[Spridgets] Fel-Pro gaskets

[Bud Osbourne]

According to the Fel-Pro website, they are owned by Federal Mogul.  I 
contacted my local NAPA store, and ordered 3 of them (one for the one I'm 
currently driving and two for the ones "in the works").  At first, they were 
going to UPS them in from Charleston, WV, Chicago, and Reno, Nevada.  Then, 
the guy said "let me check something else here".  After a few moments on 
hold, he came back and said he can order three to be shipped directly from 
the factory and they'll be here by this coming Friday.  I'm anxious to see 
if they're the "real deal" or not.
I've purchased a couple of sets for my 356, and there are WAY, WAY fewer 
356s running around out there than there are Spridgets & Mini's.  My point 
is that, if they were willing to produce them for the 356 (at the request of 
356 racer Vic Skirmants), there is good reason to think they would be 
willing to produce them for the A series engines.
We'll see.
Thanks.
Bud
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Caldwell" <peter at nosimport.com>
To: "Bud Osbourne" <abcoz at hky.com>; "'Spridget Chat Group'" 
<spridgets at autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 9:58 AM
Subject: Re: [Spridgets] Fel-Pro gaskets


> Bud,
>         I had an opportunity to tour Fel-Pro's factory a number of years 
> ago. They were soliciting advise from imported car parts store owners as 
> to product needs, etc. At the time, they had no import product (and 
> imports were only 18% of the market) Anyway, their 750,000 sq. ft. factory 
> was impressive. They started making a few items, and filling out their 
> sets with product from other sources. Since then, they have joined with 
> Victor Reinz, and Elring, and probably Payen as Payen has been eaten up by 
> AE and/or Federal Mogul and who knows by now. Probably Walmart;-)
>
>         I guess what I'm saying is, there are probably 2 people making A 
> series valve cover gaskets.... at most. I doubt one of them is Fel-Pro in 
> Skokie IL.
>
>         Peter C.