Technical What would you do ?

Approximately 6 months ago, I purchased a 47 Chrysler dash for my 40 Chrysler; mainly because it looked much better.Not cheap by any means. I was ***ured it would fit. NOT !
It took a lot of m***aging of both the dash and the “bulkhead” area where it mounts to get it to fit….some threaded tabs had to be welded in to the bulkhead. OK, got that done.
The speedometer was unusable because the small coil spring was broken and the needle out of its socket.
The water temp gauge (with bulb) was missing entirely.
I have repeatedly tried calling this vender to address the issue and kept getting evasive answers like “it's on the counter, ready to ship”, then “ USPS won't ship something containing mercury” ???. There isn't any mercury in the bulb or tube.
Recently, I've been only able to get his answering machine,
Now, the recording says “ the mailbox is full, Goodbye”
Anyone run into this kind of scenario? And what if anything was done about it?
I do know that the person's Dad was not in good health, but that is not a valid excuse IMO.
If you're in the business of selling used automotive parts, make good on what you've sold.
Rant over….for now.

 

I’m confused, do you have the dash and waiting on another to replace it, or?
But, seems there are issues on the sellers side, might be best to take your losses and repair what you have and move on.
By all means post the individual’s name/business so others don’t wind up in the same situation.

 

I have the 47 dash and have modified it and the bulkhead to fit as stated above.
I am waiting for a replacement speedo and temp gauge unit that fits into the gauge cluster.
The vender is;
https://www.google.com/search?q=moore's+auto+salvage+rapid+city&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&channel=45

 

Went looking for pictures and found this.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1941-dash-into-1940-chrysler.1328804/
That may out the seller.
It sounds like you were ***ured it would bolt in and it didn't. That is not great. Sounds like you have crossed that hurdle.
As for stuff not being complete and ready to run, that is kind of the nature of JY parts, but in combination with the price and advice, I'd be unhappy too.
Since communication has broken down, and you asked what I would do, my next step would be sending a letter outlining all of this with facts, not feelings. I would provide contact information and offer what would make you a satisfied customer.

 

I go there quite a bit for little things on my Plymouth. The guy running it now is the grandson of the original owner I think and he’s alone.
He seems like a nice guy from the times we’ve talked but Moore’s has never been good about answering the phone.
Not making excuses for what happened, just sharing my experiences. I think you are correct in wanting an explanation.

 

I could be missing something. 6 months ago you bought a used 70 year part and now it’s not working or incomplete, sounds to me you don’t have a leg to stand on.

 

80 year old.

 

It's not NOW, it has been like that since I received it. Never was complete.
Are you saying “tough, you get what you pay for” ? For $500+, I was expecting a functional ***embly that would bolt in, as described before purchasing. He never once mentioned the missing temp gauge/bulb.

Yes , that's my understanding. As I mentioned; he said his Dad was having health problems and he was there by himself. If he wants to continue the enterprise, he should make good on the sale and at least return calls.
If you go there anytime soon, can you nudge him a little?

 

If it was me Id cut your losses and go buy what you need elsewhere. If it ever turns up sell those parts.

 

Appreciate the advice….now, where to find those parts, anyone got a source?

 

Jogged my memory, I had seen that before while contemplating what to do.
Might have to go that route

 

Theres a parts seller in Czech Republic advertising on PreWarCar with the disclaimer "check the photos good, complaints later will not be accepted " this on used vintage €500 + parts. Does'nt give much confidence

 

Not great, but at least he's clear about it up front.

 

I asked him for a pic of the rear showing the temp gauge tube & bulb if they exist. Hard to tell from the photos.

 

It isn't that hard to adapt some other gauge into the dash if you can fabricate bits and still have something that looks good. A '47 Chrysler dash has a great look.

 

That was something I'd thought about doing. Wouldn't hurt my feelings if it wasn't stock, as long as it looked decent.

 

Also, even if you did come up with an original temperature gauge, it would top out at 212 degrees since these cars did not have a pressurized cooling system. If you plan on running a later engine, the bourdon tube is probably too short to rea

 

h the sender hole. Accidently hit the wrong key so I have a two part message!

 

Good point, goldmountain.
The gauge face & case would still be of use to make one up as others have suggested.
However, the Speedometer is toast
I sent off a (mildly) written letter yesterday….will see if there's a response.
I can understand Marc being overwhelmed if he's trying to carry the business alone, but hiring some help, even if temporary might be advisable.