At 04:38 PM 11/23/98 +0000, xyzabcde@earthlink.net wrote:
>....
> I wasn't talking about finding different replacement parts that will
work, I was saying that there are multiple sources (marque specific) for
the _same_ part (i.e. same part number) that may have different prices.
Well, some of are interested in "different replacement parts that will
work", especially if they are, 1.) available when you need them, 2.)
available locally, 3.) at least as good in quality and function, 4.) about
the same price (or cheaper), 5.) bearing at least as good (or better)
warrantee, and I'm sure there are more reasons.
One example such a "substitute" part is the clutch disk for a MGA 1500.
Priced one of those lately? Most local parts stores get a blank stare and
tell you their books don't go back any farther than about 1967. But they
do sometimes retain reference to parts for older cars when the same bits
are also used in newer cars. So when I ask for a clutch disk for a 1960
Studebaker Lark they can sometimes find it. The less specific you are, and
the more general you can state it, the more likely you are to succeed. If
you just say "6-cylinder Studebaker" (all from 1928 to 1960)", many of them
can find it. And if you say "I want a 8-1-10 clutch disk", nearly any
parts store can get you one the same day, without even asking you what it's
for. And it will usually be cheaper than from the major LBC suppliers, and
it may likely be of more robust construction than the original MGA part,
and it may possibly come with a lifetime warrantee. That generic
description means "8 inch disk, 1 inch hole, 10 splines", and more than one
company still makes it.
Engine shops can often order new parts for same day or next day delivery
just by taking dimension measurements from the old parts. Some of these
bits include intake and exhaust valves, valve seat inserts, valve guides,
rocker arm bushings, cam bearings, main bearings, connecting rod bearings,
many types of springs and seals, valve keepers and spring retainers and
valve spring shims, cylinder liners, and sometimes even pistons and rings
and wrist pins. I'm pretty sure that transmission shops and driveshaft,
brake and suspension rebuilders can do much the same thing in many cases,
especially when it involves bearings and seals.
But the best cross reference I ever heard of was when someone on this list
mentioned installing a water pump on the engine for an irrigation pump,
which just happened to be a deisel engine using the MG 1800 engine block,
and the MGB water pump would fit on it, but this was only discovered after
paying $300 for the part from the irrigation parts supplier. I know this
one doesn't help us MG people, but the farmer would have been a lot happier
if he had found out a little sooner.
>....
>Notice that none of the MGA people have responded. That's because they're
all out at junk yards stripping the front turn signals off of all the MG
1100's. :-)
Naw, I just ask around and someone usually hands me one. There are lots of
MGA parts cars around too, if your actively pursuing the interest. Just
that they're quite often not in the common wrecking yards.
Barney Gaylord
1958 MGA with an attitude
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