I have been burned on Chinese produced auto parts so many times, I always look for parts made anywhere else. Lots of times, it’s impossible. I don’t care what the non-Chinese part costs, because sometimes it costs way more in time and sweat to get to the part you need to replace than the part costs. Even the parts for my 1948 Plymouth are now produced in the CCP.
Here’s the problem. The Chinese economy is more concerned with keeping people employed than it is with efficiency or cost. That means they can, and often do, sell parts at a loss. No American company can compete with subsidized products. (Trump was right!)
On the other hand, the reason the CCP is pissing off every country they deal with is to ramp up tensions so they can blame their collapsing economy on the evil West. When the Chinese economy collapses, it will be epic! I sincerely hope that the Western banks and investors have seen the writing on The Great Wall and withdrawn.
I just bought a used headlamp assembly for a Toyota. The new part from China was cheaper, but at least with a used piece I know it will fit.
But.... first rain and it got moisture inside! Just sprayed the seams with flex seal so hopefully that does the trick.
From what I understand, aftermarket replacement jeep CJ body tubs and related came from the Philippines.
They have a well deserved reputation for being poorly made, not lining up, and being just wrong. It takes a good metal worker and fabricator usually.
For what they charge, it’s criminal.
I’ve seen one of those complete kits. Even from a few feet away, it looked cheap. A touch felt like something from Harbor Freight if that makes any sense.
I guess it’s too expensive for anyone here to get the rights and build decent quality body parts for those vehicles.
The tub off my old 65 is courtesy of my Dad, a torch, and a backhoe, took a look a little more damage coming off. Some unknown weak spots due to rust.
The powder coat crowd did wonders on one CJ7 tub. I’ll haul it in and see what they think.