new vs. rebuilt parts (rant)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
new vs. rebuilt parts (rant)
I have been on this forum since it began.. I constantly see "I just put a new this or that on my car and I have this problem" What they really mean is "Rebuilt" . Call it what it is so others will know that there is a good chance of the part being bad. Rebuilt parts are notorious for being poor quality. Many times people put a new(rebuilt) part on their car and the problem is still there. So...They figure it can't be the carburetor (or whatever it is that they replaced) because I just replaced it. Now they spend hours and lots money troubleshooting and then find out that the replacement part was bad. I know I am venting here but if you put a rebuilt part on your car please don't call it a new part, just say rebuilt. Also if you hunt all over town for the cheapest part don't complain when three or four in a row fail. I realize rebuilt parts have there place but when you put them on $15K corvette.. I just doesn't make sense. Sorry... 
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Lima Ohio
Originally Posted by Larry B.
I have been on this forum since it began.. I constantly see "I just put a new this or that on my car and I have this problem" What they really mean is "Rebuilt" . Call it what it is so others will know that there is a good chance of the part being bad. Rebuilt parts are notorious for being poor quality. Many times people put a new(rebuilt) part on their car and the problem is still there. So...They figure it can't be the carburetor (or whatever it is that they replaced) because I just replaced it. Now they spend hours and lots money troubleshooting and then find out that the replacement part was bad. I know I am venting here but if you put a rebuilt part on your car please don't call it a new part, just say rebuilt. Also if you hunt all over town for the cheapest part don't complain when three or four in a row fail. I realize rebuilt parts have there place but when you put them on $15K corvette.. I just doesn't make sense. Sorry...
I'd suggest that some of the thinking may be similar to buying a "refurbished" computer. In that circumstance, buying a refurb is often better as it's been looked over much more thoroughly. Perhabs not the same as "rebuilt"
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
In general, I agree. Especially as you get older, time becomes more improtant than money, and the chance of having to spend another 2 hours to replace a defective rebuilt part again because I saved $50 on the part over new (and usually less) doesn't make sense. But, then again, when I was 17, I would drive all over town to save $4!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,187
Likes: 4,008
From: Connecticut, USA
Hi Larry,
I bought new rear backing plates, they didn't fit.
I bought new front plates,they didn't fit.
New rear spindles, had .009" runout in the spindle flange.
New trans mount,catalog didn't mention wasn't for Corvette
New Hurst shifter(3 times),sloppier then the stock Muncie shifter
New side yoke seals ,sealed about as good as Bonnie And Clyde last car.
New chrome M/C cover(3 times) didn't fit
These are off the top of my head, can't remember how many times I just fixed the new part and used it. If I use rebuilt parts then most of the time I rebuilt it- using the same new parts above! Catch 22 anyone!
Gary
I bought new rear backing plates, they didn't fit.
I bought new front plates,they didn't fit.
New rear spindles, had .009" runout in the spindle flange.
New trans mount,catalog didn't mention wasn't for Corvette
New Hurst shifter(3 times),sloppier then the stock Muncie shifter
New side yoke seals ,sealed about as good as Bonnie And Clyde last car.
New chrome M/C cover(3 times) didn't fit
These are off the top of my head, can't remember how many times I just fixed the new part and used it. If I use rebuilt parts then most of the time I rebuilt it- using the same new parts above! Catch 22 anyone!
Gary
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,382
Likes: 6,401
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
I call this the "50% hobby." Only about 50% of the parts ever fit, work, or perform as they should. And I think that's an optimistic number...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
Likes: 4
From: Austin Tx
I hear ya...The pwr window mtr on my 72 just went out. I figured, well is is a 32 yr old elec mtr, it is going to die eventually. When I went in to take it out, saw that previous owner had replaced the original with a reman motor...But I ended up buying another used one for $45 for another forum member to replace it. I just couldn't bring myself to shelling out $125 for a new one. I know that the $45 one could go out after a week of use, but I guess I am a gambler.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Originally Posted by Gage
I just couldn't bring myself to shelling out $125 for a new one. I know that the $45 one could go out after a week of use, but I guess I am a gambler.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Partzzzzzz
Hey,,I spent a major portion of my working life as a parts counterman/parts mgr. etc. Both at new car dealers and at auto parts stores. All in all, I've seen and have been the recipient of "NEW" and rebuilt parts that wouldnt work,,,,,,defective. wouldnt fit,,,,,,,,, and just cleaned and reboxed,,,,,now I buy rebuilt parts. New is for someone who thinks (as I usta ) "MUST BE GOOD,IT'S NEW". There are different degrees of rebuilt parts, some are junk, but if you know which company really rebuilds , rather then just clean up old crap, you cant lose. A bit of research on your part and you can save some bucks. Peace,,,,,,,,,,,Craig 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Interesting. I have not had that experience with rebuilt parts from good stores or name brands. I will not buy house brand alternators, starters, or plug wires from Advance or Auto Zone because I have been burnt, but other than that I have had good success with parts. I usually buy at CarQuest or NAPA. I do mechanic work as a sideline business to help pay for the Vette.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,187
Likes: 4,008
From: Connecticut, USA
Originally Posted by pgtr
Can anyone offer a distinction between REMANUFACTURED vs REBUILT vs REFURBISHED parts?
rename it Remanufactured add 25%
rename it Refurbished add 50%
Ask for the in- house service part, get a new box,same part add 75%
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
When my alternator went bad, I took it off and had a well established shop "rebuild" it. It was as good as if not better than new, numbers were still good and I saved a few bucks! FAR better than Auto Zone, Pep Boys ETC.
