Well, from a supplier's perspective, there are some BIG problems with offering
online parts sales (especially for mass produced classic sports cars). And for
the purpose of giving my views on this, I'll stick to the majority of the cars
handled on the Team.Net lists (MGs, TRs, Healeys, etc).
a) Most of these cars are 20+ years old. They've had numerous owners (and
lots of owners who thought they were mechanically inclined), have visited
numerous "repair" shops, have made it through the late 1980s when quickie
restorations were popular... A leads to B.
b) Numerous bodges! MGB distributors in TR3s... early MGB motors in later
MGBs and vice versa, Ford rear end conversions, unknown wiring "upgrades", TR4As
with a TR6 chassis, MGBs with Marina motors, Nissan pick-up motors in Midgets...
and endless other permutations.
c) Lack of knowledge. This is particularly a big problem with LBCs produced
after 1968 (note the date!). These were bargain sports cars when they were
produced, and are now bargain classic sports cars. There are many enthusiasts
out there, but there are also a lot of idiots who own these cars also who have
no idea what their engine number is or where to find it.
d) Cheapness. A by-product of everything already listed. Many LBC owners
are incredibly cheap... see B.
I hear the MGA and Healey owners scoffing at me right now. Stop, you're not the
problem. It is the 1970+ MGB, Midget, Spitfire owners and cars that create much
of the problem. It is unfortunate that the MGB, Midget, and Spitfire were
produced in such large quantities that they have created this problem.
Combine A, B, C, D above with ill-informed overnight internet parts suppliers
(there are more than a few), and one or both of the parties are sure to have a
problem.
Now that I've offended everyone, I'll note this has been my experience as an
employee of two British sports car businesses (the first mostly based on parts,
the later consisted mostly of repair/restoration). These are also my views as
an owner. I retain the aforementioned parts supplier as a client now, and have
discouraged strongly a move towards "automated" internet commerce; knowing the
problems that exist with simple phone orders.
Happy Holidays,
KMR
--
Kai M. Radicke -- kai@radiohead.net
1974 Triumph TR-6 Supercharged
http://www.pil.net/~felix/supercharger/
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