Jim,
First I really do want to say welcome to the list, it's good to have you.
Second, this is not the usual pace and topics of conversation around here,
but it is one that has been brewing awhile. One of the advantages about
this kind of list is when one person has repeatedly had a problem with
parts from a supplier, it can be found out if he is unlucky, or is it a part
of a pattern. I think that a pattern has been established, and people are
speaking out.
As to the country bashing, I think that some people are being over
sensitive, we all know that oriental workmanship can be as good as the stuff
being put out by our automakers. But the very reason these parts are being
made over there is that it is easier to find cheap labor that will skimp on
quality control. It's an economic issue comparing the quality of parts made
in technologically advanced nations, and emerging 3rd world nations.
Patton
BTW, Although I agreed with most everything in Frank's original post, I
disagree with Frank about Miata's. I don't want one, but everyone I know
who has one loves the car, and has had very little trouble over the years.
-----Original Message-----
From: jmccraw <mgman@ipa.net>
To: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Date: Thursday, July 02, 1998 7:08 PM
Subject: Inferior Parts
>-- [ From: jmccraw * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
>Gentlemen,
>I have only been on the Spridget list two days. I hope my observation of
>company/country bashing over the question of inferior auto parts doesnt
>continue. I am inclined to agree, in most repects. But , would rather see a
>more positive side to the hobby represented here. I used to work at British
>Leyland dealership in the late 70's. The same problems being mentioned here
>with poor parts quality at that time was also apparent in the Spridgets
that
>we all now love! Poor fit, alignment,rust etc was VERY evident even on the
>cars just arriving from the factory! I couldnt count the number of times I
>have seen a BRAND new Midget back in the shop for replacement of new UK
>parts also. Remember the autos we love were not expensive even when new and
>so were many of the original BL amd BMC parts. They tended to do many of
the
>same problems that are now being mentioned! I hope the list gets back onto
>the subject of how we can all help each other with problems and ideas for
>our cars. I am not bashing anyone, and do agree with what is generally said
>about the subject. Enough said, I wont comment further. Thanks for your
time
>Jim
>--
>Jim McCraw
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