Parts quality

Talk about the E-Type Series 1
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peters3103
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#1 Parts quality

Post by peters3103 » Wed Jul 31, 2019 4:11 am

Hi gents,
I have a 3.8 shopping list including front suspension rebuild kit, clutch kit, timing chain kit, timing cover gasket & seal, sump gasket & rear main seal, cam cover gaskets, manifold gaskets & chrome cylinder head nut kit.
Any supplier recommendations for top quality parts?

Cheers,
Pete
Pete
61 E-Type FHC Opalescent Golden Sand
69 XJ6 4.2 MOD Old English White - one previous owner
16 XE R Sport 25t Polaris White - shopping trolley
63 MGB Roadster Aintree Green - my dads from new

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madjack4
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#2 Re: Parts quality

Post by madjack4 » Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:39 pm

Hi good luck most of the parts supplied by the main suppliers are pattern parts most are poor quality so if parts come and dont fit or look poor just send them back for a refund i guess we are blessed that we can get any type of parts for a 50 year old car best of look

Regards Rob
Rob 1972 s3 roadster
Aston Martin DB9 Volante

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christopher storey
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#3 Re: Parts quality

Post by christopher storey » Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:42 pm

Rob: unfortunately , his location in Canberra makes this a bit of a difficulty. However, most of the parts you want are not really size critical which is the most usual problem with pattern parts. What is needed is OEM parts for e.g. the clutch ( Laycock from memory, or it could be AP ), Renold for the chains, and OEM Jaguar stuff for the gaskets/seals. A few e mails to SNGB is still likely to produce the best results, making it clear that returns for poor quality are just not on given the distance ! The one area which I feel really could pose problems is what the OP calls front suspension rebuild kit . The ball joints etc are not a problem , but if the top wishbones are worn then replacement is usually the only way to go. Incidentally I have had several sets of chromework from SNGB all of which have been good

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madjack4
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#4 Re: Parts quality

Post by madjack4 » Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:36 pm

Hi again u mention the clutch i put a borg n beck in my s3 ive been in the motor trade for 37years working for myself the borg n beck clutch is not what they used to be most parts may say it on the box but take it from me they are not made by who u think as the old saying goes is says oxo on the bus but does not sell it ive rebuilt my car twice after big accidents and most parts i have bought dont fit or are not fit for the job i hope he has some luck he will need it
Regards Rob
Rob 1972 s3 roadster
Aston Martin DB9 Volante

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splosh
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#5 Re: Parts quality

Post by splosh » Wed Jul 31, 2019 10:16 pm

If you want the honest advice for a reputable supplier for your engine gaskets, clutch etc then speak to Rob Beere and Coventry Auto Components. Excelent products that I very much doubt you would need to return (from experience) and they have a hands on wealth of knowledge.
SNGB for your suspension components.
Clive
August 1961 Flat floor ots

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Sarthe72
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#6 Re: Parts quality

Post by Sarthe72 » Thu Aug 01, 2019 3:48 am

It seems to me, both from experience and talking to SNGB, that some effort is being made to improve the quality of replacement parts. Things that I carried and regularly failed were, for example, a fuel pump, in line brake switch and especially an oil pressure sender, of which I have had numerous. But I haven't had to change any of these since at least five years back, so someone is getting things right.

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peters3103
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#7 Re: Parts quality

Post by peters3103 » Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:50 pm

Thanks for all advice gents, my engine builder keeps the timing parts in stock sourced from Rob Beere so will go with them and order my front suspension parts & clutch independently. Not sure what clutch is in it as it’s been fitted with an all synchro box. I’ll be pulling the engine out when I return from my Goodwood trip (all the way from Aus).
Pete
61 E-Type FHC Opalescent Golden Sand
69 XJ6 4.2 MOD Old English White - one previous owner
16 XE R Sport 25t Polaris White - shopping trolley
63 MGB Roadster Aintree Green - my dads from new

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abowie
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#8 Re: Parts quality

Post by abowie » Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:56 pm

Sarthe72 wrote:
Thu Aug 01, 2019 3:48 am
It seems to me, both from experience and talking to SNGB, that some effort is being made to improve the quality of replacement parts.
That hasn't been my experience. And I spent UKP10,000 with them last year. I usually get my money back though.

Problem is they all source the parts from the same places, so it really doesn't matter who you buy from. I get the same standard of parts and service from the others as well.
Last edited by abowie on Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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#9 Re: Parts quality

Post by abowie » Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:01 pm

See below, it won't let me delete this...
Last edited by abowie on Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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abowie
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#10 Re: Parts quality

Post by abowie » Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:19 pm

peters3103 wrote:
Wed Jul 31, 2019 4:11 am
Hi gents,
I have a 3.8 shopping list including front suspension rebuild kit, clutch kit, timing chain kit, timing cover gasket & seal, sump gasket & rear main seal, cam cover gaskets, manifold gaskets & chrome cylinder head nut kit.
Any supplier recommendations for top quality parts?

