Reproduction Parts

[Original Smith]

I don't care much for reproduction parts. Why? Because most of the time whoever made them cut corners, and didn't do it correctly. One recent example. Pre 1921 fan blades. The reproduction blades are very nice, except the ends are not convex as original. They went to so much trouble to do what they did, why didn't they finish it up?
Many years ago I was restoring one of my cars, and couldn't find the correct lower windshield frame rubber seal that was used on the slant windshield models from 23-25. I found an original sample, and had it reproduced exactly. Because of that, I got a very talented T friend who is good at doing plastic stuff, and we teamed up to create Original Smith Model T parts. We operated it together for over 20 years, and I decided to let my partner have my half. He is still doing it. My motto is, if it isn't as good as Ford made it, we will not reproduce it. It worked out pretty good.

[RGould1910]

Good for you Larry.
Just a side note. I used to hear people telling me youre a perfectionist. I got tired of hearing that. Thinking on it I realized that when someone says that it means you do a better job than they do.

[Steve Jelf]

My motto is, if it isn't as good as Ford made it, we will not reproduce it.

Some reproductions are incorrect due to carelessness. There's no excuse for that. Others are due to cost of production. Ford was able to spread the cost of production for a certain part over millions that were made. The guy making fewer parts can't do that. A kluge made by the millions costs a lot less than a kluge made a dozen or 100 at a time. That's why nobody is making 26-27 fuel tanks. They can't spread the cost over millions of tanks, and making ten or twenty would make them too expensive to be profitable. We have to find usable 26-27 gas tanks, not because they can't be made, but because they can't be made to sell at an affordable price.

[YellowTRacer]

Problem is most Model T guys are not that fussy. Close is good enough, and cheap makes it more desirable. If Chaffins has the correct great reproduction part and it's $72.00, and Langs has the same part only made in China, for $43.00, guess who's gonna stay in business? No disrespect meant for either business name mentioned, both are great to deal with and have good stuff. You gotta be able to make it cheap or Model A and T guys won't buy it.

Ed aka #4

[A Whiteman]

My motto is, if it isn't as good as Ford made it, we will not reproduce it. It worked out pretty good.

As our cars continue into their 2nd century I will be glad for any part I can get when I need it, even if it takes a bit of fiddling to make it fit.
Those who don't agree may head over to the Ford dealer or auto store and get a new one direct.

[CudaMan]

Model T guys are spoiled. Try finding parts for a 1912 Flanders!

[AndyClary]

When we say reproduction are we referring to all the parts? I consider gaskets, axles, engine parts and the like to be replacement parts. I put door handles, switches and such as reproduction. I’ve gotten trim parts and switches and such that are serviceable but definitely identifiable as reproduction.

Andy

[Norman Kling]

Now I know why Larry Smith calls himself "Original Smith". I just thought he was just judgemental of anyone's car which is not completely original. Sorry Larry. I didn't know why.
Norm

[Been Here Before]

I would think that it could be a parts conundrum.

Whether to purchase a used original fender for say $100.00 that needs to be prepped repaired and repainted. Or to purchase a reproduction for $300.00 that needs prepped and painted.

Untitlednewrrear.jpg (7.77 KiB) Viewed 2732 times

imagesmodeltfordused.jpg (12.84 KiB) Viewed 2732 times

[bowerss2]

Problem is most Model T guys are not that fussy. Close is good enough, and cheap makes it more desirable. If Chaffins has the correct great reproduction part and it's $72.00, and Langs has the same part only made in China, for $43.00, guess who's gonna stay in business? No disrespect meant for either business name mentioned, both are great to deal with and have good stuff. You gotta be able to make it cheap or Model A and T guys won't buy it.

Ed aka #4

This hits the nail on the head.

[Ken Buhler]

Perfectionist is a misnomer because we are all fallible. Perfectionism is a practice of doing anything to the best of human ability. Coupled with an abundance of patience, that is truly a blessing that should be honored and respected.

[Daisy Mae]

My first T restoration started in 1980. My second this year.
One thing I recall decades ago was the sheer amount of parts available, and a lot NOS. But at the same time, there were no TT parts like there are now, nor was there much in the way of brass era period correct pieces, forget getting your hands on Mae West shackles or brass oiler axle pieces. Sheet metal? Forget it, but Rootlieb was new and had a limited selection, mostly hoods, though started making more and more pieces over that decade.
Compared to now, while I still see a good selection, better in many respects, I see the "out of stock" more frequently, and a curious lack of what I'd call normal maintenance parts. Front hub bearings, of any type, was my first shocker moment. I have a general sense that what we knew in the 80's that a Model T was the easiest car to restore, ain't so true any more. I hear stories of old time suppliers closing right & left these past few years. Beyond that, there's no comparison to the number of machine, engine, radiator shops back then compared to now.
My take on Repro parts....quality is a luxury when compared to no availability. I can often modify a part to fit. While I'd prefer a quality part, I'd rather have something than nothing....and nothing seems to be ever increasing when I compare looking for parts 40+ years ago to today.
Somewhere buried I believe I still have catalogues from Lang's, Snyders and Mac from the 80's...would be an interesting comparison....might have to dig...