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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | no telling about Raybestos, they're now owned by Affinia, headquartered in the US but with facilities in 19 countries  globalization Bill | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 60 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 60 | Thank you Squeeze
I thought so after a very ....short use of one of their products.
Jianis
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 864 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 864 | I'm still on a roll guys so let me rant one more time. Pulled out the new Hood Emblem today that I've had stashed for over a year. The "bow" in it was pitiful to say the least. The holes did not line up no matter how much I,actually my friend, pushed it to try take some of the bow out and make it line up. The gasket was just plain punch wrong. What should have taken me 10 minutes ended up taking 2 hours. Had to drill out the hood holes to 3/8" and had to cut the holes at least 1/8" bigger and it was still tough to get it all in place.... and of coarse in order to see and work with it I took the "panel" off so I could see into the holes. What a pain. I'm still ticked about it. I know I know, but guys, I have been around a long time and its just plain what this thread started about. Overseas CRAP.... yes, it even had the little gold Tiawan sticker on it. I'm going to write a letter to the vendor but do you think it will do any good..... no, they'll say "well, we haven't been having any complaints about, and you did use it".... arrrgh! Yep, I used the thin piece of crap. Not worth the postage to send it back. $46 for a piece of tin..AND it had two HIGH and SHARP points on one end of it. I took a pair of needle nose pliers to tweak it a bit and you should have seen the "Chrome flakes" falling and poping off. Looked like it was snowing and I barely tweaked it. I ended up filing the tits off and the cheap stuff still flaked bad. I make sure I didn't get near the face edge and put it on. Looking at the picture sure don't show what it really is! http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/000_0256.jpgHey AChipmunk, was it also Smaller than the oem one? I put one on my '52 firetruck and as the hood was painted white, (originally red) masked off emblem... it was 1/8 " smaller all the way around....had to paint the hood before installation....I spend a little more for the Stainless Steel version.... | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,329 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,329 | Smaller? Thats what would happen if you used the original as a pattern in a mold, and cast another one. Thats pretty bad, I'd send it back.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks.
Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Dave, it was smaller and also the edges that should have been "rolled in" were only bent to about a 45degree angle and the edges sharp enough to cut you. I wish now I had just filled in the holes rather than give Tiawan my money for a junk.
Dave, say hello to the B.C. guys for me.
Truckolet, I wish I had sent it back. That would be even better than writing the letter. Hit THEM in their pocketbook ...but of coarse no money would be returned probably only credit.
I'm going to practice what I preach, I'm Moving Forward.
Last edited by Achipmunk; 04/08/2011 7:47 PM. Reason: add more
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 864 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 864 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 583 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 583 | If the truth be known we don't make anything in the states any more but babies, and even those we import. If it is made in the states the parent company of that manufacturer is probably foreign. Ever wonder why our unemployment is so high. But that problem goes back for many years. I disassembled my 1939 3/4 ton rear end to update the ring and pinion gears. While at it I also installed new bearings and seals. The rearend assembly had never been apart. Lo and behold the original seals were made in Mexico. This was back in 1939. The original seals were leather, maybe they had more cows down there then we had.
1939 Chevrolet Stake Truck
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 166 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 166 | Reading a bit on the subject, it all started with the spring shackles, with gives me the creeps. I bought a the whole set (front and back) for my truck at LMC. My mechanic told me we should sent the original bushings to metalize. I told him new materials should be better than the ones used 60 years ago. When I received my parts, yes, gold sticker made in Taiwan. Well, hope Taiwan is better than China. Haven't installed the shackles yet, but, the problem was only the bolt that broke before reaching torque or also the bushings? If it is the bolt, I'll change it with a grade 8, but if the bushings are no good either, guess I'm screwed.
