Jon, the issue you have is not about a bad vendor. The vendor said they would take it back if it was unmodified. If a person modifies, disassembles, paints or otherwise change the part, no vendor will take it back. That's all there is to it. As has been said, there are many stories of many parts that seem to be "bad". These vendors don't make the part. Most times, with limited demand, there is only one supplier for the vendor (middle man). These suppliers have only one maker, China/off shore country. They can't send a part back for refund to the middle man if it is modified. If it is not modified and meets whatever other rules they have, they will take it back. Chances are the next one on the shelf is OK. All of our vendors have had unusable parts sent to us. Not that many, but a few. We either tweak them or send them back. The big, long time, Chevy Truck Parts only, vendors are good about returns. Stick with those, read the policy.
I know how you feel, but it was you who painted it. We have all bought things over our lifetime, American made or otherwise, that turned out to be less than desired. As far as restoration parts, it's part of the gig. The Truck Shop is not your enemy. They are not our enemy. You are mad right now. You should probably not guess that they would repaint it and sell it again. That would be ridiculous. Trust me, we ALL have had this happen. Take some blame or call it bad luck and move on.
There are many times when it's the user, the truck has been modified or improperly repaired after a 30 year ago collision or a mistake in ordering. The vendors are forced to take back parts when there is nothing wrong except "it won't fit" supposedly. This is their side of the story. Then they get parts back that have been hammered on, bent, cut, painted yellow, drilled to fit.............
Martin is absolutely right. Stovebolt.com does not judge or investigate a dispute. The forum is full of great stories about vendors, Some are sponsors from time to time. There are issues reported as DADS50 said, on all forums. We see these stories and keep them in mind.
I WILL SAY JON, I looked for a reasonably long time on their website. If it is the one is Orange County. I found no mention of a return policy or it is hidden deep somewhere. This is a RED FLAG to me. The other vendors have a return policy which is displayed for all to see. The website for Truck Shop has "FAQ". Nothing about returns in the FAQ. RED FLAG NO. 2. If I missed it, let me know.
But the hinge is the same hinge, from the same maker, as all the other vendors.
Click.
