[Coppertop]

Me thinks it's time to vent a little frustration...sorry...and I don't mean for this to turn political...

More than just a repo parts rant by yours truly....

Does anyone else feel not so safe or "iffy" on some of the reproduction/replacement parts used on your Chevellle? Here's a good example, I opted to keep my original gas tank when I dropped it to replace the fuel sending unit. I'm a big proponent of keeping as much as the original stuff as I can? Why, the new stuff, is well, just garbage. Not just reproduction stuff, but it seems like manufacturers only go thru the "motions" and don't really give a damn if stuff meets specs or even fits or works right. And the fact the economy has taken a crap doesn't help a whole lot either.

Case examples...got the new gas tank straps for my '70. They seem to be only half the thickness of the originals. I'm really tempted to try to re-use my rusty and nasty originals. The only reason I'm hesitant is because during removal I think I weakend the ends that fold around the trunk supports by the rear bumper (I really tweaked the **** out of 'em trying to get them out). I can wiggle the repro's and they flex and swing. The old ones don't.

Seems to me something like gas tank hardware shouldn't be skimped on, it's only holding a heavy tank of flammable liquid.

I'm also curious how well make the bolts for the other end are? You know the long ones that pull the straps up by the differential... Who knows, maybe those were made in China with crap metal by workers making $.25 a day...

I guess what I'm getting at is I don't know what to do...re-use the originals and risk snapping heads of bolts or living on borrowed time with rusted out crap, or cross my fingers with foreign made crap or made in the USA crap by companies that are on the verge of going under...

I don't know jack about a grade 5 bolt vs. a grade 8 bolt, but I feel whole helluva safer with stuff made in the USA during the Nixon era then anything made anywhere today.

I have a lot of respect for those of you that only use original / NOS parts, but my time and wallet doesn't allow that.

My rant goes beyond fit and function, but how well it's gonna hold when on the road. Seems like everything is crap today from new cars to toasters. So what's the answer?

 

[grandsport]

Yes Joe,I do feel the same as you. I'm one of the people who don't care spending the extra buck to get something good.Maybe that's why I'm not rich.I live in a small town and I still try to buy as much as I can from the people I know and trust and who stand behind what they sell.I guess in Garys world,there would be 2 kinds of vendors.The quickies and the qualities,and I'll pay for quality any day over price.:yes:

 

[jpete]

I work in manufacturing so I look at how things are made and I have to agree. Things are made to be as light as possible and as easy to assemble as possible.

But easy assembly doesn't guarantee easy removal. There's no thought on something like a car as to maintainence.

One thing I laugh at with manufacturers is bragging about "ISO" certifications(9000/9001, etc)

Those are certifications for processes and making sure you do the same thing all the time. You could make junk 24/7, as long as you did it the same way, you can be "ISO certified"

 

[Pman44]

Wow Joe. I just finished putting my gas tank up with repro straps and hardware kit. I agree, the straps are nice and new, but not as thick as the originals. I was careful not to torque them too much. You're right Jeff, ISO is just a word. ISO is just about documentation and consistancy, not quality of products.

 

[twotone64]

Grade 5 is plenty strong enough because what u are using the bolt for is tensil strength. Grade 5 bolts were contained in d-ring hold downs that I got at a trailer manufacturing company when I added some to my flat bed trailer. They are rated at 5,000lb tension.

grade 2 bolts= 74,000psi tensil strength
grade 5 bolts = 133,000 psi
grade 8 bolts = 160,000 psi

Not saying I am totally arguing with you on the quality of parts, but specifically the strength of the two parts you are concerned with supporting a 20 gallon/140lb tank+fuel.

Think of how strong a piece of 1/8" steel cable can hold 1/16" can support 480 lbs and 1/8" can support @2000lbs. Heck even a 1/2" wide 12" long .02" thick stainless steel caple ties can hold 250lbs

 

[Finally]

...Those are certifications for processes and making sure you do the same thing all the time. You could make junk 24/7, as long as you did it the same way, you can be "ISO certified"

The plant I work at is ISO certified and I agree. If you design junk ISO helps you make sure you always produce junk and don't accidently turn out something good, if you do then you're not following the process.

 

[WillW23]

I think most repro replacement parts are junk. Why do you think people pay silly prices for NOS parts on E-Bay for? Anytime you can get genuine Made in America parts, you are mush better off, in the long run.

 

[Rizzi427]

This is what we are all talking about here ,trying to locate top quality parts made right NO GAMES /NO MADE BUY WITH NO DOCUMENTATION /SAFETY/ THE MEMBERS OF THIS FORUM DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON OUT THERE. BOB RIZZI

 

[Shane 69 Hugger]

Why not post a picture of your original parts?

We could tell you if we would reuse them...

Perhaps a sanblast and repaint, powdercoat...if you cant do that there are people here that would be glad to help...:yes:

 

[cv67]

ive only come across a questionable grill and dash pad issues, everything else Ive bought repop has been pretty decent including the price. Were lucky we got em available or this hobby would be way to expensive. Im from the camp of not caring if its NOS or not, the car will drive the same . :beers:

 

[Shane 69 Hugger]

ive only come across a questionable grill and dash pad issues, everything else Ive bought repop has been pretty decent including the price. Were lucky we got em available or this hobby would be way to expensive. Im from the camp of not caring if its NOS or not, the car will drive the same . :beers:

LOL keep putting those advanced auto tie rods in...

 

[novaderrik]

i only clicked on this thread because i thought someone was going to rant becasue their car got repossessed or something, only to find out it was about ill fitting imported repRoduction car parts.