Last edited by cletis; 04/13/2011 5:04 PM. Reason: Language
| | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 289 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2007 Posts: 289 | The problem was only with the bolt - not the shackles. It is a special bolt and your standard grade 8 bolt will not work. The shackle bolt is drilled hollow about 1/2 way through so grease can flow to the middle where there is a groove machined around the bolt to allow the grease to flow into the bushing. The end is also tapped to accommodate a grease fitting. The ones I ordered through O'Reilly Auto Parts fit perfectly and torqued without any problems at all. They are a kit and come with the bushing, nut and lock washer. The part number is TPSK108 and I believe they were manufactured by Rare Parts. Other parts suppliers like NAPA also show them on their website, but they are a special order item for them too. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 554 | I went through this myself a few weeks ago. Although NAPA shows the spring eye bolts on their website I was told they are no longer available. They also told me I got the last 4 shackle pins too which were shipped from another state. I ended up getting the eye bolts through LMC and they were only like $4.95. I didn't look for where they were made- I was just relieved to have found some. The quality seems very good to me, they are black oxide treated and do not have a shoulder problem like Denny Graham described in a post about the aftermarket replacements. The LMC bolts torqured up just fine and I am quite pleased with them. Not sure why everyone else is asking 6 times as much for an inferior product.
I got all my wheel cylinders, shoes, and drums through NAPA and all parts were cheaper than the AD vendors.
Chuck | | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 554 | Hey Alvin, I got to thank you for the post about the emblem. My hood is in primer and I am about to paint it. In my mind taking a few minute to install the emblem would a special moment once the hood was done. I am glad your post made me test fit it before painting. I had all the same issues as you plus 2 of the 4 mounting holes had only a couple of threads clear. Fortunately I have a 10-24 tap, the smallest I have. I eventually got it to sort of fit but not sure if I will be able to get it fully snugged down without drilling out the hood holes like you did. I didn't try it with the gasket yet. More fun I'm sure.
Chuck | | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 144 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 144 | I just had the same problem with the Spring Eye Bolt from Classic. They were very accomodating to replace them...now reading this post I see it's a problem they have known about for at least 4 years. and I am not talking about ancient Chinese sailing vessels. I am in the process of doing a frame up restoration of my '52 GMC 1/2 ton and wanted to give a heads up on some quality/fit issues with a couple of our parts suppliers in case anyone else has ordered these parts.
I ordered new spring shackles and spring eye bolts from Classic Parts of America. No problem with the shackles but as I was in the process of torquing the last of four spring bolts to 80 pounds of the 60-80 foot pounds recommended in the shop manual, the bolt head snapped off. In looking at the bolt where it broke off, it had a very grainy appearance which leads me to think it was cast rather than machine from a billet or bar. These bolts are Classic part number 74-057 and have a raised heart shaped leaf on the head of the bolt. They were $30 each. As I contemplated what to do about it, two more broke off overnight without me even touching them. I contacted Classic about the problem, and they offered to send me four more, but after considering something as important as this critical suspension part, I decided to go with bolts manufactured by Rare Parts that I found through O'Reilly Auto Parts. At over $45 each I hope these are better quality. Classic said that had a report of the same problem a while back but thought it had been corrected. They are sending me an RA to return these parts for credit.
I also ordered a completed new braking system including master cylinder, stainless steel lines, hoses and wheel cylinders from Jim Carter. As I installed the master cylinder, lines and front hoses and wheel cylinders everything appeared to be fine. I can't say enough about the good quality/fit of the stainless lines. They came in a box labeled Inline tube. As I got to the rear of the truck my problems began. The single brake hose from at the rear would not screw in brake line running down the side of the frame. The steel line has a 3/8 X 24 male fitting which is correct; however the hose had 7/16 X 20 male and female fittings on both ends. I compared the new hose to the original that was on the truck and the original had a male end fitting that was 7/16 X 20 and female fitting that was 3/8 X 24. I am not sure the country of origin for this hose (it didn't say) but it is definitely manufactured incorrectly for this application. This is Carter part number ME136 which based on their description is correct for my vehicle. When I tried to install the rear wheel cylinder (their part number ME323) the wheel cylinder block attaching bolt would not screw all the way in. The packaging for the wheel cylinders stated that they were manufactured in China. With the two copper washers installed it still lacked almost 1/16 of an inch from tightening all the way. The bolt bottomed out in the wheel cylinder before tightening. These were new bolts from Carter, but I compared them to the original and they were the same length as the original so the problem was definitely with the wheel cylinders. I talked with Jimmy at Carter and got a RA to return the hose and wheel cylinders to them for a refund. I have since located these parts also at O'Reilly and they are manufactured by Wagner - hopefully here in the US.
