Replacement Parts Rant

[JeffW]

Hi Guest

Yes, as the new GDPR only deals with data that can personally identify someone. As we would only list parts and their compatibility there would be no personally-identifiable data. Even if there was, as long as we had a legitimate reason for holding the information (for example, for the assistance of all members in identifying proper parts) it's fine to hold the data.

Jeff

[JeffW]

...and here's a new one. New glove box lock doesn't work properly as the tongue on the lock portion (for lack of a better term) is manufactured too thick so it can't grab the panel metal clasp mounted in the glove box, as you can see easily in the attached picture. New one is nearest the camera.

Back to the supplier it goes.

[Scar]

What's annoying is that the suppliers (some of them, at least) just don't seem to care that they're selling shoddy parts. They'll give you your money back if you return it but they'll happily keep selling their substandard merch to the next unsuspecting stag owner!

[thebadleys]

I purchased a pair of wiper speed blades from Rimmers in January, when used the drivers side acted very strangely, hopping about and not moving correctly with the canter action, I discovered the post on the blade that fixes it to the cantilevered arm was disrupted at the groove where the locking mechanism holds it in place. Rang Rimmers sent a photo, they rang me back to say they have sent a replacement out to me FOC under the warranty and to do dispose with the damaged blade, quite impressed, new part arrived promptly and works correctly.

A couple of weeks ago when cleaning the car I noticed the passenger side blade had one of the wire struts on the blade had become detached from the end cap where it should be spot welded to the end cap, emailed them with photo, received a prompt reply informing me they had despatched a replacement blade that day and apologising for the problem and again asking me to dispose the old blade.

Very good service, cant complain about that, but the issue really is if we don't complain and tell suppliers about poor quality product they will not understand the size of the problem.

However as purchasers of any product or service were protected by the Sale of Goods Act and the Supply of Goods and Services Act, both of which have been suspended by the The Consumer Rights Act which is a simpler and updated Act to protect consumers.

In essence

1) Goods must be of satisfactory quality: goods bought must not be faulty or damaged on receipt. The test of whether goods are of satisfactory quality is, what would a reasonable person consider to be satisfactory in relation to those goods?

2) Goods must be fit for purpose: ie. fit for the purpose for which they are supplied, including any specific purpose explained to the trader when the goods were purchased.

3) Goods and services must be as described: they must, for instance, match a sample or model seen by the consumer before purchase.

4) Goods must be properly and correctly installed.

5) Services must be supplied with reasonable care and skill.

Suppliers cannot hide behind the price (very cheap) or their suppliers quality issues, however, one of the contentious areas for DIYers is point 4, has it been properly and correctly installed ?

Which? has a good straightforward explanation (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ab...ghts-act-2015/ )

If it is of poor quality, not fit for purpose, failed to achieve a reasonable standard, COMPLAIN, retailers soon get the message, if they don't listen and the item is of a cost that you feel you should not bear take action, County Court Money Claims provide a effective and comparatively low cost route to reclaiming monies (if you are in the right )

Amazon Prime have one of the best customer satisfaction indices in retailing, why, the don't argue, if its faulty they replace or refund, they want you back and thats made their owner VERY rich.

Sorry to go on but its in our own hands to drive the standards up, vote with your wallet


Nigel

[rwdstag]

I think we have to realise the fact that our cars are 40plus years old and that it is a miracle we can get any parts
just imagine going into Bmw and saying my 20 year old car boot come windscreen come bonnet seal is leaking
o and I want a complete timing chain replacement
I want the windscreen wipers to look like they did etc etc etc
to all be greatfull and so what if you have to make that heater valve fit the fact is you can get one
Rant over sorry
Rich

[KOY 23]

Hi Rich,
I agree with you that we are in a very fortunate position especially considering the Stags relatively small production and I‘m sure contributes to the high survival rate today.
However its a shame that some manufacturers cannot put a little more effort to get it right.
We are very fortunate having SOCTFL facilitating production of unobtainable parts, to keep our cars running, not an easy task for their volunteers.

[elvimto]

I agree with you having a 47 year old car and being able to source parts is great. If I have a problem with any parts I contact the vendor and resolve the issue. If I have to fettle any parts, that's a great word that "fettle", then that's all I have to do. Living in California the USA in what might be called car heaven you can get lucky and find some hidden gems but you have to locate a good source and cross reference for the part. I am thankful for the support from vendors and the SOCTFL and to all the members who help keep these cars on the road with parts and helpful information.
Thanks again
Stuart

[Selgris]

Can I add door card clips and windscreen wiper blades to the list of junk available from the bigger suppliers? I now use VW door card clips which are close to the original (but not perfect). Windscreen wipers are just a joke. It was no problem when I owned my first Stag when they were still relatively new (around 1975)but three weeks ago the garage wanted to fail the car on its MOT because the wipers were rubbish at clearing the screen. I pointed out that they were new OEM parts and probably as good as you can get and they eventually passed it after some humming and hawing. The blades completely miss parts of the screen. Surely even some of the so called expert suppliers must have noticed. Maybe they don't care!

[jbuckl]

Sorry to say, I understand the need to vent.
But a comment that includes your ‘ pleased with the fit of these parts’ is more useful than the opposite.
LD part is great for fit and function.
Tony White is often great nos parts.
Quiller triumph is great for s.h. Parts
Wins international is great for s. H. Parts
Ebay for nos & used parts.
Robsport is ok
Wards are ok
Heater valve still needs adjusting though!
if the supplier you might want to use isn’t mentioned above please think before using them & why that might be!
recently helped a member who was frustrated by incorrectly supplied parts.
he had ordered amongst other items some screws.
he had received some screws.
the supplier had fulfilled that requirement.
they were not correct & didn’t seem bothered either.
that is the scope of supply that can be expected with those not mentioned.
Sorry to say.

[mole42]

I agree with you Julian.

Richard

[MandM]

I think you hit the nail on the head!

Surely even some of the so called expert suppliers must have noticed. Maybe they don't care!

[MandM]

Found this while looking for thread info!

https://socforum.com/forum/forum/sta...track-rod-ends

???

[Babord]

I haven't had my Stag for long, but have had to place quite a few orders for items, and I have been very surprised by the number of parts that have been of poor quality/fit or just not fit for purpose. My latest surprise is this air filter which is not aligned with the inlets, photographed next to the old one. I queried Rimmers and they said it was correct, going on to say "the metal housing is slightly different and does appear to cover a small portion of the element, this is not an issue and is perfectly suitable for use". I don't understand why they don't just supply one the same as original, so I have bought one from elsewhere and it is fine, just seems unnecessary.

I am used to buying parts for old Land Rovers, being guided by forums as to quality parts and reliable suppliers, and those to stay away from. I have never had a problem so far.

[DJT]

My latest surprise is this air filter which is not aligned with the inlets, photographed next to the old one.

There is no excuse for that. The GFE1040 air filter is readily available as it was used on the Stag, TR7 and some Jaguars and Rovers.

[sujitroy]

I bought what I thought were the special rubber rings for the dials (dial to dash board rings) from one supplier who I've been dealing with for years. Instead of having a square profile, they sent regular O rings. I complained and the supplier said they sold many of them and no one complained. I cant believe that one bit. If the supplier disclosed this on the website, I would have been OK with them. Im not going to mention names here.
Sujit