Boot Mould Shortage Threatens Aussie Car Restoration Projects

The Boot Mould Shortage of 2023

For car enthusiasts around the world, 2023 has brought an unexpected crisis: a shortage of boot moulds. Boot moulds, the reinforced plastic panels that line the boot area in many vehicles, have been out of stock for months across major retailers and parts suppliers.

What Caused the Boot Mould Shortage?

Industry experts cite several key factors that have contributed to the lack of available boot moulds:

• Global supply chain issues - Shipping delays and port congestion have impacted the import of materials and parts from overseas manufacturers
• Increased demand - With more people working on restoration projects during the pandemic, demand rose sharply
• Manufacturing delays - COVID outbreaks and labor shortages have caused production delays at major boot mould factories

Which Vehicles Are Most Impacted?

The boot mould shortage is most severely impacting owners and builders of classic Aussie muscle cars and fan favorites, including:

• Holden Commodores
• Ford Falcons
• Chrysler Valiants
• Holden Monaros
• Ford Mustangs
• Holden Toranas

Late model vehicles like the Holden Commodore VL and Calais have been especially hard hit. These cars represent the peak of rear wheel drive V8 performance in Australia and have always enjoyed an enthusiastic owner base.

Boot Mould Shortage Threatens Ongoing Projects

With no clear resolution in sight, the boot mould shortage threatens to derail thousands of car builds and restorations currently underway. For owners who have invested significant money and labor re-doing engines, drivetrains and interiors, the lack of available boot moulds could force their projects onto lengthy holds or result in substandard finished products.

DIY and Reuse Solutions

Faced with exorbitant prices from opportunistic resellers, many enthusiasts have gotten creative, utilizing DIY and reuse strategies like:

• Constructing custom boot floor panels from wood, plastic or sheet metal
• Fabricating temporary moulds from fibreglass
• Purchasing damaged vehicles purely for viable boot moulds
• Cleaning and reinstalling original moulds in restorations

While these solutions may work as short-term fixes, most require additional modification for ideal long-term fit and finish.

The Future for Boot Mould Availability

With factories slowly resuming capacity and shipping channels becoming less congested, the boot mould shortage may ease somewhat by mid-2024. However additional COVID waves or supply chain disruptions could prolong the crisis well into the future.

For dedicated Aussie car enthusiasts, obtaining that perfectly fitted new boot mould will likely remain a challenge for years to come. But with some Kiwi ingenuity and good old fashioned stubbornness, most restoration projects will endure and keep the Aussie car culture alive.

FAQs

Why has there been a shortage of boot moulds?

The boot mould shortage has been caused by global supply chain issues, increased demand from restoration projects, and manufacturing delays arising from COVID-19 impacts.

Which Aussie cars have been most impacted?

Classic Aussie Holdens like the Commodore VL and Calais have been especially hard hit. Ford Falcons, Chrysler Valiants, Holden Monaros, Ford Mustangs and Holden Toranas have also been impacted.

How long will the boot mould shortage last?

While industry experts expect some easing by mid-2024, additional disruptions could prolong shortages well into the future.

What temporary fixes are car enthusiasts using?

DIY solutions include constructing custom panels, fabricating fibreglass moulds, repurposing moulds from damaged vehicles, and reinstalling original parts during restorations.