The problem is really one of poor after market parts or none. If someone tools
up to make something for an old car and doesn't get it right but is still the
only source, what dod you do?
Do you say no, I won't sell this part? If you do, why should anyone else tool
up to make the part? You might decide that you don't like their part either.
TRF has sometimes sold an available but substandard part until they can tool up
or find someone who makes it better..
Philip Haldeman wrote:
> 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
--
George Richardson
The Wyvern - '57 TR3, TS15559L - http://www.merlingroupinc.com/tr3.htm
The Hippogrif - '71 Stag MKI, LE8176E - soon to get a site of it's own
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