Bill, I agree that BSAs are quite well provided for as far as spare parts are concerned, but I do think that the owners club could get a bit more involved in spare part availability. There are, as you rightly state some really good, and helpful spares suppliers out there. Dealers, however mostly stock and sell relatively high turn over parts. They are after all running businesses and are limited in what they offer by commercial constraints, and this is where the BSAOC could make a contribution by identifying items in short supply. As an ex Douglas owner, and member of the Douglas owners club I know that is how they operate. Where something is in short supply the club researches the practicalities of getting things made. Of course cost is an important factor, and this why dealers do not stock items that have perhaps a limited demand. Tin ware is a good example of parts scarcity (RGS and Goldies being the exception to the rule). However the Indians have identified and exploited a gap in the market for various items of tin ware. Petrol tanks, oil tanks, and tool boxes for example, and even mudguards for C12s! The quality varies enormously, and this where the owners club could get involved by negotiating with these people on behalf of club members by advising on and assisting in setting out dimensional parameters. As it stands right now many of the items produced leave much to be desired. The fit is often not very good, and petrol tanks are often supplied that leak. You see countless complaints by people that are unhappy about the quality of the items that they have bought, but crucially the situation does not improve because the disgruntled buyer will say what rubbish the part supplied is, but that person as an individual has very little clout in practical terms. I must say that I do agree with you that most parts suppliers that I have done business with have been fine. C&D Autos I have found to be exceptionally helpful. When I renewed my petrol pipes they even lent me their ferule crimping tool to do the job, and did not ask for a deposit. All done on trust. Great service!
John