I just had an expensive new Robbins top installed on my '72 TR6 and (oh,
so casually) decided to replace the original "chrome" windshield cap with a
new one, since the old one was quite badly scratched around the keyholes.
What I got was an aftermarket windshield cap from Moss, but with a slight
difference. The leading edge of the new cap does not curl down (slightly)
like the original, and does not present a truly clean line across the top.
There seems to be a slight warp (caused by the stamping process?) over the
driver's side, as well as a few other tiny finish anomalies along the edge.
It's slight---but there's not a lot of room for funny stuff with a straight
edge showing!
I thought I could have the scratches on the original buffed out
professionally. But nope. . . . The cap is anodized aluminum and would
have to be completely stripped and refinished for around $250. Well. .
.I've tentatively decided to put it back on the car with the scratches, and
just let it be, since overall it seems to be a better part than the
aftermarket one (that tiny front lip was apparently designed for a
reason).
My question: Is there only one aftermarket cap available? Has anyone else
noticed this edge problem? As a neophyte, I'm beginning to see that new
parts are not all they should be (do I hear people laughing out there?).
Okay, but why can't the giant Moss insist on correctly designed and built
parts from its suppliers? Or is there any place more dependable? It seems
like every other time I order something, I get inferior quality, the wrong
part, or the wrong finish on the part, or whatever. Will this situation
improve?
--Phil Haldeman
|