I have seen a few postings here where the parts from macs dont fit/ or incorrect. Carl with the starter motor is an example. If you dont know what you are buying from them, exactly, dont buy it. They use old ford part numbers but the parts are chinese junk. They are nice people and have not had other problems but do have a list of junk they sell.
1. Just got a oil filler cap, FRONT stamped on the lid was facing up.
2. They list parts that claim to fit all models, they dont. ie
Ford Pickup Truck Brake Arm Anchor Pin - F1 Thru F3 & F100 Thru F350 - MAC's Antique Auto Parts
3. Parts like ignition coils are not made to factory specs, size and characteristics.

Dennis Carpenter is following suit so I imagine everyone else is too.

 

Don't feel like the lone ranger - the 48-52 headliner kit is cut pretty poorly around the rear window and the top is just a smidge too long (creased it putting it in).

Right now I am dealing with returns over a brake/clutch pedal (2 batches, one threaded correctly one threaded wrong - one has a baggie that says Macs, the other baggie says MACS made in Taiwan :P).

I've had a few issues with a number of items from MACS. I've bought from LMC and obsolete as well and the only issue with LMC was a qty mistake they fixed immediately. No issues from Obsolete.

 

I have two factory oil caps, both have FRONT on the top surface. Otherwise you wouldn't see it when you are putting it on.

 

The 'front' stamp is suppose to face the radiator not the intake manifold.

 

Alright, here's a chance for me to learn something. Why is it necessary for the cap to face the front? Is there a difference in the way the vent holes underneth the edge are situated? Jag

 

There is a half scoop on the back of the cap to catch air.

 

Do you have a picture of this screwed up oil cap? I'd be interested in seeing how they messed it up.

 

Ah, the old half scoop on the rear trick ayyy. (In my best Maxwell Smart voice.) :-)

My caps on my (2) 55 Fairlanes say front also, but they don't have the half scoop. Thansk, Jag

 

I am posting this on behalf of Randy M. at MAC's Antique Auto Parts ---

Randy McIntosh, co-owner of MAC's Antique Auto chiming in here. I understand that many people would prefer avoiding parts with the perception as being Chinese made "junk", but the sad fact of the matter is that two of the items commented on for poor quality are in fact USA made. We would love if every item needed or available from our 60,000+ parts were USA made- but that just isn't the reality anymore. I am available at my direct phone # of 716-204-9331, or my email at randym@macsauto.com in case any matter, return or concern you are having is not solved to your satisfaction. Many suppliers resell products, and many of these items available thru many well known retailers do trace their availability back to only one source- so many times everyone will carry the same item. Items like ignition coils are made to meet the same overall appearance and performance- but yes, are not 100% exact replicas. We try to provide as many known applications thru our catalogs and online information about the correct vehicle usage as we can, and when errors are found or pointed out- we do make changes and help others in the hobby. I personally apologize about the recent events you cite, and am here to assist.

 

Hey Brian & John,
I'm sorry to hear about problems with Mac's I used them for
parts during our build & I had no problems with them. I would like to warn others about Monster Transmissions - I bought a Stage 2 AOD trans from them for $2,000 & it didn't work - truck wouldn't move. They refused to honor their 3 year warranty & blamed it on the customer. Hmmm...
Still pursuing..

Ben in Austin

 

Just a clarification Macs customer service has had some issues (it is pretty obvious that phone calls go to support from home contractor folks who have nothing to do with the company, and their next call in que is a pizza delivery order). But, like I said I am working with returns on the brake/clutch pedal (specifically with Justin Genter).
So far they have been about as good as any other company that has grown to size (i.e. outgrown their ability to do support themselves and now relies on contract labor). Slow, and some pains, but they have honored their reputation and come to a satisfactory or almost satisfactory conclusion all the time. I have a feeling Justin will take care of me, just have to be patient and willing to wait while they figure out their manufacturing snafu.

To me I don't care if the part is made in Detroit or Shanghi as long as it is quality... There has been this perception that foreign is junk, well domestic in order to get competative has gotten thinner and thinner sidewalls, etc - you are now getting quality issues out of both. One thing I am still a stickler on, I buy my computer stuff from Japan and my media (CD/DVD) from an asian country - don't buy India discs.

 

Hey thomas tell Randy BS on his ignition coils. If he wants to match the specs have him pick up a copy of the factory ford truck manual. Specs and size are WAY off. Every one sells the same coil, even dennis carpenter, guess why, its CHINESE JUNK and wont even fit in the original coil bracket. I have called Macs (before I bought one) and they agree with me so get off the USA cr_ap. 92Y-2489 being sold as one fits all models is another example. The parts manual even shows different numbers. Tell macs to invest in the $20 part number CD. Numbersdummy turned me on to that a while ago.

 

It's nice to see that Mac's is taking accountability and is willing to make the issues right. I'd like to see other similar vendors in our hobby do the same.

About a year ago I ordered $600 worth of parts to get my 52 back on the road. I had no problems with the order or the quality of the parts, which were for the most part mechanical and electrical. I received the order promptly and was notified if a part was out of stock (the valve cover decal). I also ordered a timing chain for my Panel a few months after the initial order. Although it was shown to be in stock (and half the price of the same part at NAPA), I received a call a few days after I placed the order notifying me that it's on backorder. I was asked if I wanted to wait for the part or cancel the order. What I like about Mac's is the their price and that they don't charge for the order unti lthe parts ship. No need to deal with refunds if the part is not in stock or available. Mac's gets thumbs up from me.

We should feel lucky to have a wealth of aftermarket reproduction parts available to us when restoring our trucks, whether they're the same as the original or close to the original. I'm of the opinion that if you don't like the way the part is made, you have a choice not to buy it or start reproducing the part to specs and marketing it for sale yourself. I'd rather have my truck on the road than be concerned with how the part looks. As long as it functions like the original, I'm good.

Try finding reproduction parts for a 37 Chrysler Airflow. It's almost impossible and when a part is reproduced, it costs an arm and a leg. I'm still trying to find the correct headlight switch for my Airflow. I already bought two that were "supposed to be correct", but they're not. As far as I'm concerned, I'm just glad to have parts available for our trucks.

 

I took MACS off my list of suppliers after they charged me $125 to ship a headliner kit (that's from NY to NH...two states).

 

Amen to that my friend. Ever bought stuff on amazon?, alot of items they THEY offer have free shipping over $20. I bought a super heavy meat slicer and some other things, free shipping with competitive prices. How about when you buy a 2 cent screw from a place and they charge you $12 priority shipping and they tell you thats the only way they ship it. They gave you the screw alright. I think I spoke too soon when I said Macs was ok, I dont think they are and they are off of my list too. I have not been burned by LMC yet, the people there are not the brightest though.