Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Ford, Earnings/Financials In a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, Ford Motor Company is said to be losing about $1 billion per year due to counterfeit parts sales. Ford states that the real cost could be much higher, as it's impossible to determine the potential costs in terms of reduced safety related to these parts.Ford has a full-time staff that is tasked to pursue the manufacturers and resellers of these parts, but admits that legal action is very difficult to enforce outside of the US and Mexico. Other companies included in the survey included Merck & Co., New Balance, Xerox Corp, and Bendix, all of who experience similar issues with counterfeiting. Next time you buy those knock-off parts for your ride, take into consideration that you are not only putting your life on the line, but also the countless other drivers on the road around you. Spend a few more bucks and get the right parts, right from the source or else a legitimate substitute. [Source: MSNBC] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time More...
For clarification sake, counterfeit parts are generally considered to be those that are made below company (and sometimes industry) standards that are made to look like original Ford parts and put in packages that look like Ford packaging. Kind of like buying counterfeit CD's, clothes, watches, etc.
I have an interesting story about counterfeit parts. I bought a pair of upper control arm shafts at the Iola swap meet. I was happy as a clam getting 2 shafts for the price of one. They had a white band around them with a Ford script logo - but NO numbers anywhere. That should have been a clue to me - but the deal was sooooo good (I thought). When I went to install them everything fit very nice and I was pleased. As I torqued them up to the shock tower/frame, at about 75 ft lbs, the bolts twisted and sheared off in the middle. They didn't snap, they just twisted and came apart like a soft tootsie roll. Torque specs for the upper arm should put them at 100 ft lbs min. and these bolts were so soft they could not even take 75 ft lbs. Makes you wonder how many cars are out there with inferior parts in critical places like that! I now buy only MOOG parts for steering and suspension and if restoring a part I buy the right grade 5 or 8 bolts myself to do the job. I still have these toosie roll bolts in my tool box - I'll have to get a picture next time I go out to the shop.
Most OEM parts are more, but tend to fit better and carry a warranty, but like everything else you get what you pay for....
My Nissan would have a nasty startup clatter when I did not use Nissan oil filters. I bought a cheap Swiss Army knock off knife and thought I good a good deal. That is until the blade snapped off and nearly hit my eye. You get what you pay for.
Back in marred life and always broke, I had a nissan p/u 87. Napa clutch would drag truck to a stop when clutch was pushed in. Tried 2 clutches, same thing, then went to a oe part. Bought a remake army can opener (us p38, Can p52) off ebay, tried to open can and they bent on first twist! Love the Canadian Army can opener,,anybody got any??
