----- Original Message -----
From: scott
To:
amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2003 5:19 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Bearing retraction
I'm by no means trying to put down Hugh. I appreciate all that he has done and
is doing to keep things working.
But!
I've been told that Gordons is not selling transmission parts any longer.
Then I'm told that if you call and talk directly to Hugh you can still get some
stuff.
What's a guy to do?
Tell you what I do, I go looking myself. It's amazing what is out there.
Windshields under $300, stainless front bumpers, fiber glass parts. All it takes
is someone to do the research, or front the time and money. Then we can just
pick up the phone and order the parts. I have always considered it a help to
Hugh if I find parts.
I guess in the future, I'll keep what I'm doing to myself.
Scott Moses
Not mad, just disappointed
Scott:
I think I'm in full agreement with you. While having Gordon Imports is a great
resource, I also believe nobody should act like a pirate. Sure, it's nice if you
have 20 oddball bearings squirreled away, and are now selling them for $300
apiece. Some people may even demand an original part, if just for the purity of
their vehicle. But supply won't last forever, and I think it's incumbent on us
all to search for modern substitutes whenever we can.
If SKF has a better bearing, at $35, I want to use it. Without modifying the
appearance of my Amphi, I expect to use the latest developments in hoses, oil,
valves, grease, gaskets, etc. That Lucas generator and regulator are gonna go!
In 1960, we expected 15k miles out of a set of bias ply tires; now we expect 55k
miles from a radial set. If there's a smarter choice for any part, my view is
that I'd much rather have a reliable vehicle than an original vehicle.
One of the wonderful things about the small Amphi community is how people have
come forward with substitute parts for stuff that is in such short supply. It
might be a cross-reference to a commercial bearing, a way to make another
manufacturer's part fit an Amphi, or a brand-new body panel. Because the market
is so small, nobody is going to get rich doing this. I wouldn't care if one of
us takes a reference to a commercial part, buys 50 of them, marks them up 50%,
and then offers them as guaranteed Amphi replacement parts.
Nobody should disparage this exploration. If somebody would rather buy an
original part, fine. As for me, I urge you to continue posting everything you
find.
Regards,
Ed
El Cajon
67 Rust Guppy
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