"Older" Electrical Appliances.....Parts "Unavailable"?

[Pickles2]

When I purchase anything, I normally try to buy the best quality item that I can, normally a "Name" brand, but I don't have any preferences, just try to buy the best quality item that I can afford, that suits my needs. Because I'm buying what I think is a "quality" item, I expect it to last, & for parts to be available.
So, in 2004 I purchased a very good quality Range Hood with an 800+ airflow, 4 speeds, stainless steel etc (cost $900+, which in those days was a lot of money for a rangehood), got it beautifully installed by a friend, a real tradesman,...did a beautiful instal. In 2009 the 4 speeds stopped working, it was reduced to just one speed. Got service out,...couldn't fix it, because the electronic control module was no longer stocked......after FIVE YEARS? We're still operating with one speed,...if that stops we'll just have to get a new rangehood which will be a difficult & costly exercise, to get it properly integrated into the cupboard which was custom made for this rangehood.
Yesterday, the electronic ignition on our gas cook top became faulty, the electronic ignition keeps "clicking",....it usually does this when you operate/ press down the control knob, but now it "clicks" non stop because of a faulty switch, which again, is not available....no longer stocked, out of date or whatever.
Wifey is not overly concerned by either of these issues, but I'm not happy that one of the main reasons I bought a well known name brand, which was that I would be able to have it properly serviced/repaired, is not a reality.
Both of these items have been meticulously cleaned & cared for.
Pickles.

[Classic88]

Look up the Hamon Law in France which was introduced specifically to stop planned obsolescence and force manufacturers to make their products easier and more cost-effective to repair.

There are laws in planning in the States which will ensure a 'Right to Repair' and stop companies claiming that software inside machines etc is proprietary and non-available to anyone outside their own repair network.

[Tombie]

Send me the model numbers. I have a few contacts in the domestic appliance game...

[rangieman]

Name brand means nothing these days with the majority of electrical goods as most are made in the land of the largest photo copier[bigwhistle]
Only the quality of manufacturer will differ slightly [bighmmm]
Even your favourite quality auzzie gm product[bighmmm] had a massive asian content:Rolling:

[Pickles2]

Send me the model numbers. I have a few contacts in the domestic appliance game...
Thanks a lot,...P.M. sent.
I've rung up several places, all with the same result,.."No longer Available"!
Regards, Martin.

[scarry]

We find this all the time,try to get a part for a Panasonic 10yr old AC.

NLA is their usual reply[bigsad]

Many of the no name brands had NLA for all parts,once out of warranty.i don't know how they got away with it.

[V8Ian]

Martin, you sound like a slow version of Ron. [biggrin]

[simonmelb]

So true. Have a neighbour Robert who used to run a tv repair business. He wanted to retire so closed his shop. But people in the trade still send him massive expensive TVs to fix at his home, as the Australian distributors can't fix them . He can repair absolutely anything electrical and diagnose faulty boards etc. But people with skills like Robert won't be around in 10 years, they are so rare in this throwaway society.

[Bigbjorn]

I was pretty much unimpressed with parts availability for my Falcon ute. Too many bits being NLA. Honda likewise have a ruthless attitude to obsolescence. Toyota are bad but not as bad as Honda. In fact, I would sell an aging Honda as they are good whilst new but expensive to repair with super expensive parts many of which are NLA. I found with the Ford Ranger that it was cheaper to buy parts from the Ford dealer (surprise, surprise) than the Mazda dealer. Same car, different badges, and both spare parts listings use the same part nos. If you can wait, then getting parts from the USA is cheaper again.

A national distributor of industrial engines & construction equipment I briefly worked for 20 years ago had a policy something like this - current models, most parts available, bulky, heavy, or very slow turnover parts, client may have to wait while overseas order arrives. One model old, most parts available but not as complete coverage as current model. Two models old, fast moving parts stocked and parts remaining in inventory plus parts still applicable to current models. Three models old, only current inventory stocked, will order in on a "no return" basis. Four models old, only old stock still remaining, nothing ordered except on "no return' basis, go to wrecking yards if you need parts.

Their justification was their business was selling new plant. not keeping old crap going. Buy a new one, you cheap charlie.

Their used equipment yard kept no trade ins over 8-10 years old or three models. Older trades were sent to scrap metal not wreckers where they would be used to keep another old junker going.

[Mick_Marsh]

So true. Have a neighbour Robert who used to run a tv repair business. He wanted to retire so closed his shop. But people in the trade still send him massive expensive TVs to fix at his home, as the Australian distributors can't fix them . He can repair absolutely anything electrical and diagnose faulty boards etc. But people with skills like Robert won't be around in 10 years, they are so rare in this throwaway society.
You wouldn't have his contact details, would you?

[simonmelb]

No but I can get a message to him via another neighbour who does. What do you need fixed?

[Old Farang]

Thanks a lot,...P.M. sent.
I've rung up several places, all with the same result,.."No longer Available"!
Regards, Martin.
An alternative may be something like the following. A small fan motor does not draw a lot, the wattage is probably shown on the hood. If you are not electrically inclined it is not a big job to have somebody fit one.

AC 220V Motor Speed Controller 250W Variable Frequency Converter Electronic Tool | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AC-220V-Motor-Speed-Controller-250W-Variable-Frequency-Converter-Electronic-Tool/311876168962?epid=579627881&hash=item489d44ad02:g:KW8AAOSw1WJZHs6t)

There are others shown if you search online.

[Classic88]

Here's proof that 'they don't make them like they used to'

Exeter couple finally ditch 1950s appliances - BBC News (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-42043754)

[Pickles2]

An alternative may be something like the following. A small fan motor does not draw a lot, the wattage is probably shown on the hood. If you are not electrically inclined it is not a big job to have somebody fit one.

AC 220V Motor Speed Controller 250W Variable Frequency Converter Electronic Tool | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AC-220V-Motor-Speed-Controller-250W-Variable-Frequency-Converter-Electronic-Tool/311876168962?epid=579627881&hash=item489d44ad02:g:KW8AAOSw1WJZHs6t)

There are others shown if you search online.
Thanks for that,..yes, something like that would probably be the go, but then I'd need someone like Simon's friend who would be capable enough, & prepared to do the "right" job,...which, looking at the interior of the rangehood, would not be easy.
Thanks, Pickles.

[Mick_Marsh]

No but I can get a message to him via another neighbour who does. What do you need fixed?
Something like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/626.jpg

and a CD player something like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/627.jpg

[Pickles2]

What a great looking stereo, short wave radio?..what brand is it?....German?
Pickles.

[Mick_Marsh]

What a great looking stereo, short wave radio?..what brand is it?....German?
Pickles.
That is just an example.
Mine is a Pye Stereophone. I can't find a picture of it at the moment.
It is a valve radiogram. AM only. 78, 45 & 33 RPM record player.
Built back in the days when your entertainment system was a crafted piece of furniture.

[Tins]

So true. Have a neighbour Robert who used to run a tv repair business. He wanted to retire so closed his shop. But people in the trade still send him massive expensive TVs to fix at his home, as the Australian distributors can't fix them . He can repair absolutely anything electrical and diagnose faulty boards etc. But people with skills like Robert won't be around in 10 years, they are so rare in this throwaway society.

Do you have any contact details, Simon. I have a last gen Pioneer Plasma that could use his help.