Catalogs listing same item USA made or foreign side by side

[Omaha Steve]

Marta gave the ok. Unless something drastic happens between now and early Spring, we are putting my old 57 Chevy back together. While looking through parts catalogs this week, I noticed several company's offer the same exact part side by side. Yes there is a higher price on the USA made part. To me it is worth it to know an american got paid for the work.

Photos of the car we have owned since 1957: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22395170@N05/sets/72157607436403791/

I'll be posting more next Spring about my car overhaul etc.

OS

[Deep13]

1. Plus, would it be an authentic '57 Chevy with imported, knock-off parts? nt

[amandabeech]

2. If the parts are coming from a less developed country, chances are that labor is not the only factor

in increased costs.

There are labor safety issues, frequently meaning OSHA compliance here. Businesses don't like to comply--it costs money to put in safety features and record keeping isn't cost free.

There are wage and hour laws, which mandate time and a half for overtime. A lot of less developed countries don't have this law or don't enforce it.

Then there are environmental laws. Recently on DU, I think in the Environment and Energy Forum, someone posted a series of photos of Chinese air and water pollution. They were astonishing. Some places in the U.S. looked like that 50 or 100 years ago, but no more, thank heavens. Although we throw plenty of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere here, we are no longer throwing nearly as much of everything else there, and we are are discharging a lot less into our waters.

Clean air and water are very expensive, and their cost is contained in all products made here. Many newly industrializing countries either do not have similar laws or do not enforce them. A few months ago, I read an article in the NYT or the WSJ in which a Chinese government economist said that he thought that the Chinese industrial cost advantage over us was more environmental than labor. It's something to think about.

There may very well be other costs of production in mature industrial and post industrial countries that I'm missing, but I hope that you will consider non-labor issues in your calculation of whether to purchase a more expensive U.S.-made part or a part made in a less developed country.

You might also want to check to see if your wonderful vehicle (I love classic and antique cars!) would have the same resale value with non-U.S. parts as with U.S. made. You may not want to sell now, but you never know what might come your way in life. Some restorers are real sticklers, as I suspect you've found out.

[logosoco]

3. That's a beautiful car!

When I was a kid, that's what many cars looked like. I know the ones today are better on gas mileage, but they just don't look as cool
You are the original owner? Wow. How many miles are on it?
And good for you for spending a little more for American made parts. I do that when I have a choice (which is rare, so I just buy less stuff!)

[Omaha Steve]

5. Typo we bought the care at a salvage auction 1975 OOPS

Half of the engine was in the trunk.

I was headed out the door to go shopping and didn't proofread this post.

Then a couple hours on leaves when I got home. Came to check for replies and noticed my typo right away.

[Lugnut]

4. Aw, man.

What a beautiful car! I learned to drive in my dad's '57 Chevy back in 1961. Thanks for the nostalgia trip. :)