Quality issues... Price? You be the Judge. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 12:30 PM

We are always striving to get you the highest quality parts for the lowest possible prices. Here is an example for you guys to knaw on... The following pictures are of 72 Cheyenne Super door panel inserts. I have both of them here, so I was able to do side by side comparisons. I thought that I would show everyone the results. The first picture is an original insert still in the door panel from an original truck.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 12:33 PM

This picture is of a pair that we sell for $123.95

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 12:34 PM

This is a picture of one that LMC sells for $99.95.

Castiron9 · 10-02-2003, 12:39 PM

Wes.I think yours look much nicer and more original looking...Maybe have to come and pay you a visit soon...

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 12:41 PM

You be the judge. Ours are aluminum, stamped from the original tooling. You can even see and feel the woodgrain, just like the originals, and the raised pattern aluminum stripe is present just like the originals. LMC's are plastic, there isn't a raised strip of any kind, and you can't feel the woodgrain. They are even too dark.

Just goes to show you cheaper isn't always better. Which ones would you rather have? WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 01:19 PM

Thank you Castiron9, I would look forward to meeting you. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

busterwivell · 10-02-2003, 01:44 PM

Wes, everything I've gotten from you has been top quality. Thanks!

**StingRay** · 10-02-2003, 02:39 PM

Nice ! Now when is somebody going to come up with a top notch repro 72 plastic door panel?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 02:44 PM

Your welcome busterwivell, I have seen the same issues with heater cores and posted the differences in those also. Ours are Made in the USA and are guarranteed to fit! They are not as cheap as the ones that you buy at Auto Zone, Cut Rate, Schucks or LMC as far as that is conserned, but their's don't fit and require surgery on your origanal parts, and to the heater core itself to make it fit. Is it worth the extra $$$ to get something that fits and is higher quality?? Only you quys can answer that.. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 02:58 PM

StingRay, I wish I could answer that one for you. I believe I know what the problem is as to the quality of them. I was in plastics manufacturing for many years and know the causes and effects of a lot of thing that happen to a finnished product. I believe that the door panels are being removed from the molds too quickly, not being allowed enough time to cool befor removal. What that does, is to allow too much shrinkage for one. Not only do they shrink too much, they do not shrink the same amounts, so no two panels are the same dimentions even though they came out of the same mold. If they shrank the same, then you would be able to make up the differences in the tooling and run faster speeds, but it doesn't work that way because of the inconsistansy of the shrinkage. The manufacturer wouldn't listen to me about it, I guess they didn't figure I knew what I was talking about. So that left me with the only option I had and that was to warn prospective buyers about the quallity issues, witch I did in the parts discription in my website. At least then you know that you will have to do some modifications, befor you spend your money. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

**MJN** · 10-02-2003, 04:08 PM

WES, I agree that if you want a good part that is guaranteed to fit you need to spend a little more. As you know I was having a problem looking for a heater core for my Blazer and ended up getting a good used one. BTW, hows the search going to find someone to produce the correct A/C core? And yes to answer your question I would spend a little more for the correct parts.

cag17 · 10-02-2003, 04:14 PM

Guys,
I have dealt with these guys on some lower control arms and he is great to deal with. Couldn't ask for better service. I had looked for almost two months for these parts and everywhere that I went said that they would have to backorder them. I explained my situation to Wes and he called me back the next day and told me they would ship today. I am very pleased with his quality of service and will be in contact for later purchases.

cag17

mocwon · 10-02-2003, 04:24 PM

No doubt, your panel is far superior quality and at a fair price. If I were putting stock panels back in my truck I would want yours. As a Sr. Purchasing Agent for a major pharmaceutical company I have tons of experience with top quality suppliers and some lower quality suppliers as well. At work, I buy based on value, which incorporates many decision components with price being just one criterion. If we need the best for a particular application we buy it. If we don't then we will knowingly buy a lower quality. The key word here is "knowingly". What irritates me most about buying aftermarket parts for cars and trucks is that many times you think you are buying a top quality part only to receive an item of much lower quality. There is a market for both the lower quality LMC part and the superior quality part you sell. Not all folks buying parts for their trucks need or want the best/most expensive parts. What virtually everyone does want to know is what he or she is getting for their money before hand so there are no surprises upon receipt of the part.