Cheers,
Pete
front suspension rebuild kit: I haven't found much difference between any of the generic rubber bushes. Some of the older Polybushes disintegrate quickly. IMO having used both types in my cars the rubber is more to my liking for drive-ability.

I like the one piece Lemforder lower ball joints as a complete replacement for the original setup.

The black rubber upper ball joint covers are rubbish; use the clear ones. If you have wear in the ball joint area of the upper wishbone you are better off buying two new wishbones with the modern nylon inserts, sold by SNGB and others.

clutch kit: I have used both the AP and Borg and Beck clutches in all of my 4 cars, and we use them in all customer cars. We have not had any problems with them.

timing chain kit: brand name and avoid the ones with joining links.

timing cover gasket & seal: I use the Payen gasket kits and they are good.
I personally have had trouble with the Teflon front crank seals and have had bad leaks on 2 of my cars, resulting in me needing to replace the seals. Now this may just be my incompetence, but I now use the original nitrile rubber seals and they don't seem to leak. Longevity is yet to be determined, but modern cars use the same seals with seemingly no problems. Replace the seal runner regardless of what you choose.

sump gasket & rear main seal: again, the name brand Payen etc kit works fine. I put a smear of silicone on both sides of the rear sump seal and a little dob in both the corners where it meets the crank seal housing.
The rear rope seal works well as long as it is properly installed with the sizing tool and some experience. I personally would avoid any of the rear seal "upgrades"; some people find they leak as well.

cam cover gaskets: I just use the Payen paper ones and they don't seem to give me trouble. Spray Hylomar on both sides and a titch of silicone in the back corners.

manifold gaskets: again Payen etc. Silicone around the water holes for the inlet. I have taken to using a high temperature silicone on the exhaust too as this seems to stop irritating little leaks there.

chrome cylinder head nut kit: SNGB seem to provide 2 different kits at different prices. Not sure if the quality is different. This is one where you could rechrome your old ones. If you need some spares let me know; I have a shitload of them.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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peters3103
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#11 Re: Parts quality

Post by peters3103 » Fri Aug 02, 2019 3:39 am

It’s a real dilemma and very frustrating getting inferior quality parts that don’t fit properly and are cheap copies of the originals. This has been a regular occurrence for me so I try to use NOS or refurbished original parts where I can.
Thanks to the responders and in particular Andrew for your comprehensive reply. I wish I lived closer so I could shout you a beer 🍻!
Perhaps one day.

Regards again,
Pete
Pete
61 E-Type FHC Opalescent Golden Sand
69 XJ6 4.2 MOD Old English White - one previous owner
16 XE R Sport 25t Polaris White - shopping trolley
63 MGB Roadster Aintree Green - my dads from new

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MarkRado
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#12 Re: Parts quality

Post by MarkRado » Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:11 am

Andrew,
where do you get Payen gaskets from? Are the sold individually as well?
Mark
1963 OTS 880436

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abowie
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#13 Re: Parts quality

Post by abowie » Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:45 am

MarkRado wrote:
Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:11 am
Andrew,
where do you get Payen gaskets from? Are the sold individually as well?
I usually buy from SNGB but sometimes from D Manners.

Part numbers for 3.8 from https://www.fmmotorparts.eu/ but you could search anywhere.

GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD
Part Number: AE540

GASKET SET, CRANK CASE
Part Number: EE532

GASKET, EXHAUST MANIFOLD
Part Number: JA272

GASKET SET, CYLINDER HEAD
Part Number: CE542
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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#14 Re: Parts quality

Post by MarkRado » Fri Aug 02, 2019 9:28 pm

Thank you, I ll check them
Mark
1963 OTS 880436

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peters3103
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#15 Re: Parts quality

Post by peters3103 » Wed Dec 04, 2019 11:03 am

Andrew, where do you source Lemforder lower ball joints? SNGB?
Pete
61 E-Type FHC Opalescent Golden Sand
69 XJ6 4.2 MOD Old English White - one previous owner
16 XE R Sport 25t Polaris White - shopping trolley
63 MGB Roadster Aintree Green - my dads from new

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#16 Re: Parts quality

Post by abowie » Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:21 pm

Usually I use SNBG.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14577&p=118716&hili ... er#p118704

was a reply on a previous thread.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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#17 Re: Parts quality

Post by peters3103 » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:17 am

Thanks Andrew, SNG have them so will add a pair to the ever growing cart!
Pete
61 E-Type FHC Opalescent Golden Sand
69 XJ6 4.2 MOD Old English White - one previous owner
16 XE R Sport 25t Polaris White - shopping trolley
63 MGB Roadster Aintree Green - my dads from new

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