Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

tf78b — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:18:04 GMT

Over a year ago when I took a trip back to memory lane and the fun I had with my 74 MGB, I bought a 78 MGB (affectionately referrred to by my wife as the money pit sitting in the garage). My initial goal was to restore to the original but I now lean more toward functionality and reliability. Car is a lot more fun on the road than on jack stands in the garage. Of the 5 or so supplier I have found, most of my orders go to Moss because I have not had any serious problems with the part I have gotten or being able to get them. So keep up the good work.

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

RodFru2U — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 23:00:13 GMT

Durring the first attempt of restoring my fathers 51 TD in the early 70's, I bought a few replacement parts from Moss and even drove up from LA to Golita to pick up a wire harness. In 2000 after 30 years of storage, and many parts in many locations, the project was completed and she is back on the road. Many thanks to Moss Motors for their GREAT catalog and replacement parts. The Catalog with the wonderful break down of the parts have helped in many ways. Any question, from which hole in the dash the spedo and tach go to, to what bracket is needed for the throttle return spring and what it looked like, was found. Your Tech department is Top Notch. Damn Glad you were and are in business. Many Thanks to all. Rod

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Rita 73B — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 23:04:14 GMT

Fortunately for me I have a great mechanic that works on my car, I trust him and his judgement on all things British (he owns a Healey) and he never uses anyone but Moss for parts. We have never had any problems with parts and the people we have delt with have always been helpful and on the rare occassion where they were not sure of the answer lost no time in finding a live breathing body that could help,in this day and age that is a rarity. So hats off to you folks at Moss and all your staff for not only suppling the parts but also the service.

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Rich in Vancouver — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 01:06:46 GMT

Back in the mid-80's I worked for a Moss Distributor doing restorations on MGs. At that time Many parts were still available from British Leyland but not all, certainly not for the T-series and other early models that we dealt with. We were able to source most of these from Moss Motors. I left the business and the hobby for some 20 years and recently returned. I have found Leyland long gone along with most of their original suppliers. However, parts availability is better than ever. I own an unusual model of MG, a ZA Magnette, but I have found that I only really need to deal with two main suppliers, one being Moss (Through the same distributor who I worked for 20 years ago) where I buy most of my parts that are common to other MG models, and a small specialty supplier in England who supplies Z-Series specific parts. All of the parts that I need (with a very few exceptions that I source on the net) are available from these sources and I am very grateful for their dedication to keeping my old car running.

Thanks Moss, I hope that your business is successful for many years to come!

Rich

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Burkey — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 04:52:29 GMT

" Moss Usa on The Subject of Quality" : Answer ---NO!

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Burkey — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:50:48 GMT

"What have we Done" Transfered the liability of an abnormally fitting part from Moss to the buyer. When we going to get around to fixing the ill fitting part??

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

JohnZK@Moss — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 22:50:19 GMT

Burkey, criticism is always good when it is constructive. Make sure to send any specific part complaint to our technical department. They are very helpful and will attempt to solve any problem you have in the most immediate and convenient manner possible.

Both of your comments are vague and non-constructive. Maybe you could supply a bit more info to explain your ire?

****

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

jlaird — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:49:53 GMT

Well, guess I screwed up after reading all this. I made two complaints about parts on the spridget mechanical fourm and I appoligize for that. I did not know I should have called and reported the problems. Both were minor and the items so inexpensive that money was not the issue. I just thought they should know.

Sorry.

Jack Laird (jlaird)

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

JohnZK@Moss — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 18:59:43 GMT

jlaird, no problem on the complaints - sometimes, especially with the Classic British cars, even the most minor of issues can become a problem. We just ask that you let us know (maybe in addition to posting your issues on the forum?) so we can start to address them.

****

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Brett — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:21:38 GMT

First of all, I must say that Moss Motors has been the primary source for my family in maintaining our 1956 MGA for the past 20 years. Obviously we're happy with what we've gotten, as I'm still spending $$$ with Moss!

I wanted to add one additional dimension to this discussion: "reasonable cost". Moss has done a bang-up job of locating and selling servicible parts for enthusiasts that have a variety of needs, but who's primary goal is to keep a classic auto running on the roads without needing to dedicate their garage to being a machine shop. This is quite different from a collector that indends to maintain a vehicle as a piece of art (like Harrah's or Petersen's museums) or those that want a special custom vehicle.

There is always the option for an enthusiast to make or have made a completely custom component, either by fabricating a carefully researched exact duplicate from the same materials such that it is indistinguishable from the original or by combinging multiple original parts in a careful reconstructive surgery of a single perfect replacement. These options, while feasible, are generally prohibitive in cost for "the rest of us" that don't own casinos...and unnecessary if our goal is to maintain the look, feel, taste and smell of the original vehicle in today's anonymous "jelly bean" car world.

I have spent a lifetime working in manufacturing and retail industries, and very fully appreciate the issues that manufacturers, distributors and retailers face when trying to satisfy customers and make a profit. The path to profit usually wins out, unless the company can find a "niche" market that they can work comfortably in.

I personally face this daily with my clothes. I am a "big" guy, and must either shop at the "Big and Fat" store or make my own clothes. The "Big and Fat" stores charge an outragous premium for truly inferior products - like over $100 for a pair of thin pants that fail within a few wearings - but most people have no other choice. I found a tailor that does nothing but make clothes for me and a few other "big" people: enough that she makes a comfortable income, we pay the same price as at the chain store, but with superior quality. Not everything is perfect, but the closeness of the relationship between her and her customers allow us to work together to solve any problems.

I mention this because I view Moss Motors this same way: together they and their customers work out ways to keep everyone satisfied.