70c10 · 10-02-2003, 06:23 PM

Wes, Your panels are only $12 more per panel and much better looking!

*dtlilly* · 10-02-2003, 06:46 PM

The LMC ones don't even come with the correct double chrome beading on the edges.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 10-02-2003, 07:00 PM

Thanks guys for the compliments on the panels, they are much apriciated. MJN, I have the cad drawing with the correct measurements and my supplyer is supposed to bring me a sample the next time they come by, but so far I havn't seen them. Anyway, with so many poor quality parts on the market, I just thought I would point out a problem product and show that we are selling a superior product. Not all LMC parts are bad, but they do seem to have more than their fair share. Like mocwon pointed out, there are lots more consideratios to pricing. Just keep in mind when purchasing parts, you get what you pay for and that extra money that we are all trying to save will have a cost also. That is usually fit and appearance. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

Spoof · 10-02-2003, 09:15 PM

I agree with all that has been said. I am also happy to pay much more for quality.
The problem is vendor web sites or catalouges often overstate the quality of repro products and give no information on who produced them. Knowing who manufactured the product is often a great indication of the quality.
I like a smaller vendor who can vouch for the product from experience( like Wes). Too many claim to provide excellent, just like original products which actually are neither.
It seems the reproduction market is suffering through a lot of disappointed customers.

cag17 · 10-03-2003, 07:48 AM

I think that the reproduction market is suffering from a lot of manufacturers that don't care about what they are trying to reproduce. I guess they are trying to create a product for the least amount of cost associated but in turn they create a less than perfect product and the customer is dissatisfied with the end result.

**COBALT** · 10-03-2003, 01:02 PM

I've had several problems with LMC stuff anyway.

Oh and I like you're clever advertising with this thread, WES! lol

10-02-2003, 12:30 PM	#1
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	Quality issues... Price? You be the Judge. We are always striving to get you the highest quality parts for the lowest possible prices. Here is an example for you guys to knaw on... The following pictures are of 72 Cheyenne Super door panel inserts. I have both of them here, so I was able to do side by side comparisons. I thought that I would show everyone the results. The first picture is an original insert still in the door panel from an original truck. __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys Last edited by Classic Heartbeat; 10-04-2007 at 07:08 PM.

10-02-2003, 12:33 PM	#2
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	This picture is of a pair that we sell for $123.95 __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys Last edited by Classic Heartbeat; 10-04-2007 at 07:08 PM.

10-02-2003, 12:34 PM	#3
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	This is a picture of one that LMC sells for $99.95. __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys Last edited by Classic Heartbeat; 10-04-2007 at 07:08 PM.

10-02-2003, 12:39 PM	#4
Castiron9 72 LONGHORN OWNER Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Wash. Posts: 963	Wes.I think yours look much nicer and more original looking...Maybe have to come and pay you a visit soon... __________________ 72-SUPER CHEYENNE/20 LONGHORN 70-C/30 DUALLY

10-02-2003, 12:41 PM	#5
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	You be the judge. Ours are aluminum, stamped from the original tooling. You can even see and feel the woodgrain, just like the originals, and the raised pattern aluminum stripe is present just like the originals. LMC's are plastic, there isn't a raised strip of any kind, and you can't feel the woodgrain. They are even too dark. Just goes to show you cheaper isn't always better. Which ones would you rather have? WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

10-02-2003, 01:19 PM	#6
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	Thank you Castiron9, I would look forward to meeting you. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

10-02-2003, 01:44 PM	#7
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	Wes, everything I've gotten from you has been top quality. Thanks! __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

10-02-2003, 02:39 PM	#8
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Nice ! Now when is somebody going to come up with a top notch repro 72 plastic door panel? __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

10-02-2003, 02:44 PM	#9
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	Your welcome busterwivell, I have seen the same issues with heater cores and posted the differences in those also. Ours are Made in the USA and are guarranteed to fit! They are not as cheap as the ones that you buy at Auto Zone, Cut Rate, Schucks or LMC as far as that is conserned, but their's don't fit and require surgery on your origanal parts, and to the heater core itself to make it fit. Is it worth the extra $$$ to get something that fits and is higher quality?? Only you quys can answer that.. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

