Parts suppliers

[Caretaker]

Starting from http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php/topic,2160.msg13815

Let's look into this (I've seen my share of 4th rate new parts, like changing 30 years old rubber parts into new ones lasting 30... days, new fuel taps leaking filling the carb and jets with pieces of cork). How important is access to good, hassle-free and reliable new parts? Very important!

I'm sure we can find the balance between informing about good or not-so parts\suppliers without looking like trying to destroy somebody's business. The manufacturer or seller should be happy about good feedback, and factual negative feedback should make him source better quality parts, for the long term success of his business. And information about good behavior of refund\exchange\apoligies in case of problems can work for the good of the supplier. We want them in business, we need them, and they need us to buy the stuff. Any problems, contact the supplier first, do not first post here in a fit of rage  

As long as the forum has no financial or personal gain in any matter, is hosted in a non-eu country far away, has very clear membership rules, will remove any offending post if proven wrong, etc etc, the risk of legal action is 0 (but as LJ very rightly mentions, should always be taken into account). Should be no problem to avoid crossing from information into defamation, and in any case the supplier would be invited to post his version.

Also, it could be an inside information board viewed by members only (no guests or google\yahoo etc).
So, before implementing any new board, more opinions welcome.

[rocket man]

thats a very good suggestion

[MG]

I think it would be a good idea to make a member's only section for these discussions. Would also be a good reason for visitors to become members and contribute to the forum.

Another thing I would suggest is adding additional information on the bike the part was bought for, especially concerning the originality of the bike. Naturally it makes a difference whether it is a totally/mostly original bike with the factory fitted engine or a RGS replica, B31-based Goldie-clone, TriBSA, cafe racer, boober, chopper or whatever people build in their garage.  

Furthermore information on the service of the dealer and how he deals with problems might be of interest, like stated by our administer.

Cheers, Markus

[lawnmowerman]

Totally agree. We need the manufacturers and the manufacturers need us - it should be a win win situation for everybody. Parts dealers should also be made aware of problems as it ultimately affects their good name too and may prompt them to seek better manufacturers. It is a good idea to make it a members only section then we are not publicly criticising manufacturers thus avoiding any potential litigation.

Jim

[bl**dydrivers]

Sadly people put quantity above quality and dont see in the long run that if they produce great quality parts more and more people will buy their products and would make more money.

Thats my personal oppinion

[Stephen Arsenal]

Hi guys,I´ve just (well still am) rebuilt a basket case,and have ordered loads of stuff all from UK on E bay.I dealt with just about every dealer you could find selling BSA stuff and everyone as been excellent,helpfull.The only problem I had was getting the right brake cables (still have´nt managed it,I should of kept the old ones and measured them to give onto the dealer) however I was refunded quickly . It would of been far easier if there was a standard information index of the spare parts for that year bike  model,however this is quite hard as nobody can really 100% say for example the seat for your bike is number so and so.I have now bought 3 diffrent pairs of pillion footrest rubbers ,all wrong and as I live in germany,it would cost me more to return them(I should pay both ways,as it was I who gave the wrong info)  than to buy new ones.This board in their help has been a godsend,I would´nt of got anywhere near where I am with the bike now.

[bl**dydrivers]

Stephen, Im in a similar situation as you, as I live in the USA and there isnt many BSA specialists here and not that great for locating parts.  So far its been ebay.co.uk helping, getting the parts,  send them to my address in London and when I head home for my annual visit, i found that some of the parts are wrong and or not in the condition as they looked in the pictures.

At least now the basket case is looking better than ever, as located the big parts that were missing.

[MG]

So as there seems to be a considerable amount of interest in information on suppliers and the experience customers made with the products they sell, how will we deal with this in the future?
Member's only section? Sorted by part description and/or -number? Rating system/poll function?

Just a few ideas to get started somehow.

Cheers, Markus

[RichardL]

Gents (and Ladies if your're listening; we have had one lady member to my recollection),

Right now, I must give kudos to Leigh Classics in Leigh On Sea, UK. Andy there runs a small shop working on BSA's and other british classics and he also builds and markets some quite beautiful RGS replicas. He has a selection of on-display new parts in his storefront shop and, I'm rather sure, an ubelievable assortment of used parts with a concentration on A10's. There is a website, but no online ordering: www.leighclassics.com . 

The reason I am getting all giddy is because he was able to provide for me what I was beginning to think was unobtanium, a layshaft speedo drive gear that was not for an RRT2 gearbox. Yes, I suppose there may be other suppliers out there who have them, but I went through 5 or 6 of my usual sources with no luck. Anyway, the part I bought is used and I got it at such a fair price I was complaining that it was too cheap.

Now, if this seems like a brash advertisement, it is, except I have no vested interest and I am not Andy's uncle. However, it is important that we patronize such small and good dealers to keep our lines of supply open and affordable. That's not to say that I don't like SRM, I do, and patronize them frequently, but, to me, Leigh Classics is a bit of a gem.

Richard L.

 

 

[Stephen Arsenal]

Hi mano,without online services,that is not going to help us expats,I bought a seat ,cost 10 pounds to send to my mother in Hove,she sent it on to germany,cost 40 or more so.This is going to be my last last project (although I was offered an early 60s BMW today for a very cheap price).What would be great,if there was a DVD of how to build/take apart in slow motion(not the Youtube video where they guy has it done in a minute)-(idiots guide) an a10,and also a disc with all the matching parts,which year,ect ect.Thing is most owners have probably tinkered with their bikes for quite a while and do´nt need such info anymore.How many people worldwide are now in the process of building an A10 ? if there were 3 million built worldwide,then there must be at least 1000 people at present ,rebuilding,half like myself would think nothing of shelling out a fiver for a10 info DVD,there should be some potential for someone to make so money there.