Thank you again for the fortitude to keep working in a business that is so difficult to succeed in!

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

tintinmilou — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:26:43 GMT

All I can say is: If Moss isn't family, they should be!

I think I've returned one or two parts, and then there's the time I got a dozen flywheel locktabs!

My dad had his MG-TC before I was born, and I've had MGB since the day I could drive ('71). So I've been dependent upon Moss for over thirty years, and happily so. Every time I have to buy a part for my Toyota or Honda, I cringe.

I have to laugh when people ask if maintaining an MG is expensive.

And don't even get me started on the value of the tech tips provided free of charge!

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Jose — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 01:00:02 GMT

to: Product Management Department - I would like to ask who wrote this article? (no name was left, only his/her Job). Unless of course, it's supposed to be a secret, then ok, no problem.

This article shows a very good disposition from Moss Motors. I'm impressed. I wish other similar businesses had the same communication and good-will for their customer-base.

My experience with Moss has been satisfactory. Quality has been fine, but then I haven't purchased any Replacement Parts, only repro period accessories which have been very nice quality. Also, your Returns Policy

has been a good incentive to order, simply because I wasn't sure that the items would even fit my specific car. Some did, some didn't, I returned the ones that didn't fit, although I wished they had, they were very nice reproduction Lucas lamps. It actually hurt to return them! hahaa!!~~~

is China in the repro parts business? heck, they're doing excellent quality if the Tourist Trophy steering wheel I ordered from Moss

is any example. (I have no problema with the Chinese. If they're beating the USA in the world market, they must be doing something right.)

I don't know who made the boss kit (-no brand, no "made in" anything-) but the spline fit was short of fabulous, I think better than the factory fit!

So here's my question to Moss's Product Management Dept.:

is Demand for a particular part THE ONLY CRITERIA to reproduce it?

Gentlemen: there is a flaw in that Criteria: If X Company does not reproduce X part, which has been unavailable for 25 years at least, and which affects a good number of models of a specific marque, how is anyone going to place an order for it? The reason they don't call to ask if you have the part, is because they KNOW that you don't have it.

God bless them Chinese, they don't wait for "Demand", their philosophy in life is: "Make tham today and we sell tham tomorraw". heheee...

regards,

Jose

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Gunner — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:31:08 GMT

I have a '67 Midget and a'51 TD. Of course, I have had a part on order every week for years. I just enjoy fixing these two cars and steadily making improvements. I buy some parts to make my cars look better and some to make them perform better. I have a garage full of spare parts, as well. I think we all do that. I have had a few disappointments, but if there was ever a problem, I have received a full refund with no excitement. I am not a concours kind of restorer. Moss simply has been my GO-TO company for all these years. I receive my parts very quickly and I have ceased to worry. I get on line, order what I need and don't worry. If I need technical help, I can get that as well. What else could we want?

Thanks

Gunner

USMC Viet Nam Veteran

"It's not what you've lost that counts, it's what you have left that counts."

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

mph200 — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 16:05:36 GMT

What excuse can there be for crappy repro parts? Today's manufacturing processes and tolerances are light years advanced from those of BMC in the 1960-'70's.

The only reason a repro B chrome grille doesnt fit, and that the repro bumpers aren't "quite" the same shape is that the person in charge of making the new dies didn't do his homework carefully, or the person in charge of brake lines thought a 9" line would make do when an 11" line was called for.

Moss can, and should, use their storehouse of knowledge and the muscle of their volume purchasing power to encourage the suppliers to make parts that fit and work properly. (I can make allowance for Heritage panels made from the original dies, etc).

I agree that Moss et al are great caretakers of the LBC hobby. However, I would be VERY appreciative if Moss would be more candid about repro part fit and suitability issues in their catalog and on their website... remembering the Moss repro '73 grille that I tortured into junk thinking it was my body panels that were misaligned!

Why should I have to talk to a salesman or wait until a part arrives to find out that it is not well-suited to the task?

Thanks for listening,

Mike

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

satch — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:50:41 GMT

I had a problem with a TR-3 fan blade (loose rivets). Called and was told that the manufacturer was contacted and claimed no problems. Was called again a few days later and informed there was indeed a problem and these fans would not be sold again untill problems were solved. Can't ask for more than that from any supplier. Thanks Moss

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

Greg S — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:18:21 GMT

I have been a Moss customer for about 35 years. I've purchased a few unacceptable parts and returned them without problems. It happens no matter where you buy. Given the number of parts in Moss inventory it is reasonable to expect an occasional problem with fit or function.

Over the years the staff has been very helpful with camaraderie and tech information. One day my TD sprang an oil leak some 25 miles from the Goleta store and the counter salesman delivered the part on his lunch break, no extra charge. Another time I needed a NLS part in Arizona and a tech at Moss found a good used part to get me going.

I think it's a slap at Moss to say it's only about the money. Many of these guys are real enthusiasts like the rest of us.

When I buy a reproduction part I am prepared to accept some compromise but the parts are in the bins if or when I decide they will suit my application. The point is, Moss has the parts and I wont need to painstakingly restore what is no longer available. Thanks Moss

re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

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re: Moss USA On The Subject Of Quality

daviddrift — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:56 GMT

No supplier is a God, what i mean is errors and mistakes are inevitable, no one can say that they have served their customers 100% flaw free. I'm a big Volkswagen fan, i have always patronized volkswagen, i have bought and returned their <a href=http://www.vw-auto-parts-wholesale.com target=_blank>vw autoparts</a>. The bottomline here is that its alright to fail, you just have to have the guts to move on and fix your failures. a customer's opinion.