Last September I bought a new reproduction RH "looks like the LH remote" sideview mirror for my '73 Dart. I knew when I bought it exactly where it was made (China, like everything else PGClassic sells -- AFAIK there is only one source for this mirror, no matter who sells it). As a product development manager myself, I know it is possible to get good quality from China, but it takes a great deal of care in selecting the job shop, supervision and babysitting to make sure all specifications are followed throughout production, not just for the approval sample.

Yesterday while washing the car I noticed that the RH mirror housing is showing crumbly white corrosion after less than six months in service. The LH mirror housing, which is original equipment, is free of corrosion after thirty-seven years.

So, this definitely isn't acceptable. I'll be calling PGClassic today and will report what they say and do. If they haven't found and fixed the problems causing quick corrosion, just replacing the mirror for me will not be sufficient; the new one will just go the same way in another half a year.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I'm sorry to hear that. I've been on the fence about getting an item from them, that decision seems to be easier to make now.

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1972 Plymouth Duster 225

Crikey, that is about how long a Bumper Boyz rechomed bumper lasts.

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Never seen a Valiant I didn't like!

Tell me about that. I have had personal experiance, with them. ONCE

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 225 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170

So far it's not looking good. I spoke to someone named Dave there yesterday. He seemed receptive to my comments but said it was the first report he'd ever had of such a problem (not sure whether he was lying or new), and that he would need to talk to the manager and get back to me within an hour...which didn't happen.

No call at all yesterday, and none all day today, so I called back towards the end of the day. Dave picked up again. I reminded him who I was and he said "Oh...yeah...I asked the manager and she said there's not much we can do for you because it's after thirty days."

I said "Oh. I see. May I please speak to the manager?"

Dave said "Well, it's after thirty days."

I said "Okeh, let me explain to you why it would be a good idea to let me talk to the manager. I've posted my experience with your product so far on several very high-volume internet forums, and there are a lot of people waiting to see how the story goes. You'd really much rather have the 'PGClassic made it right and took care of the situation for me' report than the 'PGClassic told me to go get stuffed' report. Which report gets published depends on whether I get to talk to the manager. May I speak to her, please?"

Dave said "Hold on."

(all this time, I could hear a TV set blaring in the background. Unprofessional, much?)

Dave came back on the line and said "She's on the phone...I'll pass it to her again and she'll get back to you."

I said "Okeh, two things: When do you think she'll be calling? I want to keep the phone line clear so we don't wind up missing each other. And how come you didn't call me back yesterday as you said you would?"

Dave said "Oh, she was going to call you."

Me: "The manager was going to call me?"

Dave: "Uh...yes."

Me: "The same manager you were just having a hard time deciding whether or not I could speak to, or some other manager?"

Dave: "Uh...we only have one manager."

Me: "Okeh, just checking. So when do you think she'll be calling?"

Dave: "Probably really soon."

Me: "Okeh, thanks. Bye."

Perhaps Ms. Manager will call tomorrow, but I doubt it. So far, my impression is that PGClassic are a bunch of clowns selling poorly-made garbage.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

my napa mirror is rusty even after several waxings to try and protect it.
later i will paint it and then it will probably last 20 more years.

Update: Big surprise, the manager never bothered calling back. I called and asked for Peter; Dave told me he'll be available next week, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday.

So far, my opinion stands: PGClassic are a bunch of clowns selling poorly-made crap from China, then washing their hands of any responsibility.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Well, I finally got to speak to the man himself: "Peter Gee" (which I am sure is not his given name). I politely explained the situation, including the lack of callback and follow-through by his employees. He didn't comment at all on that, but with a very thick Chinese accent, he made all kinds of excuses and justifications: it must be my driving conditions, it must be my weather conditions, it must be bad luck, he's the manufacturer and he personally makes sure every mirror is triple plated (yeah, right, I'm so sure) but it's not possible to predict how long even the best chrome plating will last even in the best of conditions, I'm the only one who's ever had this kind of problem with any of his products, etc. Eventually he offered to replace the mirror if I send in the corroded one. I probably won't bother; the new one will just corrode in another five months.

As for his claim to be the manufacturer: Maybe and maybe not. At any trade show (auto parts, kitchenware, lawn and garden supplies, whatever) you go from booth to booth collecting catalogues from dozens or hundreds of Chinese each claiming to be the manufacturer of everything in the catalogue. You get back to your hotel at the end of the day, spread out the catalogues on your bed, and you find that dozens or hundreds of them are identical, right down to the page numbers and part numbers and product photographs. They're printed in different colours, and the company name is different, and a different building is shown on the back of the catalogue, but those are the only differences. Oh, yeah, "We are the manufacturer!", sure, fine, whatever.

So in the end, what we have here is a real classy, typical Chinese operation.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I cann't help but wonder how the chrome(and other things)will be on the new Chinese Volvo's

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83 B-150 slant 6,4 speed. 79 B-300 360 pathfinder 4x4. 74 W-300 318 4x4 git-r-done 80 B-100 sl6,4speed

I say you send the mirror in for another one and put his word to the test. What have you got to lose? Maybe a few bucks on shipping and some of your time...but it would make a hell of a read here in 5 months when the chrome goes bad and your all over Mr. "Gee"s ass again.

I agree with the above post.

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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2992308402_5481afb26e_t.jpg">

Yeah, I s'spose you're right, I just hate putzing around wasting the time since we already know what the outcome's going to be.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

You're probably right in that it'll be the same outcome - But - you just might get lucky and get a good one. I kind of doubt it, but ya never know.

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65 Dart station wagon slant 6 - now under construction
47 Dodge Custom 4 Door sedan
87 D100 Short Bed slant 6

Retired USAF 1966-1986
Retired US Postal Service 2004-2014

I'm sensing that over time, as more and more poor quality stories go around the tide may just turn and in order for the Chinese to not lose customers they will effort making better quality products. Then their prices will have to rise and hopefully American products will become competitive.

This is the hope anyway. So basically, "Don't give up" Dan.

Nah. They will just declare bankruptcy and reorganize as a different corporate entity and sell the same poo until consumer confidence in the 'NEW' brand has failed. Then they will declare bankruptcy and reorganize as a different corporate entity and sell the same poo...etc....