Aftermarket HVAC parts quality

[WyattTX]

I understand many aftermarket suppliers are of dubious quality, but my work truck is an oven, and factory parts are gouged in price. My go to, is usually AC Delco, but that is not option this time. Has anybody bought, and used after market heater cores or evaporator cores? Did they hold up? If they are junk, I will pay money for the real thing, but I prefer to get the best value for the dollar. Thanks.

[truckster]

I've used a few brands and had pretty good luck with most.

[Stocker]

A bit outdated so it might not be relevant -- I bought a heater core from NAPA in 1996 to replace my original one. No issues with it so far.

[leddzepp]

I've used 4 seasons brand parts on both of my factory AC trucks and have no complaints, they work as they should. The cost difference is very substantial, I saved a small fortune going this route.

[WyattTX]

Thanks, I guess I will take the gamble. Especially since a strong gut feeling tells me the parts the dealer sells probaly come from the same Chinese sweat shop.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

Thanks, I guess I will take the gamble. Especially since a strong gut feeling tells me the parts the dealer sells probaly come from the same Chinese sweat shop.

I had to replace an A/C hard line on my 95 Z28, and it's only available from AC/Delco. I received the package and it was proudly stamped MADE IN CHINA.

[Stocker]

At least some (if not all?) of the 4Seasons stuff is made in Texas.

[WyattTX]

Originally Posted by Stocker

At least some (if not all?) of the 4Seasons stuff is made in Texas.

Some probaly, but sadly some of their products are reboxed Chinese imports. You can say the same for many other "American" names. If is not Chinese or Tiwainese, it is Mexican. If these products had Spanish or Chinese names, I may not be as bothered (though I would still rather be buying American in the first place.), since images of American companies are not being ruined.

[WyattTX]

Well, I figured I would tell ya'll the end result. I settled on the "Spectra Premium" brand (Chinese made) heater core, and evaporator core. Parts fit perfect, and I have cold, and functional AC again. I guess you can find quality aftermarket from time to time.

[61_FL_Apache]

I have had good luck with 4 seasons parts too. There is also Delphi parts. Not sure where they are made. You cant assume its in the US.

[WyattTX]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

I have had good luck with 4 seasons parts too. There is also Delphi parts. Not sure where they are made. You cant assume its in the US.

The Only new U.S made parts I see, is "big" "simpler" stuff. Like steering componets, rims, certain engine parts, etc. But it is extremely rare you see "vehicle specific" parts, such as ligh covers, control knobs, electrical, and HVAC components. The Chinese have all the advanced tooling, and cheap labor to make these parts for both OEM, and after market. It is much easier, and cheaper to outsource parts from the far east, than to hire people, and buy tooling to make the parts yourself. That is why it is near impossible to get U.S made replacement parts for many vehicles, assuming they even exist.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

The Only new U.S made parts I see, is "big" "simpler" stuff. Like steering componets, rims, certain engine parts, etc. But it is extremely rare you see "vehicle specific" parts, such as ligh covers, control knobs, electrical, and HVAC components. The Chinese have all the advanced tooling, and cheap labor to make these parts for both OEM, and after market. It is much easier, and cheaper to outsource parts from the far east, than to hire people, and buy tooling to make the parts yourself. That is why it is near impossible to get U.S made replacement parts for many vehicles, assuming they even exist.

Thats whats really sad about the US! We let that happen.

[alsriv2]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Thats whats really sad about the US! We let that happen.

We actually forced that to happen when we thought cheap things from big stores could help us save money to buy other things. When we finally transitioned to a consumer society from a builder/manufacturer society and gave away our capabilities to other places, we get what we asked for...cheap stuff that doesn't cost much up front, but hurts badly on the other side in terms of quality and longevity...

[Willie Makeit]

Originally Posted by alsriv2

We actually forced that to happen when we thought cheap things from big stores could help us save money to buy other things. When we finally transitioned to a consumer society from a builder/manufacturer society and gave away our capabilities to other places, we get what we asked for...cheap stuff that doesn't cost much up front, but hurts badly on the other side in terms of quality and longevity...

this guy knows what's up