10-02-2003, 02:58 PM	#10
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	StingRay, I wish I could answer that one for you. I believe I know what the problem is as to the quality of them. I was in plastics manufacturing for many years and know the causes and effects of a lot of thing that happen to a finnished product. I believe that the door panels are being removed from the molds too quickly, not being allowed enough time to cool befor removal. What that does, is to allow too much shrinkage for one. Not only do they shrink too much, they do not shrink the same amounts, so no two panels are the same dimentions even though they came out of the same mold. If they shrank the same, then you would be able to make up the differences in the tooling and run faster speeds, but it doesn't work that way because of the inconsistansy of the shrinkage. The manufacturer wouldn't listen to me about it, I guess they didn't figure I knew what I was talking about. So that left me with the only option I had and that was to warn prospective buyers about the quallity issues, witch I did in the parts discription in my website. At least then you know that you will have to do some modifications, befor you spend your money. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

10-02-2003, 04:08 PM	#11
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,040	WES, I agree that if you want a good part that is guaranteed to fit you need to spend a little more. As you know I was having a problem looking for a heater core for my Blazer and ended up getting a good used one. BTW, hows the search going to find someone to produce the correct A/C core? And yes to answer your question I would spend a little more for the correct parts. __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

10-02-2003, 04:14 PM	#12
cag17 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 140	Guys, I have dealt with these guys on some lower control arms and he is great to deal with. Couldn't ask for better service. I had looked for almost two months for these parts and everywhere that I went said that they would have to backorder them. I explained my situation to Wes and he called me back the next day and told me they would ship today. I am very pleased with his quality of service and will be in contact for later purchases. cag17 __________________ Bowtie Club of the Carolinas

10-02-2003, 04:24 PM	#13
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	Quality issues... Price? You be the Judge No doubt, your panel is far superior quality and at a fair price. If I were putting stock panels back in my truck I would want yours. As a Sr. Purchasing Agent for a major pharmaceutical company I have tons of experience with top quality suppliers and some lower quality suppliers as well. At work, I buy based on value, which incorporates many decision components with price being just one criterion. If we need the best for a particular application we buy it. If we don't then we will knowingly buy a lower quality. The key word here is "knowingly". What irritates me most about buying aftermarket parts for cars and trucks is that many times you think you are buying a top quality part only to receive an item of much lower quality. There is a market for both the lower quality LMC part and the superior quality part you sell. Not all folks buying parts for their trucks need or want the best/most expensive parts. What virtually everyone does want to know is what he or she is getting for their money before hand so there are no surprises upon receipt of the part. __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

10-02-2003, 06:23 PM	#14
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Wes, Your panels are only $12 more per panel and much better looking! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

10-02-2003, 06:46 PM	#15
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	The LMC ones don't even come with the correct double chrome beading on the edges.



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10-02-2003, 07:00 PM	#16
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,767	Thanks guys for the compliments on the panels, they are much apriciated. MJN, I have the cad drawing with the correct measurements and my supplyer is supposed to bring me a sample the next time they come by, but so far I havn't seen them. Anyway, with so many poor quality parts on the market, I just thought I would point out a problem product and show that we are selling a superior product. Not all LMC parts are bad, but they do seem to have more than their fair share. Like mocwon pointed out, there are lots more consideratios to pricing. Just keep in mind when purchasing parts, you get what you pay for and that extra money that we are all trying to save will have a cost also. That is usually fit and appearance. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

10-02-2003, 09:15 PM	#17
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	I agree with all that has been said. I am also happy to pay much more for quality. The problem is vendor web sites or catalouges often overstate the quality of repro products and give no information on who produced them. Knowing who manufactured the product is often a great indication of the quality. I like a smaller vendor who can vouch for the product from experience( like Wes). Too many claim to provide excellent, just like original products which actually are neither. It seems the reproduction market is suffering through a lot of disappointed customers. __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

10-03-2003, 07:48 AM	#18
cag17 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 140	I think that the reproduction market is suffering from a lot of manufacturers that don't care about what they are trying to reproduce. I guess they are trying to create a product for the least amount of cost associated but in turn they create a less than perfect product and the customer is dissatisfied with the end result. __________________ Bowtie Club of the Carolinas

10-03-2003, 01:02 PM	#19
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	I've had several problems with LMC stuff anyway. Oh and I like you're clever advertising with this thread, WES! lol __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

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