Parts Suppliers Rant

[dsags]

Is it just me or are the reproduction parts suppliers becoming just like the local parts places - application engineers. You know, what's the application ? At the repro houses it seems that every part is an exact reproduction. Catalogs list all the required parts. Some even have pictures. The attached picture shows the reason for my rant. Internet lists item as trunk light for 1965 Skylark. The repro trunk light is the one on the left  an original is on the right. Couldn't believe they would list this honkin' monster as a Skylark trunk light. Called the parts house and explained that this was not even close to correct and they said OK send it back we'll give you a refund.  What about shipping ? Nope.  Can not begin to calculate how much I have spent in shipping charges for returned parts in my restoration. 

OK, done with my rant. Thanks for bearing with it.

Dan

[dl7265]

Dan,
I think what they do is, have the bean counters say.  Okay, we can sell 800 of these Buick widg its. So we have to sell them at $12. Make it it close as possible for .98C each for a good profit margin. Even if it does not fit. When we the consumers would be wiling to spend $17 if they would take a little extra time to make it correct.
Anytime I can restore an original part I do.  To add insult to injury, when some of our smaller vendors Classic car interiors, Mike G try to develop a correct part, someone like TPP swoops in and undercuts them making a crappy part. Now they don't have a prayer to re coop what it cost for a mold, ect..  And we are stuck with junk as an option.

We all feel your frustrations,
DL 

[Loren At 65GS]

I see this as one of the big reasons for many incorrect parts being used on a restoration.
 Too many folks are willing to accept something that is close,may fit or just plain "does the job". I've seen way too many examples of it.

As many of us know, a proper restoration requires as much time in research as well as the actual physical work.

 I have been frustrated more then once with those that insist something is correct on a car, when it is so obviously not.

Steping down from the soap box now and offer my apologies for the rant,
Loren

[WkillGS]

Unfortunately, in the automotive industry, 'Reproduction parts' aren't necessarily 'Reproductions'.
One supplier that stands out is Ames Performance. Their catalog descriptions often give a short review of the part as to whether it's a quality, correct reproduction, or just a replacement part that fits and functions. They offer parts for Pontiacs, many of which are correct for our Buicks.

[dsags]

Loren,

No apologies needed. Must say that this particular part really ticked me off. Some parts are passable and are good for driver cars. They function. But this POS ? They ought to be embarrassed but they weren't. That being said it must be time for me to lighten up.

Ames is a class place. Good parts and truthful descriptions. 

Dan