Bear with my explanation and find a difficult problem.
I bought a '57 Ranchero a few months ago and the temp gauge read comfortably low but the fuel gauge was showing about half what I was putting in the tank. Then my turn signals stopped working at the same time my ignition switch required a bit of push in or pull out while turning to "start".

Did figure the original switch was going bad and ordered up a new Motorcraft. Went to install it and low and behold the existing switch looked nearly brand new BUT WAS FALLING APART. Someone had put in some cheap foreign switch and the manufacturer failed to adequately crimp the four metal tabs. It literally fell apart in my hands.

Motorcraft switch installed. Gauges read properly, turn signals work. They are powered through the ignition switch

Moral of story: Please buy American made stuff, especially electronics, whenever you can

I always make an effort to find stuff that is made in the USA. Much of the time, I find what I'm looking for. Guess what? It's usually not more expensive than the Chinese stuff and if it is, it's because the quality far exceeds the Chinese product. I've found the whole American made is more expensive claim to be a myth in most cases. Now, certainly, the companies producing the parts get a boost to their bottom line, but the consumer doesn't pay any more and, yes, there will be exceptions to this.
Next time you need something, anything, see if you can find it made in the USA. You may be surprised at just what is available. You may not be able to walk up the road and buy it, but it's probably out there.


Lawrenceville, GA

I too always will defer to made in America when possible. But, having said that the future is not going to recognize these cultural boundaries. The internet is making our world smaller every day and out sourcing is becoming the smart market strategy for many companies. At this time many try to hide behind "assembled in the US" or "We are an American company" statements. In fact they do much of the labor intensive work off shore. Considering the low wages in these countries it can make sense.
There are companies, even in China, that manufacture products of extreme high quality and tolerances. One of the keys is almost constant monitoring and supervision by company employee's. In the very near future "American made" is going to start to apply to art and crafts items more than anything else.
I am not blindly supportive of this but I see it as inevitable. Have you seen the fancy, embroidered all over (including the brim) that are around in racing today? The overall embroidery work first started coming in from, wait for it, VietNam! And some darn nice work too. Thats just my feelings on the matter, I'm sure you all will have yours. Chuck





Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I agree with that. My problem isn't so much where it's being made, but the drop in quality, without a drop in price to the consumer. The craftsman tools are an excellent example of this. That said, as long as American made is available and is equivalent or better quality, that's what I will buy.
Quality does come out of China. Many OEMs have parts made there.
I also don't believe that China and the many other countries will remain cheap forever. Human rights, pay equality, pollution and the disasters that will occur as a result, all of that will catch up to them. With how quickly information spreads, the workers can see what it's like in other parts of the world and start demanding what they deserve. We've already seen this. I think good stuff will eventually come from all over but because of that it will just make sense to get stuff locally, back in the USA, or whatever country it may be by then.


Lawrenceville, GA

My source for individual replacement wrenches, sockets, etc. is swap meets and flea markets. You can get the old American made stuff at reasonable prices if you are patient.