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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