Disappointing Parts

[andy303]

As a follow-on to my post on the replacement of the in-tank pump, I have to say that I was not happy with the replacement fuel sender that IAP sent me with the pump, which did not match the original in one critical area. The new sender has the resistance rheostat on the opposite side of the fuel delivery pipe that forms the core of the combination sender-fuel pump assembly when compared to the original, and what is worse, it was afixed to the pipe is such a way to preclude using the any kind of clamp to secure the halves of the metal brackets that hold the pump assembly to the pipe. Furthermore, when I did a trial fit the arms of the bracket interferred with the action of the float arm. Luckily I found that the original sender actually worked fine and I ended up using it instead. The new sender was an Italian made part and the box was marked for 80-92 Spiders.

I also found that the new pump was marked Made in USA - I did not notice any Bosch logo or numbers. The diameter of the round metal body was just slightly greater than the original which made fitting it to the rubber boot that rests in the base of the pump bracket a less than smooth operation.

[Bob Sacamano]

IAP specializes in such "OEM-quality" parts ;D Order from the other vendors whenever possible.

Sorry you had the problem, though.

[th0th]

I rebuilt my propshaft last summer and the ujoints I got from IAP were also a little too big.. they looked like they were fine, but it was next to impossible to get the retaining clips in. I got it done, but I'm a little worried about the extra friction caused by the pressure on the joints from the clips. After I replaced them, I read the bb (which I should have done prior to the endeavor) and found that several people had the same problem, and the centerline U-Joints were the correct size. I'll probably switch them out for centerline ujoints this summer. Going forward, every time I do a repair I'm going to search the BB for the right vendor.

Note: the giubo, center support and bearing from IAP were perfect.

[Andrew]

Especially with u-joints, most of the aftermarket parts do not fit quite right. It's recommended to use only genuine Alfa ones from Jon Norman or another seller of factory parts.

Andrew

[alfaparticle]

Chris Sweetapple at Highwood Alfa also sells correct U-joints and other parts. I buy a lot of non-critical stuff from IAP but I am more careful about ordering "engineering" parts.

[Bob Sacamano]

I've got U-Joints from Highwood in all (3) of my Spiders. Perfect fit. I remember a few years back getting the run-around from IAP that their u-joints fit all Spider's except my '87, as only that year needed "special" ones. Pure BS, and the last time I ordered anything from them

[Garry-Graig]

I replaced the nose,bumpers and grill on my Euro Spider recently.The supplier was British based,although they were cheaper than other suppliers the quality of the parts are very,very inferior to the original.After fitting the flimsy bumpers I peeled off the protective plastic on the chrome and found one of them had no shine at all!I should have bought second-hand ones and had them rechromed.I will never order from them again!

[Joe Papa Sr]

LOL!! Once I got a new cable for rear trunk latch.....from IAP, and wasnt even close to fitting/style reqd. Had to get one from an alfa shop in Miami Fl......

They (at IAP), said they didnt understand why......

[andy303]

As a result of my posting here I was contacted by IAP who have offered to take the part back and pay return postage. So they do monitor these postings, which is smart business.

They say that they are going to provide an instruction sheet with new pumps that explains how to delete the original bracket and use clamps on the short hose to keep the pump in place.

[john.harrill]

I had an issue with a clutch slave cylinder from IAP that was a couple of millimeters too large to fit in the ring on the bell housing.

On average, though, I get the right part in a couple of days.

Gotta like it.

[lgbalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfaparticle Chris Sweetapple at Highwood Alfa also sells correct U-joints and other parts. I buy a lot of non-critical stuff from IAP but I am more careful about ordering "engineering" parts.