JimK
Diamond
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2003
- Location
- Berkeley Springs, WV, USA
The current bru ha ha about Delphi made me think again about an old question that I have had.
Why so late in automaotive manufacturing hasn't the American manufacturers come up with standard "forms" of starters, alternators, water pumps, radiators, heaters, ignitions, fuel injections, etc.?
For Heavne's sake, the wheels on a Chevrolet won't fit a Ford or a Dodge. Howcum? The tires will, but not the wheels.
There should be one form of alternator, maybe two sizes in a form. Same way with starter motors.
There should be a form for water pumps. When an outfit designs an engine they choose the size they need but all the pumps are of the same form.
This can be carried out over the entire range of accessory parts for cars and light trucks.
The auto makers want the lowest cost, that would be a good way to achieve it.
Specify the form and size and put the requirement out for bids.
The trucking industry has done a nice job of using standard form parts. All of the engines fit all of the clutches and all of the transmissions. No problem with the mechanical fit, all you need to do is specify the size.
The big truck makers go one better, thay let you choose what engine you want along with the rest of the stuff. Could you imagine getting a Ford pick up truck with a GM engine? Nope. But go to a heavy truck maker and get whatever you want.
The auto industry is supposed to be so innovative and intelligently run, why don't they get the basic stuff straightened out?
Why so late in automaotive manufacturing hasn't the American manufacturers come up with standard "forms" of starters, alternators, water pumps, radiators, heaters, ignitions, fuel injections, etc.?
For Heavne's sake, the wheels on a Chevrolet won't fit a Ford or a Dodge. Howcum? The tires will, but not the wheels.
There should be one form of alternator, maybe two sizes in a form. Same way with starter motors.
There should be a form for water pumps. When an outfit designs an engine they choose the size they need but all the pumps are of the same form.
This can be carried out over the entire range of accessory parts for cars and light trucks.
The auto makers want the lowest cost, that would be a good way to achieve it.
Specify the form and size and put the requirement out for bids.
The trucking industry has done a nice job of using standard form parts. All of the engines fit all of the clutches and all of the transmissions. No problem with the mechanical fit, all you need to do is specify the size.
The big truck makers go one better, thay let you choose what engine you want along with the rest of the stuff. Could you imagine getting a Ford pick up truck with a GM engine? Nope. But go to a heavy truck maker and get whatever you want.
The auto industry is supposed to be so innovative and intelligently run, why don't they get the basic stuff straightened out?