Disappointed in Dennis Carpenter Mirror

[SC1966]

I ordered a new outside rear view mirror from Dennis Carpenter this past week. Their price was a little higher than some others but I've ordered from them before and everything always seemed top notch. Their website claims that the mirror is MADE IN THE USA from original Ford tooling. In fact this is the page from their site:


But when I opened the box, the mirror has a "Made in China" sticker on it!


The mirror does seem nice quality, but made in China is not exactly what they advertised.

[skidoorulz]

That is bogus but just playing devils advocate here. That looks like the bracket, maybe the mirror is made in the U.S.?

[Leeroy]

I'd be looking into it either way! Interested to see what they say!

[SC1966]

I tried to call them yesterday but it was after hours. I put the mirror on the truck and it looks good. Overall, it's very nice so I guess I'm really not that disappointed. I think it may just be the mount, but it's hard to tell. The casting on the stem looks very similar to the casting on the mount. I wonder if only the head might be made in the USA. Strange that Dennis Carpenter would get the mount from China when they are obviously capable of making this stuff here. Maybe I just got worked up over nothing.

[62bigwindow]

I dont think parts that should be made in the USA instead of any low cost country is anything but big deal.It is getting far to common anymore.I will and have go out of the way to find either NOS,OEM, or USA made parts whenever I can.I fully believe if enough people complain it will eventually turn in our favor.OK I am done ranting now.With that said if you are happy with them then by all means use them.

[theastronaut]

I believe the mirror head is made by Carpenter and the stand parts are Chinese. The chrome is nice though ont the stand. I was more disappointed about the finish on the mirror head, there were hazy buffer marks all over- we had to finish polishing them before installing them.

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

And that's why we don't sell them,, at one time they had them say FoMoCo, now I believe they say Ford and really think it's something to do with licensing from China,

[White97]

I bought a hood ornament off them, 'Made in China' chrome peeling off. They sent another one that was fine, but I wonder how long before it pits with sitting in the garage. Same order that had the throttle cable, installed it and it came all apart, guess where it was made? I took off the clips which is what was missing from my original and tossed the new DC one away.

let DC sell to people in China rebuilding trucks.

[betfm]

I ordered a "chrome" Gas cap from Dennis Carpenter and it is a clear zinc plated item, no chrome in sight on the cap.

O well just another repop part that is not right.

[mercuryv8]

I tried to call them yesterday but it was after hours. I put the mirror on the truck and it looks good. Overall, it's very nice so I guess I'm really not that disappointed. I think it may just be the mount, but it's hard to tell. The casting on the stem looks very similar to the casting on the mount. I wonder if only the head might be made in the USA. Strange that Dennis Carpenter would get the mount from China when they are obviously capable of making this stuff here. Maybe I just got worked up over nothing.

Don't let it go! Its not right. They used made in USA to sell you the part. That's what you should get.

Nic

[64 f100]

This is sad. I have always been a fan of Dennis and knew him in years past. HIs business has gotten so big, and you know what happens when this becomes to unwieldy to watch everything. quality slips. I will pas along this information although I have doubts as to how much it will help, as he most likely has forgotten me. I do believe as a result of our complaints we can make a difference since we have many members and number count. Just remember that a lot of Fords parts are now coming out of China, especially chrome valve covers and things of that nature. Quality control used to be very good at Ford at one time and not so good at other times, but to be competitive in the aftermarket with things like valve covers it takes going to foreign companies.

Rich

[charliemccraney]

If you look at the individual parts on the DC website, only the head is indicated as Made in USA. So it probably is only the head. But it is misleading in any case and I would not just accept it. At least let them know that you are not satisfied.
Myself, I'd return it and if truly Made in USA is not available anywhere, I'd at least buy it from a source that is honest about the origin.

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

I agree Ed on the gas cap, we got one in from DC and was in a Fram Box and was ugly . like you said no chrome in sight and like some parts we have found a source that made them for Ford and id away with ties from Ford but at least they are s/s

[betfm]

I agree Ed on the gas cap, we got one in from DC and was in a Fram Box and was ugly . like you said no chrome in sight and like some parts we have found a source that made them for Ford and id away with ties from Ford but at least they are s/s

Yeah, That is what they sent me. Ugly POS .

Tom, Thanks for the info--
Hey, I will call and order 1 from you, I still need it, I found a couple of used ones, but they are dented.

[Uncle Skip]

If you're going to buy mirrors for your truck, get them from Tom at Flashback F100's end of story.
the ones he sells are first class, clear the vent window and the heads will not sag like all the others. I just put a set on Nadine and I'm a very happy camper.
U@ss

[White97]

I bought the same gas cap off them, yep same order as bad throttle cable and peeling hood ornament. It eventually ended up the same pile as the throttle cable. They will never see another order from me.