What would you ask someone who works for one of the big parts suppliers?

In a little more than month we host the British Motor Trade Association's annual talk. This group contains the companies that serve the British car hobby, from one-man repair shops to giants like Moss, Victoria's British and Hagerty. So, if you had a question for them, what is it? And if there's a new product you'd like to see, what is it? Is there a part with a problem currently being sold?

Basically, if you have a concern or question, let us relay it for you.

And if you're in the area and want to ask personally, you can: http://classicmotorsports.net/events/bmta/

"Are you hiring?"

Why did Moss Motors stop selling the Magnacharger blower for the MG T-Series? I had a Judson blower rebuilt, but it's a vane-type, and I would have preferred a modern, efficient, Rootes-type blower. Plus, a new one would have been cheaper than my total purchase and rebuild cost for the Judson.

Can somebody convince tire manufacturers to make decent tires for older cars?

In reply to Ian F:

This! +10000

If it helps, I'm still lobbying friends in the tire business for classic-friendly sizes. Sadly, we haven't been able to get a tire company to a BMTA meeting. We're working on it, though.

David - and another one. I'm looking for someone who can build an absolutely reliable and frosty front and rear air conditioning system for a Daimler DS420 limousine. It's all Jag 420G architecture, but original Brit AC systems aren't worth a pinch of snot, so I need a system that'll cool both driver and passengers - who will be expecting luxo accommodations. Delco/Frigidaire/GM parts are what the XJ6's used, but I'll need reliable switchgear, too.

I seem to remember this conversion last year (or the year before).

LESS emphasis on price. MORE emphasis on quality.

I don't care that Spitfires were cheap to maintain 30 years ago. What I want now is a part I can install and know will still function properly 12 months from now. If said part costs 2 or 3 times the OE equivalent, then fine.

The price vs. quality talk is a popular one, as there are still customers who shop on price. Is there a specific component that's been prone to failure in your experience? If so, let me know and we'll pass along that info.

I'm surprised that Corky Coker hasn't entered the vintage import market. Has anyone invited him to the BMTA?

"a specific component that's been prone to failure in your experience?"

CHEAP ASS RUBBER PIECES- PARTS!

(non-hyd. of course, they are made by real companys.)

Leo Basile wrote: "a specific component that's been prone to failure in your experience?" CHEAP ASS RUBBER PIECES- PARTS! (non-hyd. of course, they are made by real companys.)

Make, model, application and part number of the offending pieces? The more specific the info, the more specific the fix. Seriously, we have the ability to chase down the problem parts. It's for the better of the whole scene.

David,

Its seems across the board, the rubber stuff that I have bought over the last 10 years or so has been exceptionally poor quality.

I have not kept a list, and buy from 3 or 4 suppliers: Moss, TRF, Victoria...ect.

Parts like headlight bucket gaskets and the teardrop shaped rubber that sits under the fender mirriors. I think it fare to say "restoration parts", not mechanical parts...If that makes sence. They are dry rotting and splitting as soon as I can put them on.

I dont mind spending a fare price for a quality product.

Lastly, Just because China ownes MG now dosent mean they need to make all the replacement parts!

Leo

I agree that better quality control and better materials on restoration type parts would be nice. I dont own a a british car, but I think its a problem for every type of vehicle.

Haven't looked on the restoration side for a while - but it seemed like interior carpet and trim only came in tan, gray or black from the catalog companies. Why not factory materials/colors for at least the mass produced stuff?

David - another question: Who can provide me with a full set of MGA-splined steel or Minilite-type 16 x 4 or 16 x 5 wheels. My 16" 48 spoke wire wheels on my TD are fine for normal use, but I'll soon need a stronger set of wheels. I've got something of the same tire problem that others have mentioned with only a few types available in 185/16, but if I can get a set of stronger wheels, I can run modern tubeless Bridgestone 195/80/16's built for the electric RAV4 - better tires and much cheaper than going to Coker or Universal for old-style Michelins, Vredesteins, or Firestones - and I'll put up with the 'problem' of having a modern-looking tread on a vintage automobile.

Thank you, Dave

In reply to David S. Wallens Please start sourcing parts in the USA, or at least NOT in China. I will pay more for them.