[Healeys] Getting decent quality parts

[Ray Carbone]

I may be late to this thread but have never associated "CHEAP" with parts from Moss or most other US-based suppliers.  Cost is something that is, in my experience, not a dependable Quality British Part Indicator.  I reject the idea that Healey owners are either Cheap or looking for commodity pricing and, in my experience, Moss has never been inexpensive or provided consistent quality products in response to orders from my friends or me.  If I need a quality part I go to someone like Dave Nock who will quality-check the item before sending them out.

 

Let's face it, Moss, VB, and other suppliers are in business to generate a profit.  Remember, the difference between a hobby and work is, if you have to do it..its work.  Although I, and many, consider their Healeys a hobby, it has always been obvious to me that our main parts suppliers consider these as profit opportunities.  Don't get me wrong, I want Moss and others to make a profit, however, I would have greater appreciation if I could trust the quality of part received.

 

Over the past 45 years (in April) I have owned my Healey, I have looked to purchase good quality parts and paid for them even when they were not supplied.  I have gone to primary, secondary, and independent vendors with similar results.  When restoring my BJ8 in '90, for quality, I bought all my rubber parts from Moss and, in many (but on all) cases, after a few years the 30-year old replaced parts were in better shape than the newer units.  To make things worse, the original parts were exposed to the weather for many years and the new parts were garage-protected.

 

Lets face it, PRICE IS Important.  I believe we are paying the price but question the value received.  I know of many that have gone to vendors in other countries in hops of getting quality.  In no example I know of was price the driving factor but in many instances the price, with shipping, was comparable or better than what was available in the US.

 

 

Ray Carbone 64 BJ8 (original owner)