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Just a word of caution regarding LMC

86caliblazer

86caliblazer

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I just wanted to let everyone know what happened to me regarding ordering parts from LMC. I am in the process of restoring my newly bought 86 k5 and converting the tailgate back to electric. The previous owner changed it from electric to a manual and I wanted it back to original.

So I went to LMC for all of the electric parts their catalog said I would need to make this change. So after I ordered all the parts LMC neglected to illustrate in their catalog that one major part you would need was the Jack screw transmission gear assembly, because with out this part for your "electric regulator" this whole change would not work. After my research and several calls to their customer service who by the way I had to educate on this part the conclusion was that LMC does not show this part because they 1 do not know about and 2 don't know where you can get it. So basically they sell you what is the full list of parts to make it electric but REALLY DOES NOT.

So just be aware that what their catalog says is what you need for a electric tailgate window is not everything you really need. Be ready for an additional cost and time in locating that part.
 
I don't believe that gear assy is available any longer.
If u can find a used regulator assy along with the switch and bezel assy you would have everything u need.
 
Thank you, I was able to find the part after some research. Unfortunately it's one of those things where they know they have you over a barrel for it. I just to inform others on my experience with LMC on these parts.
Thank you
 
Yes LMC can be hit or miss.

Your not the first one on here that's not happy with them.

Glad u found what u needed.
 
Thats good to know i am buying stuff for a manual window. But thought about doing the power instead. Thanks
 
I have dealt with LMC quite a bit between work and home. When ordering from LMC you best know what you are looking at in their catalogs as their sales people are "order takers" not sales people who "know" their product and applications.
 
I agree but I knew what I was looking at based on THEIR description and explanation of buying an electric regulator. I expect a company of this size to be able to have some technical staff to help with those types of questions. It's not fair to the buyer and customer service rep to have to be put in that situation. Oh and buy the way I think we can all agree their parts are not CHEAP.
 
LMC is sort of a necessary evil. They have some stuff that is hard to get anywhere else, but they bone you on shipping and handling.

I'll probably reluctantly order again from them someday. Only if I'm out of options.
 
I totally agree with you. I will probably have to order a few more thing to finish the inside restoration but I now understand what I am dealing with. I just c wanted to get this out to hopefully help someone else in case this issue comes up for them.
 
86454K30 said:
I have dealt with LMC quite a bit between work and home. When ordering from LMC you best know what you are looking at in their catalogs as their sales people are "order takers" not sales people who "know" their product and applications.
Click to expand...

I would say that sums up buying anything from LMC. You need to know more about your restoration project, and the parts you are buying than LMC does, or you could be SOL with LMC. :D
 
If you need an eletric drive setup you are probably going to have to look around for used, whether it be ebay, military surplus, or parts yards..... It's just one of those things where most of the folks who ran into issues said screw it and decided to move on to a manual. Usually it was either the wiring or some issue not related to the assembly that made it stop working well (like rusty track or bad felts). I know mine works, but when it comes time to replace the tailgate (due to cracks in the corners) I may just go manual and be done with it my own self (and resell the eletric setup for a small fortune) but I am working on the other end of the truck for now, lol.
 
rpcraft said:
If you need an eletric drive setup you are probably going to have to look around for used, whether it be ebay, military surplus, or parts yards..... It's just one of those things where most of the folks who ran into issues said screw it and decided to move on to a manual. Usually it was either the wiring or some issue not related to the assembly that made it stop working well (like rusty track or bad felts). I know mine works, but when it comes time to replace the tailgate (due to cracks in the corners) I may just go manual and be done with it my own self (and resell the eletric setup for a small fortune) but I am working on the other end of the truck for now, lol.
Click to expand...

I think all of those tailgates crack at the corners. I welded and ground down my cracks before coating with Durabak, so far it's held up.

I only use LMC for parts I can't get elsewhere. One thing I will say is that the parts breakdowns can be useful and similar to what you might see in a dealership parts manual. I've used those charts more than once to make sure I wasn't missing anything when acquiring replacements.
 
I was wondering if welding would work or if it would just end up cracking soon afterwards.
 
Not sure if it helps, but I normally drill a small hole at the end of a crack then weld it up
 
86caliblazer said:
I just wanted to let everyone know what happened to me regarding ordering parts from LMC. I am in the process of restoring my newly bought 86 k5 and converting the tailgate back to electric. The previous owner changed it from electric to a manual and I wanted it back to original.

So I went to LMC for all of the electric parts their catalog said I would need to make this change. So after I ordered all the parts LMC neglected to illustrate in their catalog that one major part you would need was the Jack screw transmission gear assembly, because with out this part for your "electric regulator" this whole change would not work. After my research and several calls to their customer service who by the way I had to educate on this part the conclusion was that LMC does not show this part because they 1 do not know about and 2 don't know where you can get it. So basically they sell you what is the full list of parts to make it electric but REALLY DOES NOT.

So just be aware that what their catalog says is what you need for a electric tailgate window is not everything you really need. Be ready for an additional cost and time in locating that part.
Click to expand...
My situation was idenical. In searching for a jack screw it took me 6 Mos to find a rebuilt one on cragslist. , the guy was asking almost 300.00. Outrageous . I went to manual. Then I found one in a wreaking yard. Turned out to be a very expensive tailgate project. LMC is simply a pars house, it is advised you know exactly what you need and investigate. If it don't show in their book I guess they believe it don't exsist....lol... My lesson was frustrating and $$$ . But they do have parts that are very hard to find. A catch 22.
 
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