15 replies to this topic

[digitalfriction]

I remember doing my last mini 12 or so years ago, a 1380 with STR cam, and parts quality was really good. Now it seems to be really difficult to get good quality, ive had repackaged rusty shell bearings, completely wrong size parts sent, and now a clutch plate from minispares, appalling quality, every spring on it is loose and rattling. I cant find any return info, so have emailed minispares with a video....no reply so far.

Does anyone supply good parts?

[mab01uk]

Minispares are usually good....

 

Somerford import a selection of Valtain Japanese Mini parts:-

https://www.somerfor...keyword=Valtain

 

High Quality Mini Parts Direct from Japan

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=5&t=28486

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 15 November 2020 - 11:38 AM.

[kit352]

My last shipment from minispares mostly went into the trash can. 3 out of 4 rear tail lens cracked/chipped or broken, one side mirror was so loose as to be useless and the supposed rubber gaskets i bought were foam. All junk and i couldnt be bothered with sending everything back so i binned it. I could never get in touch with them anyways and gave up after a week.

[beardylondon]

Someone may correct me, but I believe Wojtek does returns:

[email protected]

I remember doing my last mini 12 or so years ago, a 1380 with STR cam, and parts quality was really good. Now it seems to be really difficult to get good quality, ive had repackaged rusty shell bearings, completely wrong size parts sent, and now a clutch plate from minispares, appalling quality, every spring on it is loose and rattling. I cant find any return info, so have emailed minispares with a video....no reply so far.

Does anyone supply good parts?

[sonikk4]

Or contact [email protected] on here.

 

The thing is no matter where you go you find issues. I spent a chunk of change on a Heritage Clubman bonnet through minispares. Now the build quality on that bonnet should never had got any further than quality control at BMH. It was shockingly poor and was not fit for purpose. Yes i could have rectified all of the problems by stripping the reinforcement frame out, dealing with dents in that, dealing with the awful spot welds, the razor sharp burrs everywhere but hell no.

 

I spent good money on what i expected to be a near OE panel as i could get. Magnum could have done a better job to be honest. Anyway i contacted Simon, showed him the pictures. They ordered a replacement bonnet and informed me when it was ready for collection. Took the shoddy one back and they let me inspect the replacement thoroughly before i was happy.

[weef]

It is maybe OK that they got a replacement panel but the problem is that they sent out a substandard one in the first place. Do they think this is an acceptable practice? Surely they cannot think that people will not complain ?.

[sonikk4]

It is maybe OK that they got a replacement panel but the problem is that they sent out a substandard one in the first place. Do they think this is an acceptable practice? Surely they cannot think that people will not complain ?.

 

Who, minispares or BMH?? BMH quality control (if they have one,) should never have put the panel out in the first place. It was not damaged in transit just put together by Stevie Wonder.

 

And it was close inspection by me that found all of the issues. I'm not blaming Minispares at all. Not everyone knows where to look for issues. The fact i had fully stripped down an original bonnet and i mean completely dismantled was one of the reasons why i knew where to look.

 

You would like to hope that all of the suppliers to companies like Minispares, Minisport etc etc have quality control in place as well but if a package is sealed by them (the manufacturer ) then you don't expect the company that sold you the product to un package it to send on.

[blacktulip]

Everything is rubbish these days as everyone wants to maximise profits for business purposes. Not just the sellers but manufacturers as well. Manufacturers have to compete to stay in business.

[RoGaMini]

Bit of an old subject, i know. I bought a lot of replacement parts for my '84 Mini the past year. From different suppliers. Most of the time i am a bit disappointed by the quality... New brakecylinders leaking out of the box, wobbeling brake drums, bad rubber parts. Wheel bearings. Its not great.

 

I don't mind paying extra for quality but it seems they just don't make that anymore. It has been said before, the most frustrating for me is that they sent out rubbish, and they know it. Ordered a set of wheels recently and one of them was like this: https://youtu.be/Cu15oHK78_4 This wheel has been on their balancing machine and gone though their hands. You simply can not send this out to a customer. And another thing, mistakes can be made, but not replying to emails about their mistakes is a no go in my book..

Edited by RoGaMini, 13 April 2021 - 09:13 AM.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Next to nothing is made in the UK any more

 

It is all mainly from one supplier - who - manufacture on a bulk basis. 

 

The sample pieces are really good and pass the inspection process - that's when it all goes pear shaped. Any old material then suffices.

 

The goods come in, it gets put on the shelf, it gets picked and is sent out. Warehouse staff don't look at it or sample it - why should they ?

 

If I bought items in at bulk, I look at it, if I am not happy, it went back with a quality issue - simple.

 

If I am not happy, then I know someone else won't be either - easy.

 

Items don't get checked at random any more to nip the problem in the bud.

[bikewiz]

The quality is down because everyone wants it for less than what it should cost. A good example, ball joints. MS sell a kit for 18.72 GBP, Somerford 52.48 for "genuine Rover" or you can buy a superior sealed Japanese made joint for 39 GBP each. Which do you buy? If you say sod that I'm not paying 39 GBP for one ball joint then stop complaining about poor quality. Quality costs. Cheap is cheap no matter how you slice it.

[andyapanel]

Pay is too low, also. I popped into Minispares Oldbury 2 years ago to get a water pump. The guy I spoke to on the desk was knowledgable and we agreed on the pump for the engine. It came out of the warehouse, I paid for it, and I thought, I will just check the bypass. Sure enough, the bypass was an open one and I needed a blanked off one. It was resolved then and there, but I think a lot of employees just don't have the mini bug. I must say Somerfords all seem to be mini enthusiasts, and really helpful, whoever you speak to.

I used to think the higher the cost, the greater the quality, but after having a set of front Timkens fail after a few hundred miles, rubbish BMH hinges that barely move and really good Minispares own brand stuff lasting for thousands of miles, I don't know. There are also certain retailers I would NEVER buy from...we all know who they are.

[minimat]

Just replaced the front drumbrake backplates on my gfs mk1 mini and it took 3 sets from two different suppliers to get some that worked, i fitted one on a 82 mini i had 20 years ago and it was perfect first time, oh and the new clutch slave cylinder ive jut fitted to her car weeps slightly near the flexi hose despite a new copper washer and the pipe being as new.

I don't understand how people do full restorations now as constantly having to return faulty parts must become very tiresome.

[Spherix]

That last sentence is one of the reasons I am not done yet. Have had lots of items with poor fitment or quality. Most of the time I dont even bother with returns, take my losses and hunt for old stock as it's not worth the hassle.

[sonscar]

Parts may be poor but you can buy them.Repair what you have or manufacture your own?unlikely.I agree that paying more often means you are just paying more.Fun isn't it.Steve..