I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

[Gene M.]

A simple part such as intake and exhaust valves should be something made in USA. But I'm having problems finding any. Ferrea valves are made in Argentina. I was informed that as of five years ago American manufacturing of engine valves stopped. It's all off shore. Trying to find USA made parts is getting to be a full time job. Somebody told me Manley are also foreign made.

When I was looking for a clutch and pressure plate it took me 2 weeks to find a dusty box, old stock one in North Carolina. I live in NY.

It has been my mode of operation to find out where a part is made before I purchase it. I did buy two AFB carb rebuild kits for a dual quad set up made here. I guess china has not figured out what a carburetor is yet!

I just can't bring myself to use china crap. Well I'm done venting........

[Steven S.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

I hear ya, it's very sad

I try my best to buy USA products, but in most cases, it just seems they don't exist.

[Jim L.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

I try my best to buy USA products, but in most cases, it just seems they don't exist.

I went through this exercise two years ago when I replaced the rubber brake hoses on my '60. The hoses made "off shore" were 1/2" too long and required metric wrenching.

That 1/2" length increment wasn't important at the front. At the rear, though, it caused the hose to rub against the spare tire tub. Unacceptable.

I eventually found three US made hoses. They fit perfectly.

Stick to your guns, ask for parts made in the US, and be sure the store owners know of your displeasure if they can't provide them.

Jim

[Dan D.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

Just about impossible to find US brake hoses for C1s now. I will be installing off shore hoses on my 57 shortly and will be on the lookout for the rear one rubbing. Thanks for the info. One thing for sure, I can't use the old original ones, even though they don't look bad, I would never trust 50 year old rubber.
From what I have seen I think brake parts in general is one area that is infested with off shore parts with not a lot of alternatives available. Not fitting properly and not original configuration is one thing. But more importantly is they cannot fail while in use. That would be very serious. I think the jury is still out on this one. -Dan-

[Bruce B.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

It seems like the specifications and performance testing of automotive components is non-existent.
Are there any requirements on critical application car parts?
SAE, DOT, etc.
Or are they just ignored for the sake of PROFIT ???

[Stan E.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

Way to go Gene, we should all be on the same path as you are! Outsourcing may be a way of avoiding product liability. BUY AMERICAN!

[Wayne B.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

check the Atlanta craigslist auto parts now and then. There's a guy on there (or maybe more than one) that keeps popping up with a bunch of NOS stuff for C2 and C1's. Drives me nuts because no C3 stuff comes up.

[Kenneth H.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

Dan,

The first thing that I thought of when I saw your post was "Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes". I just checked their site and they have what you need and they are "Made in USA". Check them out.

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

It seems like the specifications and performance testing of automotive components is non-existent.
Are there any requirements on critical application car parts?
SAE, DOT, etc.
Or are they just ignored for the sake of PROFIT ???

Bruce------


Most brake system parts have to be DOT-rated. The hoses, in particular, fall into this category.

Brake system parts have tremendous product liability exposure. I very much doubt that the major brake parts brands (e.g. Wagner, Bendix, Delco) would sell brake parts under their brands that didn't meet quality standards regardless of where they are manufactured. And, you won't find any US manufactured brakes hoses in packages from any of these brands anymore.

By the way, don't get the idea that these off-shore parts are confined to replacement parts for older applications. You'll find parts from the same off-shore sources on NEW vehicles, including and especially those from the "Big Three" US manufacturers.

[Mike G.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

try that with anything now. i tried at best buy and home depot with no luck. its all about price now. how cheap can i get it! because of that we dont build stuff here anymore. our labor costs are too high. everything comes from china now and you do get what you pay for. cheap cheap cheap.

ever notice that everything that comes from there smells the same? i can tell when i take something out of the box if its from china. dont know what it is.

[Dan D.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the lead. I am not familiar with that company but I will check them out.

-Dan-

[Kenneth H.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

Dan,

As far as I know, Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes has a pretty good reputation with members who have used them. Do a search for "Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes" on this board for additional information and comments.

[Craig B.]

Re: I'm having problems finding engine parts made it USA

Gene, try Fernwood Auto, wholesale only but they are one of the largest distributors of engine parts nationwide and deal with all the major manufacturers and speed equipment companies in the U.S. and are located in the industrial park behind the old 84 Lumber on Rt. 104. Buck use to get all his parts through them and got parts for me there too.