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Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 10:21 AM
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Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Any difference between the two beside price? They both seem to be built the same. I cannot see any difference even in the description. Thank you.
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 12:53 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I have the umi one on my car. I believe that they are both the same. I know that there is a post on here that went on for ages talking about who made these parts first.
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 01:00 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I can't speak for Founders but all UMI Products are made of 100% "US" Steel here in Philipsburg,Pa. We design,test and race all of our products. We manufacture most everything we offer including powdercoat in house.Nothing outsourced to any other machine shop.

We offer a 2yr craftsmanship warranty. Basically you break it we replace it!

If you need any pricing or info just let me know.

Craig
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 05:25 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

^ reason why I went umi with my car. Lol.
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 05:28 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Side note: umi please make dust boots that you can use with your strut tower plates. That is all...
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Old Jan 19, 2016 | 12:58 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

All of the Founders Performance parts are also made with "Made in USA Steel" along with everything else being manufactured in San Luis Obispo CA. The only thing we outsource is the powder coat which is done locally so we can control the quality of it. We however have a lifetime warranty on all of our parts (except for rod ends and spherical bearings) and our parts are on average 30% less expensive compared to everyone else.
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Old Jan 19, 2016 | 10:15 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I can't speak of the UMI, but I have a Founders PHB relo and it fits well. I did have to slightly bend some metal on the RH frame rail so it could fit flush. For what it is worth I also have the Founders strut mounts which are very nice pieces. Overall the quality and price point of the Founders products is unrivaled IMO.

I just wish they would offer us a reasonably priced STB!
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Old Jan 21, 2016 | 01:14 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Competition is healthy, no doubt. Both companies are very 3rdgen-friendly with regards to products, quality and service, even representation. I've purchased from both, and I will continue to purchase from both. I wouldn't want to be forced to state that one is "better" than the other, as we can't go wrong with either company. I want them both to stick around for us, so I hope both are happy with a share.
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Old Feb 14, 2016 | 05:39 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by LAFireboyd
Competition is healthy, no doubt. Both companies are very 3rdgen-friendly with regards to products, quality and service, even representation. I've purchased from both, and I will continue to purchase from both. I wouldn't want to be forced to state that one is "better" than the other, as we can't go wrong with either company. I want them both to stick around for us, so I hope both are happy with a share.
same here i have both UMI and Founders with no problems would buy again
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 08:06 AM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I think it's safe to say you will get a quality product from a number of reputable companies that manufacture aftermarket components that will be an upgrade to the stock stamped steel factory suspension components.

Craig
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Old Feb 21, 2016 | 09:28 AM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I had the UMI PH-Rod, Uppers, SFC and LCA's in my 87 TA (which I sold three years ago). Great pieces, and excellent build quality.

I currently have Founder's PH-Rod (adjustable), Upper and LCA's that will go into "The Project". Quality seems similar.

+ 1 for dust boots on the strut tower plates

I will say that the UMI LCA's seemed heavier..
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Old Feb 21, 2016 | 10:49 AM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by The Project
+ 1 for dust boots on the strut tower plates
Do you have a photo of this? I'm having a hard time visualizing that, and what it's value would be.
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Old Feb 21, 2016 | 12:57 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by DynoDave43
Do you have a photo of this? I'm having a hard time visualizing that, and what it's value would be.
I'm saying UMI or Founders need to make a dust cover for their plates as neither comes with one...
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Old Feb 21, 2016 | 04:59 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by The Project
I'm saying UMI or Founders need to make a dust cover for their plates as neither comes with one...
Is that to fit over the top of the strut end in the engine compartment?
Or, a bellows to fit over/protect the strut rod in the wheel well, since the factory "cylinder" doesn't fit with the aftermarket strut mount?... this would be between the spherical bearing and the strut body.
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Old Feb 22, 2016 | 04:23 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by MoJoe
Is that to fit over the top of the strut end in the engine compartment?
This
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Old Feb 22, 2016 | 05:43 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?


Originally Posted by The Project
This

I rigged this up until something comes out.
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 09:48 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I understand that thisnis a comparison between UMI and Founders but where does BMR fall into place? Im looking at all my options. Thanks!
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 09:25 AM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by Z28camaroman
I understand that thisnis a comparison between UMI and Founders but where does BMR fall into place? Im looking at all my options. Thanks!
I have their strut tower brace. It cleared the factory hood on my 86 trans am. Only product I have bought from them. Don't have any complaints.
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 09:02 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Originally Posted by t/aws61985
I have their strut tower brace. It cleared the factory hood on my 86 trans am. Only product I have bought from them. Don't have any complaints.
Cool thanks
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 09:08 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I have bmr front control arms and they fit great
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 02:49 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

I have complete UMI k-member and Founder's rear suspension upgrades, both products and customer service are great.
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Old Jun 30, 2016 | 01:26 AM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

are you supposed to pull the factory covers off the struts? when using the upper strut mounts?
Attached Thumbnails Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?-imag0560.jpg   Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?-imag0564.jpg  
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Old Jun 30, 2016 | 12:27 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

Yes you will need to remove the factory dust covers.
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Old Jun 30, 2016 | 09:04 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

oh crap ya mine didn't come with instructions we installed the mounts with them and did the alignment guess ill have to pull them and realign

Last edited by Azrael91966669; Jul 4, 2016 at 02:55 PM.
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Old Jul 4, 2016 | 09:26 PM
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Re: Founders vs Umi Upper Panhard - Difference?

everything in my car is founders, except umi strut tower mounts, lets be serious, these are two great company's, but founders cant be beat when it comes to price! and there's no quality sacrificed, easy company to deal with also, thanks
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