Specification of NEW parts
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Specification of NEW parts
I've noticed that a lot of newly manufactured parts do not match the spec of the originals. For example, radiators without drain plugs. The excuse is that the plug would add £9 to the cost, but if you're already forking out for a new one, would that make any difference? I'd rather pay a little bit extra for both originality and ease of service. What about others? There is no commercial interest in this post, it's just for my interest.
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I don't use the radiator drain plug...
But for other parts - original is the only way. There was a trend to cut cost with things like handbrake cables with no grease nipple, propshaft UJ's with no grease nipple, chrome that was pitted after 12 months etc...
A lot of this came about as the suppliers were competing between each other for business and people would phone around to get the lowest price. That trend seems to have changed as a lot of people now suffer with these low quality parts, therefore many people now look around for good quality instead of cheapest price.
Some suppliers now offer a choice - cheap parts or good parts. This way they cater for both sets of customers.
But for other parts - original is the only way. There was a trend to cut cost with things like handbrake cables with no grease nipple, propshaft UJ's with no grease nipple, chrome that was pitted after 12 months etc...
A lot of this came about as the suppliers were competing between each other for business and people would phone around to get the lowest price. That trend seems to have changed as a lot of people now suffer with these low quality parts, therefore many people now look around for good quality instead of cheapest price.
Some suppliers now offer a choice - cheap parts or good parts. This way they cater for both sets of customers.
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You can have cheap, quality, or quick.
If it's cheap and quality, it won't be quick
If it's cheap and quick, it won't be quality
If it's quality and quick, it's not going to be cheap
If it's supposed to be all three.... don't pay until you've seen the finished result and probably spoken to trading standards!
Never mind the plug - what about the little brass tap at the base of the radiator... where did that go to??
If it's cheap and quality, it won't be quick
If it's cheap and quick, it won't be quality
If it's quality and quick, it's not going to be cheap
If it's supposed to be all three.... don't pay until you've seen the finished result and probably spoken to trading standards!
Never mind the plug - what about the little brass tap at the base of the radiator... where did that go to??
Happy Minoring!
Phyllis ~ 1962 Morris Minor 4 Door Deluxe
Black coachwork with Red Duo-Tone Upholstery
Phyllis ~ 1962 Morris Minor 4 Door Deluxe
Black coachwork with Red Duo-Tone Upholstery
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If originality is an owners desire then I suppose the extra £9 may be worthwhile for them. But £9 seems a bit too much for a 75p plug/valve!
The radiator on my Traveller does has a drain cock a doodle diddley but it needs a spare half day before the water empties out. I can pee faster
The radiator on my Traveller does has a drain cock a doodle diddley but it needs a spare half day before the water empties out. I can pee faster
Last edited by 57traveller on Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:01 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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stop cock a doodle diddley ?
nah - it wasn't 'fitted' that it objected to ;-)
nah - it wasn't 'fitted' that it objected to ;-)
Last edited by rayofleamington on Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:05 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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- Minor Legend
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I believe you mean a drain 'plug' or 'tap'... I can't think why it has an aversion to the type of valve to which you refer...
We're so nicely behaved most of the time, I reckon the profanity-filter does things like that just to show it's still there... hehehe
We're so nicely behaved most of the time, I reckon the profanity-filter does things like that just to show it's still there... hehehe
Happy Minoring!
Phyllis ~ 1962 Morris Minor 4 Door Deluxe
Black coachwork with Red Duo-Tone Upholstery
Phyllis ~ 1962 Morris Minor 4 Door Deluxe
Black coachwork with Red Duo-Tone Upholstery
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To keep the old girl as original as possible I had her rad re-cord,Thus keeping all the Rad as was, But must admit its a devil when you have to pay for something now that came as standard when the car was new ( DRAIN PLUG or TAP) -A sign of the times we live in -me thinks. Bill & Twinkle the Traveller .
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Gareth, You have to have a CLASSIC Minor to get one of those. In fact you get two - one on the engine block too. I've recently unseized mine. It's so good that I keep playing with it to make sure it's still working! Must stop now the anti-freeze is in.Never mind the plug - what about the little brass tap at the base of the radiator... where did that go to??
Nick
The little brass winged drain tap is what this is all about. It has a proper spout, and if you put a plastic / rubber tube on it, then you can drain the radiator, including that precious anti-freeze into a container for either re-use or disposal. Clean and simple, better than the later plastic screw-in bung, and much much better than removing the bottom hose and making a mess all over everywhere. Particularly useful if removing & refitting the head. I suppose a similar poll could be run on the drain plug that has disappeared from new petrol tanks....
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