Fake Parts, Real Problems: Manufacturers Fight Fake Hot Rod Parts on Hammer Down! The Official SEMA HRIA Podcast Host Kevin Oeste sits down with Jeff Grantmeyer (Borgeson Steering) & Brian Downard (Lokar Performance) to expose the rising problem of counterfeit & knockoff hot rod parts flooding online retailers. From fake steering boxes & missing springs to warranty scams & safety risks – they share real stories, how they're fighting back, and crucial tips to make sure you're getting GENUINE hot rod parts and quality. The conversation highlights challenges manufacturers face from fake products sold on platforms like eBay and Amazon, including: Customers unknowingly buying inferior knockoffs that use stolen part numbers, photos, or "equivalent to" phrasing in listings to appear in searches.Real-world examples of warranty fraud, such as missing components (e.g., return springs on e-brake cables, altered MSD boxes), swapped inferior parts for credit returns, and customers receiving help for non-genuine products.Safety concerns with critical components like steering gears, throttle cables, and drive-by-wire systems, where cheap copies lack proper R&D, testing, and liability coverage.Manufacturers share tactics they've adopted: requiring proof of purchase/photos for warranties, branding/laser-etching/date-coding parts, listing authorized dealers on websites, and reporting fraudulent listings to eBay/Amazon (though it's often a "whack-a-mole" battle).Tips for consumers and builders: Buy from authorized sources, compare photos/details to official product images, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, check for branded packaging/castings/engravings, and register warranties when possible.Positive outlook: Both companies report strong sales, ongoing innovation to stay ahead, and recent policy changes (e.g., elimination of the de minimis exemption for low-value imports) that may help reduce cheap overseas knockoffs.The episode emphasizes education, due diligence, and supporting American-made quality to protect brands, builders, and enthusiasts in the long-term health of the hot rod industry. Subscribe today for more! More about the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance: https://www.sema.com/hria #HammerDownPodcast #SEMA #HRIA #HotRod #MuscleCar #CounterfeitParts #FakeParts #Lokar #Borgeson #MadeInUSA #HotRodIndustry #CarCulture
