Don't Build Them The Way They used To!

Last month I was given 2 heavy iron garden chairs. My guess is they are from the late 50s. I used a wire brush to get rid of rust and flacking paint. A can of spray primer and 1 of black paint and they look like new. These chairs can easily last decades more. Last year I purchased a metal trailer from tractor supply, by the time I got the empty trailer home the weilds holding the floor to frame where coming undone. When I returned the trailer, was told yep sometimes that happens. It is almost like we expect things not to last.

It was part of the plan, NyBoy.

There is a story about the executive of 1 of the car manufacturers sending a research team out to wrecking yards. I won't mention any names. Anyway, the idea was to determine which parts showed little wear. Those could be made cheaper in future models.

Marketing becomes more important than product, consumers get sucked in, and management/investors make millions each year. Yay!

Having those trailers returned at a certain rate is just part of the business model. Clever people with MBA's have worked it out, along with any lies they can tell. It's our fault, of course. They should beat heck outta all of us. No, not the busy little managers. Other folks can pay to have someone do the beating.

Good on you for seeing value under the rust and being able to make something olde, shine like new! Will there be pictures of the barbeque and dining patio?

Steve

Good for you for recycling! It's sad, our disposable society, but encouraging to see all the second-hand and recycle shops doing well around here... and craigslist!

I went through the poor quality dilemma a few years ago, looking for a patio set, so many discouraging reviews on sets that cost hundreds$$... failing welds, paint loss in a year! Nope! I got on craigslist and found 2 sets, older and heavy REAL wrought iron, and just needed some TLC. One set, they were just getting rid of it because it was green, $100 for table and 4 chairs, silly people. I have bought more used (read quality) items in the past 15 years than new.

Agreed, Nyboy! We've been working on my 1970's Roto-Hoe tiller. It's been great for all these years and now needs a bit of carburetor tune-up. The newer tillers don't hold a candle to this workhorse. It seems that owners LOVE their Roto-Hoe tillers and mine looks to be in much better shape than the others I've seen.

My plans are for starting a few garden plots in ground for things that take lots of space like corn and squashes.

I totally believe what Steve said to be accurate.

Last year I returned something to my local Lowe's because a piece was missing. Next time I went in there, the taped up box was back on the shelf with the piece still missing.

I don't buy anything in a previously opened box or if it is preassembled but there are unassembled boxes available. If it is preassembled, it is possible it was not assembled for display purposes but because someone returned it.

Caveat emptor!

Nyboy, sounds like you got quite a steal. I love old metal things but over here they are hard to find. You'll find them at antique places but they cost a fortune.

Mary

I always assumed preassembled ment display, never thought it could mean return!

Mary check craigs list, but check areas outside city limits.

Nyboy, I do that. I especially check if we are going out of town and look for places along the way. My eyes are even glued to those country roads looking at peoples junky yards. I've told my husband that if I see something he is going to go back and stop. I'm willing to knock on peoples's doors! Ha

Mary

What a find Nyboy! Where are the pictures? You can't tell us about this fantastic find and no pictures!