Reproduction problems

Gentlemen, as long as you keep buying the reproduction "junk" the vendors will keep selling it. In one week from now, the greatest antique auto flea market on earth begins and there will be literally hundreds of thousands of NOS parts readily available for your old Fords. If you can't make it, surely you know someone who will be going that can pick up parts for you. My involvement in the hobby predates reproduction so I was fortunate enough to locate the NOS stuff years ago and although the supply has certainly shrunk, there is still tons out there. Personally since 1969, I have restored three Model Ts, two Model As, a dozen Mustangs, three Thunderbirds, four old pickups, and a few early V8s and I'd bet that I have not spent more than $1000.00 total on repop parts. Yes, I know it's a lot easier to pick up your cell phone and give a credit card number, but remember... you get what you pay for and the frustration is just part of the deal. See Y'all at Hershey next week, and Charlotte in the spring. Cheers : Bruce
 
After decades in the hobby, I agree that the quality of parts is going lower. Most producers of these parts have little or no understanding of what they are making overseas. They receive sketches, and interpret them to fit their ability. Outside of Drake and Carpenter, there are very few vendors who actually make their wares. Due to the dwindling stock of NOS items, we have little recourse. As the old car hobby shrinks, it isn't likely to change. We are probably lucky ANY parts are available for our ancient vehicles. As the operator of a longtime shop, let me say that the quality of modern parts is no picnic!
Drake no longer makes anything. It is all outsourced.
 
Is the source that is available better than nothing? I think so------ but the "hobby" is dictating for original quality and with standards far above what rolled off the assembly line. Is this than a hobby or what?
 
Is the source that is available better than nothing? I think so------ but the "hobby" is dictating for original quality and with standards far above what rolled off the assembly line. Is this than a hobby or what?
I have stated this numerous times: I never attempt to dictate what a company should or should not produce. However, all companies SHOULD be honest.
Advertising "exactly as original" and "perfect fit", etc. when they KNOW it is NOT as original and won't fit w/o modification is paramount to criminal.
If you and others decide "something" is better than nothing and are okay with being lied to, well, good for you.
Me? I'd like the truth upfront and only then will I decide if something is better than nothing.

That line of crap "We've never had a problem with that before" has been so overused, it has become laughable. Perhaps ol' Bob should at the very least come up with a new line of crap that his employees are taught to feed those that complain.
Or, perhaps an even more radical idea??? Be upfront and truthful. What a concept!
 
Hasn't the time arrived to stop complaining and actually do something? How about a trade embargo on all the disreputable parts suppliers?

Nothing will happen overnight or even next week but with determination IT WILL WORK !

Well, who's up for it then? Me for one !
 
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