So if what you are saying is correct, there may be a really wide discrepancy
between the quality of rebuilt parts, and no way for the consumer to tell the
difference.
What really sucks, is that most vendors can't tell you to what level a
'rebuilt' part has been rebuilt, so asking doesn't really do any good:-(
Most vendors will buy from the 'cheapest supplier' regardless of quality, to
give themselves the largest profit margin.
- Bryan
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>To: spridgets@autox.team.net
>Subject: Remanufactured? Longish. No direct LBC content
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>
>Listerati,
> I would like your opinions.
> During a visit with a vendor we got to discussing the definitions of
>remanufactured and rebuilt. There are several operations that can be
>performed on (in this case) a part which would be classified as rebuilding.
>Here are some examples, all of which are called rebuilding.
> 1) A used part is cleaned, inspected and if no fault is found, greased,
>painted and sold. Usually these are not cores, but take-offs purchased from
>used parts dealers by "remanufacturers" (often called spray and pray)
> 2) A used part (core) is inspected and only the broken component is
>replaced with a new or repaired one of the same design.
> 3) A core is disassembled entirely and reassembled using all new or
>rebuilt functional components as were used at the time of original manufacture.
> 4) A core is disassembled entirely, all new components installed and
>improvements in either material or design are utilized where a pattern of
>failure is noted.
> This discussion came about as this vendor is one of the best at what
they
>rebuild, yet their product is designated rebuilt or remanufactured just the
>same as someone who does 1, 2, or 3 above. The Feds and others have
>declared that remanufactured and rebuilt are synonymous and interchangeable.
> My questions: Are these differences something you consider when
>shopping
>for a part? What helps you decide? warranty length? price? packaging?
>advertising? Can you think of different terms for each of the 4 levels
>above? Should there be a distinction?
> I'd appreciate your candid responses. I offered this canvassing to this
>vendor suggesting this list is a reasonable cross section of DIYers,
>despite the kinds of cars they own <G>
> Off list is fine to save space.
> Thanks for reading. Peter C
>
>
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