Hmm, the topic of parts sourcing seems to pop up about
once per year. I suspect it happens when we get
enough new Amphi owners who begin the quest for
alternate sources and prices. Actually, it was one of
the motivating factors for creating this list way back
when.
I can actually see both sides of the argument. On the
one hand I am a big fan of Gordon Imports and am often
willing to pay a bit of a premium. In part it is
convenience. It is also a recognition that Hugh does
make a significant reinvestment in reproducing new NLA
components. Hugh will also spend many hours answering
tech questions and offering history lessons!Without
Hugh's substantial investment most of our Amphicars
would be sitting high and dry. It thus makes good
sense to support those who support us.
At the same time, some folks seem to regard it as
herecy when anyone suggests an alternate parts source
for any given widget. To me this makes no sense
either. I have purchased many NOS and repro parts
from folks like Gord Souter at considerable savings
(his interior kits are first rate). Likewise, when
people have identified less expensive or better parts
for Amphi, Hugh often links up with those sources and
provides them with the usual level of service and
convenience. (I myself pointed Hugh to the source for
wide whitewall radials a few years back). Thus, I
would encourage everyone to continue posting alternate
parts and sources. Likewise, turn off the
flamethrowers when someone suggests an alternative.
I will note that I do think that any alternate parts
(non-original or not exact reproductions) should be
clearly identified as such. For example, the Roadster
Factory identifies all "substitute parts" with an "S"
designator after the part number. Nothing is more
frustrating than ordering something you expect to be
an "original component" only to find it is an odd
fitting JC Whitney item requiring modification.
Cheers,
Mike Israel
List/Digest Admin
65 Amphi (White)
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