C1- 2X4 Repro Air Cleaner Gripe

[studiog]

Just received my (new) air cleaner yesterday and was very disappointed in the quality, it had several defects so I called the dealer to send it back and get a replacement. They told me they would take it back but that I would have a very difficult time finding one that was better. They said the quality of this part is consistently below their quality standards but they had no recourse since they don't manufacture it themselves. I called two other dealers and they essentially told me the same thing but one added that they have to open the cartons and try to find a good top half and good bottom half, then they re-box them but still will not guarantee quality.

The defects included the top half being bent in one area, as well as being rusty on the inside. Also has scratches on the top finished side. The base part has discoloration or oxidation spots and the screen printed area is very poor quality. I purchased as as first quality item and this is definitely not even acceptable as second quality. Two of the dealers said the air cleaners come from Vette Products of Michigan, the third would not say but said they all come from a single source. I was very disappointed to see such poor workmanship on a product "Made in the USA" as well as in it being a GM restoration part. I've never seen anything like this during the whole restoration of my 61.

Does anyone out there know of an another source.

 

[vintagecorvette]

They are hard to find. Even the used beat up originals are pricey, look on Ebay or call a dealer with used parts, you may luck out. Then you can get an original that you can restore to your liking. oWEN

 

[Tom Bryant]

The sad part is that the maker has no insentive to improve the product. There is not a large enough demand to inspire another repro parts maker to invest in the tooling to make a better one.

I would suggest buying an original and having it restored. A less than perfect original is still better than a crappy repro.

 

[61 Silver]

Gary

Try Vette Products, They make them.

http://www.vetteproducts.net/

Ray

 

[studiog]

vintagevette & Tom Bryant: Thanks for the advice. Restoring an original may be the best way to go. Tom, one of the vendors I talked to said exactly what you are saying. They have a take it or leave it attitude. Guess they have no pride at all in their workmanship.

Ray: Vette Products of Michigan is who I am talking about.

 

[61 Silver]

Hi! Gary

They are very difficult to deal with. They left the center body mounts off my frame. When I called the first time they told me that they left them off because they would get bend and damaged during shipment. I was picking the frame up and I wasn't to concerned with damage. I called the second time because they sent me two right mounts and a different person told me that they never align correctly and that they must be field installed. Two stories same problem. While I was at their facility I noticed a 2 X 4 air cleaner that looked great. I ask them the price and who made them. The gentleman that I was dealing with told me that they made them. Sorry to hear about your problems.

Ray

 

[2X4's 60]

Sorry to hear about your problems. I've spent thousands of $$$$ at Vette Products of Michigan and I'm very happy with their products and their service. I bought a 2X4 air cleaner from them 20+ years ago to replace a beat up original. The quality was great and it looks perfect.