[ihc] RE:Pete's Last Word On Robertshaw and Other Random Thoughts

[Binder <Binder@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,

Here is what I anticipate will be _my_ 'last word' on Robertshaw 'stats for
a while! %^}  You'll recall my original query was simply where they could be
found now that (at least my) AutoZone no longer carries them. Somehow we got
off on the Stant v. Robertshaw discussion. A favorite thread here on the IHC
Digest, and perhaps not without good reason.

I'm not in the automotive business. For support with my Scout I rely heavily
on the Digest for assistance.  Historically, as far as I know, T.R.E. has
always been accurate in what he's said. As have the vast majority of folks
on the Digest. I have always been able  to count on him for feedback that
either hits the problem dead-on or gets me in the ball park. My humble
opinion is, is that Robertshaw is NOT now or ever was one in the same
company. So we disagree on one thing.  Big whoop. But that's not to say
Tomkins AND Invensys AND maybe even Microsoft won't all be owned by R.J.
Reynolds or perhaps Backcountry Binders in another 6 months! %^}

Stant: The famous thermostat / thermocouple company --  Owned by parent
Tomkins Industrial. Lineage already discussed. No doubt/question here. 

Robertshaw:  The famous thermostat / thermocouple company -- Owned by parent
Invensys.  From their web page "Invensys also currently serves other market
sectors through its Development Division. The businesses in this division
are: Appliance Controls, APV Baker, Climate Controls, Hansen Transmissions,
Lambda, Metering Systems and Powerware. Invensys is actively seeking to
develop these businesses through equity partners or new owners.".  

As they say on the bamboo steamer commercial (to those of us old enough to
remember that!):  "But wait!  There's still more!"

To some recent notes:

: Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 09:04:50 -0800
: From: "Tom Reed" <treed@domain.elided>
: Subject: [ihc] Re: About Stant
: 
: Hello John,
: 
: As a fellow gun owner you should know that Tomkins Industrial 
: was the owner of Smith & Wesson and signed that awful 

Interesting sidebar... Tnx.

<SNIP!>

So far so good.  Onward to the next piece of the puzzle...

: Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 09:28:23 -0800 (PST)
: From: Steven Stegmann <steve.stegmann@domain.elided>
: Subject: Re: [ihc] Robertshaw 'Stats, Anyone?
: 
: Guys,
:  
: Robertshaw thermostats have been purchased by Cooper.  Here's 
: a link to their website.
: http://www.cooperstandard.com/aftermarket/ThermostatOverview.htm

Exactly so! Good post, Steve!  Right to the marrow of the bone.   

And more from Steve:

: Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 12:50:45 -0800 (PST)
: From: Steven Stegmann <steve.stegmann@domain.elided>
: Subject: Re: [ihc] Robertshaw 'Stats, Anyone?

<snip!>

: They've purchased the Robertshaw automotive thermostat line.  
: They hope to have them generally available within the next 
: year.  Currently they can be bought in cards of 10 from 

Excellent & encouraging...

<snip!>

: I offered to produce a listing of "Engines/vehicles/years 
: available" for them to add to their application listings for 
: this thermostat.  I think this group should be able to come 
: up with that.  I don't know if they will use it but they 
: might if we present it to them without any strings.
: I also recieved an Excel file listing all the applications of 
: the Robertshaw 370 thermostat.  
: Write to me offline if you want a copy and I'll send it.
:  
: Steve

Steve, I'm a tad cornfused. Are you saying we should compile a spreadsheet
of IHC apps for Robertshaw 'stats for Coppers-Standard?  Or are you saying
they SENT YOU a spreadsheet?  Or both, but the IHC data is missing from what
they sent you? This sounds like a worthy cause. I'd be willing to collect
the data from Digesters unless you've already started this.  Your call.  Let
me know on or off Digest. 

"Call now! Operators are standing by..."

: As I had mentioned a year or two ago to the list, Stant 
: thermostats now looked like the Robertshaw does, and vice 
: versa. It used to be that Stant's were brass and the 
: Robertshaws were tin looking, and now that's reversed. When I 
: talked to a knoiwledgable NAPA guy not too long ago, he said 
: that Stant made Robertshaw their better brand and Stant their 
: low price brand, which explained to me the switch in how the 
: two looked.

In light of the preceding, I'll tacitly offer "No comment" to the above.
Offhand, I might've thought that the two different colors/metals were for
thermostatic concerns - perhaps to foster a bi-metallic reaction (often used
in conventional air thermostats, for instance). But I am probably mistaken.
But then, if memory serves, Stant also makes an essentially all 'stainless'
(body, anyhow) thermostat for a couple bucks or so more than their 'regular'
line.  I forget what they call it - something like their "Heavy Duty"/"Extra
Duty"/"Pro Line" (something!) line of 'stats. Don't get me wrong - nothing
wrong with Stant 'stats in the proper application.  But for the past SEVERAL
years (it can't be as long as I just thought!), every time this discussion
surfaces, Robertshaw wins -- due to the by-pass stuff which Stant apparently
doesn't incorporate into the touted substitutes. 

: Steve

Thanks Steve! Enjoyable & productive post as always.

: Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 18:19:42 -0600
: From: "Peter Ferris" <binder@domain.elided>
: Subject: [ihc] Robertshaw &  P'Blaster Testimonial & Tow 
: Strap Meditation

<Snip!>

: A *most* picayune correction.  It's "Robertshaw". Not "Robert 
: Shaw", "Robert-Shaw", "Bob Shaw", etc. Sorry, I just can't 
: help myself sometimes.

This guy really needs a good 12 Step Program! What a jerk! T.R.E. deserves
better! If you see Pete today (and today only!), kick him in the butt!

I'll probably abstain from any further Digest discussion on this subject for
a while. If you want to cuss & discuss it off Digest, drop me a note. But
when things slow down, it can always be (and most likely WILL be!) rekindled
as necessary by some poor sot like me!  And, offhand, I can't think of
another topic more frequently discussed over the lifetime of the Digest...
With the possible exception of rustproof-ers/inhibitors/breakers (POR-15,
B'laster, