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 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.