small parts supplier company for another make in Denver who is interested in taking over my product line and I'm going to go visit him soon. He has several employees. I would stay on as a consultant and be there as needed to make sure parts are being made right etc. I will continue to design and devlope new products. Our new house in Denver is not that far from this company.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
Rodney has made some great quality products for our Fieros and I applaud his ingenuity and his ability to design new products. He serves a niche market but I believe it will continue. If we disagree, we have to ask ourselves how has the 1957 Chevy parts market thrived for 65 years? Having said that, Rodney's business is more than that of a parts distributor. He is a capable machinist and makes many of the products that he sells. Whoever buys his business will need to possess the same skill set.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
My thread was to get attention that ANOTHER Fiero business is closing their doors.
Clearly, this divides two camps: “It will live on forever” OR “Rarer every year that passes”.
To me, BOTH are correct.
As a “Vintage-Nut” of stereos, motorcycles and cars; they will live on forever with fewer ‘true’ enthusiasts who spends on these hobbies, plus it’s harder each year to find high-quality parts for ‘discontinued’ items.
Originally posted by Rodney: IMO you are seriously wrong. The Fiero is an especially collectable/desirable collector car with timeless styling. It will live on forever. Take one to a local car show and see how many will people stop and admire it and talk about them. I'm seeing more and more parts no longer being available in the automotive aftermarket. This no doubt will continue. I have found a small parts supplier company for another make in Denver who is interested in taking over my product line and I'm going to go visit him soon. He has several employees. I would stay on as a consultant and be there as needed to make sure parts are being made right etc. I will continue to design and devlope new products. Our new house in Denver is not that far from this company.
I have found a small parts supplier company for another make in Denver who is interested in taking over my product line and I'm going to go visit him soon. He has several employees. I would stay on as a consultant and be there as needed to make sure parts are being made right etc. I will continue to design and devlope new products. Our new house in Denver is not that far from this company.
I hope this works out Rodney... this would be very cool. You'd be able to continue to design parts for our Fieros (something I know you enjoy doing), and you'd no longer have to deal with the management of the business.
I still have your spare tire cover from like almost 20 years ago, and it still looks fantastic. I was also thrilled to get the rubber radiator shroud replacement pieces. I don't see that on your website anymore, but I installed it 10 years ago, just before I put my Fiero into storage... haha... but I checked on the car like 2 years ago, and they were still perfect.
