Hello all,
I had my parts-buying epiphany a number of years ago when I bought the
cheapest replacement alternator I could find ("Rebuilt in Thailand"),
because I
just HAD to save that last $1.73. That horrible piece of junk broke
within
six weeks, causing me to, of course, go out and spend more money buying a
quality replacement ('cause I certainly wasn't going to exchange it for
another
one of the same!).
What that experience finally made me realize about "cheap" parts was, that
cheap parts are not really cheap. That buying them virtually guarantees
at
least one of the following will happen:
1. it won't fit properly,
2. it won't function properly,
3. it will break prematurely.
Nowadays, whilst shopping for parts, I invariably ask the salesperson for
the
highest quality part available. The problem that then arises, though, is
that
the salesperson EITHER doesn't really know anything about the quality level
of the part in question, OR, just wants to sell me the part that he happens
to
stock, regardless. What's a body to do????
Doug Lyon
Claremont, CA
'59 BN7
----- Original Message -----
Gary,
I quite agree with what the Moss fellow said about most Healey owners being
"cheap". I know it's a terribly generalized statement, which in itself can
be dangerous especially on a list like this where all "levels" of enthusiast
resides.
However, I've seen and experienced all too often where I'll try to find and
lead the person to the "right" part, not because they asked, but because I
happen to know they'll be needing it (stupid me), only to have them turn up
their nose at it figuring they'll somehow find it cheaper somewhere else,
even if it's made of unobtanium!
Or the owner will be told where to find the best or the correct part, but
they'll ignore the advise only to try to find it cheaper from a source whose
part I know and tell them is inferior. They'll save a dime at the outset,
only to struggle with the inferior part and regret it later.
A learning curve in what is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby? I suppose so,
but if the vendor can sell the junk all day long to the ignorant, how can we
expect the vendor or the manufacturer to invest money to tool up something
that's proper and correct?
Rich Chrysler
**************Need a job? Find an employment agency near you.
(http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=employment_agencies&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000003)
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