Just a rant

700rpm said:
It is hard to understand why someone working on an historic vehicle worth 10-15 thousand dollars (or more) when finished balks at paying a little extra for a quality part. If you can't afford that new whizbang right now, wait, and save some money somewhere till you can, and do it right. In a year you won't miss the money, and you'll have the proper whatsit on your car. Buy quality, and buy it once.

But too often, we don't have an option for quality, but still need the part. So we rework or make do with what we have, or restore when we can. Even restoration can be problematic, as we all know, because certain things just aren't possible.

It is especially frustrating that we can't get properly nickle plated repro parts that are otherwise serviceable, such as radiator and gas caps, head- and taillights, oval headed screws, interior door and window hardware, and so on.
Click to expand...
Sure wish we had a 'LIKE' button.
 
Those who buy the lowest priced item may think they are doing it cheaper. In the words of an old Australian hit song, "It ain't necessarily so."
I'll explain what I mean by using an example. This really did happen to me.
In a discussion with a friend who was in support of buying Chinese, I told him of a pair of Australian made shoes I had bought a while ago for $120. I wore those shoes to work every day for more than a year. Let's say for simplicity, it was 60 weeks. That means they cost me $2 a week. When they wore out, the only shoes I could buy were Chinese or Indian. I bought a pair of Chinese shoes for $60. My friend said: "There you go, they are cheaper" I went on to say that those shoes had to be repaired at 4 weeks and were completely stuffed by 6 weeks. That means they cost me $10 a week. Since when has $10 a week been cheaper than $2 a week?
That was the end of that discussion.
 
I am of the opinion that many times Model A people just don't have the cash. They are the poorest of all the collector car groups. They will do anything to try to save money and quite often make decisions that lack common sense. The problem is every time they have a stupid idea they have 100 people to support them. So is it a Chinese problem, hell no. The problem is the lack of common sense displayed by th Model A guy and then he looks for someone else to blame. If you dont agree, read it again. Wayne
 
Fortunately there are many NOS, NORS and well made used parts available from a host of sources. Sure, sometimes you have to scrounge for them or be patient until they become available. Avoid buying new parts which have a reputation for being junk and go forward from there. We all know what they are, like ammeters and light switches. Just read the posts in this forum and you will know what the new inferior parts are.
 
Last edited:
I have had various classics over the years. WE ARE DAMN LUCKY TO HAVE THE SUPPLY CHAIN WE HAVE!

Try owning a 1930 Dodge or Chevy or a Studebacker and need parts!!!!!!!

I have had excellent repop parts and others not so good. But that was no different with the OEM products at time of production. Look at all the changes during just a few years of production!

Enjoy the ride!
 
barkleydave said:
I have had various classics over the years. WE ARE DAMN LUCKY TO HAVE THE SUPPLY CHAIN WE HAVE!

Try owning a 1930 Dodge or Chevy or a Studebacker and need parts!!!!!!!

I have had excellent repop parts and others not so good. But that was no different with the OEM products at time of production. Look at all the changes during just a few years of production!

Enjoy the ride!
Click to expand...

Even worse try owning a 1923 Cardway where it was one of 6 cardways ever built and the only right hand drive. No repop parts or used available. If you need it you have it made usually. I agree with you as to how fortunate we are but still the complainers are th loud voices every day. I say if it's that bad, sell the damn car and collect beach stones. Wayne
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
Guys, I can tell you that I have discussed this very problem with my suppliers on numerous occasion, and they tell me over and over that when they offer two levels of quality on the same type item, the cheaper (i.e.: inferior) one outsells the better quality one by huge margins. I have said this over and over how the typical Model-A hobbyist generally does more harm for the hobby than good. More times than not, a typical hobbyist will remove a worn item that could be repaired/restored only to replace it with the cheapest replacement item available. If folks would start restoring/repairing instead of replacing, think about how the quality level of the cars would improve.
Click to expand...

Hear hear!
Add to that they can sell only what is available.
 
Larry has performed a lot of work on Sarah during the past winters. Things that needed done, the parts I would acquire during the summer and have most of the parts ready for winter work. A few times I bought crap crap parts that only a seasoned Model A mechanic would know and he replaced the parts with better and proper parts before using what I bought. I've never claimed I was a mechanic nor will I ever. People like me have to rely on people who do know what's crap is and what's not. I've always acquired the best when I know it's the best, it saves time, money and frustration later on and old age patience with service, parts and just about anything in life today is a commodity old farts don't have much of anymore. Driving down the road in an 85 year old car knowing it's being held together with proper parts and maintenance care is a confidence that is priceless. ;)

Old Fart
 
Per No. 43 ....... Wow ........ Old Parts and Old Farts ..... what a lovely poetic combination happily traveling harmoniously together in an Old Car ....... seems the good life is always what we make it to be.

Thanks.
 
California Travieso said:
Brent,

I don't care if cheap products out-sell more expensive well-made products. Just want the supplie(r)s to offer a choice so the buyer can make their own decision.

David Serrano
Click to expand...


Unfortunately David, maybe therein lies the real problem. It would appear YOU, -like many of us, are wanting someone to cater to (y)our desires, --and not necessarily what the business owner who has actually put up the money wants his product to be.

Many people do not realize the expense and/or the capitol it takes to offer any type of reproduction part. It is easy for us to tell someone else what we expect. It takes much larger 'testicles' to put up the money to make it happen. Often times, there is hardly a market for a cheap widget, and even less of a market when there are two different manufacturers of the same type widget. Often times the ROI is marginally there for a cheaply made item, and a money-losing proposition to make it aesthetically correct. Using the 30-31 front fenders as a great example. Would I like to see better quality reproduction 30-31 front fenders made available? Sure, me and countless other would however none of us are in a financial position to make that happen. Am I grateful that Bob is at least making something available? Absolutely!! He knows his product is lacking in quality, but the feasibility of retooling to make a better quality fender is not there for him. This same scenario can be found throughout the Model-A reproduction parts world. Just be thankful the suppliers can offer you something.
 
Not often I agree with Brent, but in this instance he has nailed the situation. In the hot rod business, more and more companies are using 3D printing to create complex parts to check fit and set up tooling. I doubt if there is one in ten 'barners that would pay the tab to use 3D printing to make exact parts. If that were so, Model A's would start selling at prices usually reserved for muscle cars!
 
H. L. Chauvin said:
Per No. 43 ....... Wow ........ Old Parts and Old Farts ..... what a lovely poetic combination happily traveling harmoniously together in an Old Car ....... seems the good life is always what we make it to be.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Still wish we had a 'LIKE' button. And thank you!
 
H. L. Chauvin said:
Per No. 43 ....... Wow ........ Old Parts and Old Farts ..... what a lovely poetic combination happily traveling harmoniously together in an Old Car ....... seems the good life is always what we make it to be.

Thanks.
Click to expand...


Ironic sometimes in life is when you think of something mechanical and old being held together with nuts and bolts when we ourself, who is also old, is being held together with nuts and bolts..........keeping your fingers crossed everyday on both concerns.:D A 'devil may care' attitude in these cases is also....priceless!!! ;)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top