Long story short - on something as critical as the suspension we are better off buying from name brand US manufactures than than no-name Chinese junk.
Dave www.fallenherosdreamride.orgall give some MY SON GAVE ALL The fallen hero's dream ride is a 1951 Chevrolet 3100 with original 216 In memory of LCpl Phillip Vinnedge USMC KIA 10/13/2010 Afghanistan
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | ...as info, I ordered my rear shackle kits this past summer from Obsolete Truck parts in Nashville, Georgia. They were from CANADA and were the best I've seen.
So, if/when you order ask where stuff is made. Obsolete may not carry them from Canada anymore but then Canada may be their only supplier for them? Thats why I say ask. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 60 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 60 | I am realy glad that many companies are making spares so we can keep on driving in our old cars so I do not wish to mention any names here.
I had a longer thought before mentioning this event but I do it as it concerns everyone’s safety.
Last year I installed an item in my 48 Chevrolet. Normally I always dismantle and double-check everything that concerns safety but I had no time and had lots to do to get my car ready at a certain date to be tested for reregistering it as it was not used since 1965.
The part was coming from one of the best retailers in the USA and from a known mark so I just installed it.
The day before the inspection I drove the car in private terrain and the part failed .I was lucky there were no pedestrians or other vehicles near. If it should happen later with driving on public roads I am sure I should cause a major accident.
The retailer kindly provided me with a new item later. I had to pay the post from the Netherlands to USA and also none compensated my extra work, time and the money that I had to pay for temporarily rebuilding the old part for the car to be ready in time for the test.
My advice is if a new part concerns safety have a good look before installing it, even if it comes from the best factory. It might save you a lot of trouble.
Jianis
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | With all thats being said, and has been said, perhaps someone should file a legal claim against a couple of the suppliers...including the actual manufacturer, when something relating to saftey happens like you mentioned. Maybe that would start letting folks know we mean business.
For half the stuff we buy they have no expressed statement as to actual quality and can stick it to us...but for safety, I think that is a different issue.
And for those wondering.. no, I have never "sued" anyone nor am I and advocate for doing stupid things to raise the price of our already overpriced junk. BUT, it has to start, and stop some where. So, why not consider it!! Who knows a Stovebolt lawyer?!
(Whew, wonder where this will go)! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | There's plenty of laws in place to keep you from suing, only the importer can be sued, not the parts supplier or marketing co. The importers change names/companies & declare bankruptcy often enough to keep anyone from suing them.
buy used if possible. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 166 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 166 | Huck, I was talking about the center bolt that holds the shackle plates together. So the ones that hold the bushings are the one that failed. Interesting. Not that my grandpa was chinese, for I am sure chinese productions is far from being good products (with very rare exceptions), but if you ask people south of the border about US cars compared with japanese, opinions differ. Anyway, as somebody pointed out we brought it to ourselves, wanting more stuff, faster, cheaper = crapy products. Being lucky enough to be proud owners of an amazingly engineered machine (simple, yet effective and timeless) we can realize what the new generations are missing buying use-and-throw stuff (the mother board failed, well, let's change it). | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 66 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 66 |
Have you tried your local Caterpiller dealer for bolts?
High quality & reasonable prices.
I'm not sure about them having the right sizes,but give
them a try.
- Doug
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 60 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 60 | Alvin
You are right but first: I was lucky enough to have the component failure in private terrain and very low speed and second: If I should start something against this company it had to be done throught the Dutch government safety transportation administration. That should be very bad for our hobby here. The *Greens* will find one more excuse to push for stricter legislation concerning vintage cars. Their goals seams to be getting all cars older as 5 years and larger as 1000 cc ( 62 Cubic Inches) for recycling …And believe me I should not like to help them.
Jianis
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