rking453
ArboristSite Lurker
Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum, and just getting into saw rebuilding and collecting. I just finished my first full-on saw refurb project, an early 044 with a bad case gasket leak right under the muffler. I bought a case splitter, split the case, put all new bearings in, new seals, rings, carb boot, rubber lines, etc. Saw came out excellent, very happy with myself and definitely have the bug! Bought all of the parts OEM from my local local Stihl / Husky dealer. Even with most of the parts being smaller items, it added up and was a little pricey.
For my next project, my father-in-law gave me a box with two "graveyard" 371XPs that have been picked over time to keep other saws running, and various spare parts. I am planning to build one nice saw with what I have between the two, and purchase whatever parts both are missing. I'm ordering a Hyway top end kit, but for the rest of the parts, clutch, ignition coil, rubber pieces, I'm torn on whether to go the OEM route again, or try out some aftermarket parts and save some money. I see huge differences in prices, OEM coil $90, Bailey's coil $50, eBay $18?
What is everyone's thoughts on sites like Traverse Creek (Duke's), Baileys, or just no-name ebay stuff?
Obviously everyone wants to save money, but where should I draw the line on spending too much, vs buying junk?
For my next project, my father-in-law gave me a box with two "graveyard" 371XPs that have been picked over time to keep other saws running, and various spare parts. I am planning to build one nice saw with what I have between the two, and purchase whatever parts both are missing. I'm ordering a Hyway top end kit, but for the rest of the parts, clutch, ignition coil, rubber pieces, I'm torn on whether to go the OEM route again, or try out some aftermarket parts and save some money. I see huge differences in prices, OEM coil $90, Bailey's coil $50, eBay $18?
What is everyone's thoughts on sites like Traverse Creek (Duke's), Baileys, or just no-name ebay stuff?
Obviously everyone wants to save money, but where should I draw the line on spending too much, vs buying junk?