Who do you trust?

[ford38v8]

Do you trust the guy that has a product to sell, or do you trust the guy that bought that product and tells you of his experience with it?
If this sounds like a knock on the suppliers we depend on for our Ford parts, you're wrong.
This knock is on the Newbies who run straight to the suppliers with their questions, and buy the newest most modern gizmo that supplier has for sale.
Then when it doesn't meet their expectations, they belatedly come here to the Ford Barn.
That's not on the suppliers, their job is selling parts, not educating Newbies.
Suppliers don't argue, they tell the Newbie what he wants to hear.
I should define who I'm calling Newbies: A Newbie is anyone lacking hands-on experience in whatever.
The nickname is not a slur, it's just how it is.
Bottom line is, if you haven't the prior experience, ask someone who has.

[Karl Wescott]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Do you trust the guy that has a product to sell, or do you trust the guy that bought that product and tells you of his experience with it?
If this sounds like a knock on the suppliers we depend on for our Ford parts, you're wrong.
This knock is on the Newbies who run straight to the suppliers with their questions, and buy the newest most modern gizmo that supplier has for sale.
Then when it doesn't meet their expectations, they belatedly come here to the Ford Barn.
That's not on the suppliers, their job is selling parts, not educating Newbies.
Suppliers don't argue, they tell the Newbie what he wants to hear.
I should define who I'm calling Newbies: A Newbie is anyone lacking hands-on experience in whatever.
The nickname is not a slur, it's just how it is.
Bottom line is, if you haven't the prior experience, ask someone who has.

With due respect, the job of an effective vendor is to supply "value added". This value can come in any combination of prompt service, convenient location, low price, an appropriate quality part, education and description to accurately describe the quality level, technical assistance ("I am sorry, we no longer provide technical assistance as everyone here speaks English with an American accent."), and supports the community (clubs, events, etc). Of course anything above lowest price has cost, so the price goes up. An astute buyer does not make the assumption that all apples are the same (some varieties are sweeter, some better for cooking, some early, some late, some stay edible longer etc) and researches their needs and what the various vendors provide as value added above simply price.


This is just a proof of what the op is talking about "Newbies", those who do their research by buying "cheap" until they figure out what "value added" level from a vendor they need. Remember also that pretty much any child starts by rolling over and pushing themselves up, then falling... then standing, then falling... then walking, then falling... then running, then falling. then crashing their parents car and trying to fix it themself with cheap parts and the parents not noticing!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Do you trust the guy that has a product to sell, or do you trust the guy that bought that product and tells you of his experience with it?
If this sounds like a knock on the suppliers we depend on for our Ford parts, you're wrong.
This knock is on the Newbies who run straight to the suppliers with their questions, and buy the newest most modern gizmo that supplier has for sale.
Then when it doesn't meet their expectations, they belatedly come here to the Ford Barn.
That's not on the suppliers, their job is selling parts, not educating Newbies.
Suppliers don't argue, they tell the Newbie what he wants to hear.
I should define who I'm calling Newbies: A Newbie is anyone lacking hands-on experience in whatever.
The nickname is not a slur, it's just how it is.
Bottom line is, if you haven't the prior experience, ask someone who has.

I can't agree with you. The seller has the responsibility of selling a known product. Note I didn't say a quality product.
But they must have the ethics to advertise the product for what it is.
There is a long-time supplier of parts that sold reproduction water pumps that didn't fit the engine. Quite obviously the castings were poorly done. One of numerous items sold by this company where it was claimed "gee, we never had any complaints about that before...".
Of course, that claim proved (easily) to be false each time.

And "newbies"? Really?
I have judged numerous national meets where I had the "old guys" tell me that "I bought the part at ... and his catalog stated it was for my car".
Um, the guy selling the parts is a salesman. YOU need to determine the correctness.
So, no Alan, it's not just the newbies. In fact, in my experience, the so-called newbies are much more willing to learn and accept their mistakes. The old guys? Nope, many apparently know it all and as such insist, they are correct.

Karl, on the other hand, has explained this quite well.

[Ziggster]

As a relative newb, I can say I typically spend a lot of time doing research including here on the Barn to see who folks recommend. As such, I have dealt with several folks on here when I comes to buying stuff. Since I do not actually own a classic Ford, I’m less knowledgeable about the commercial vendors. Right now I’m looking for some rear bearings for my Model A banjo axle and seals to go with my 37 wide five drums. Created a thread, and no responses yet. Doing some research I came across a thread mentioning that the new roller bearing cages are no good. Apparently they’re not using hardened steel. I also noticed Mike from 3rd Gen Automotive had qood quality used bearings for sale. That caught my attention. So, I’m now stuck. No responses to my thread, and now do I trust a vendor such as the one in the pic who I’ve never heard of to sell high quality bearings? You tell me.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

As a relative newb, I can say I typically spend a lot of time doing research including here on the Barn to see who folks recommend. As such, I have dealt with several folks on here when I comes to buying stuff. Since I do not actually own a classic Ford, I less knowledgeable about the commercial vendors. Right now I’m looking for some rear bearings for my Model A banjo axle and seals to go with my 37 wide five drums. Created a thread, and no responses yet. Doing some research I came across a thread mentioning that the new roller bearing cages are no good. Apparently they’re not using hardened steel. I also noticed Mike from 3rd Gen Automotive had qood quality used bearings for sale. That caught my attention. So, I’m now stuck. No responses to my thread, and now do I trust a vendor such as the one on the pic who I’ve never heard of to sell high quality bearings? You tell me.

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by Ziggster

As a relative newb, I can say I typically spend a lot of time doing research including here on the Barn to see who folks recommend. As such, I have dealt with several folks on here when I comes to buying stuff. Since I do not actually own a classic Ford, I less knowledgeable about the commercial vendors. Right now I’m looking for some rear bearings for my Model A banjo axle and seals to go with my 37 wide five drums. Created a thread, and no responses yet. Doing some research I came across a thread mentioning that the new roller bearing cages are no good. Apparently they’re not using hardened steel. I also noticed Mike from 3rd Gen Automotive had qood quality used bearings for sale. That caught my attention. So, I’m now stuck. No responses to my thread, and now do I trust a vendor such as the one on the pic who I’ve never heard of to sell high quality bearings? You tell me.

You can trust Mike Driskell (third gen) fully. I do not believe you will find one man that says otherwise.

You are correct about the repop bearings being prone to failure. Good - used Ford bearings are the way to go.
What is the inside diameter of the drum (seal area)? I did see your thread and failed to respond. For that I apologize. I ask the diameter to be certain you have '37 drums. They appear nearly identical to '36 drums. In '36, two different diameters of bearings were used. I'd hate to offer advice that would lead you to a mistake when purchasing parts.
Modern seals are available and the way to go. NOS seals are often dried out beyond good usefulness. Snap ring needed? I'd vote "yes". Ford was not known for spending a single cent if it were not necessary.