[Healeys] Getting decent quality parts

[WLLDBL at aol.com]

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


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