After receiving various aftermarket parts from the vendors that supply them for these AD trucks and returning them for fitment issues, I have come to the conclusion that many of these "aftermarket" parts are inferior made at best. Issues such as loose fitting mechanisms, thinner than original gauge metal, short cut fiberboard items and items made from non-OEM specified materials have created quite a few headaches. I understand that trimming and adjusting are issues we all must face with restoration projects, but a "board stretcher" (joking) and rebuilding "new" reproduction parts should not be in the mix. I have done quite a few restoration projects in my years, but have not run into as many problems with parts as I have had with these reproduction AD truck parts. If we as members of Stovebolt don't bring these issues to the attention of these parts vendors, then all we do is complain about this among ourselves. So far I have had good luck with Jim Carter and Bowtie Bits concerning parts problems with verification of the problem by the vendor, and attempts to replace the defective part. I think the real problem is that many of these reproduction parts are not made in the GOOD OL" USA! Off shore supply of parts made in China, Taiwan, Korea, etc. just don't measure up to the original parts specified by GM. I'm sure GM had engineering drawings and material specifications for each and every part produced for these trucks, but through the years these engineered specs and drawings were either destroyed or lost. As Forrest Gump said..."That's ALL I've got to say about that."
Tim
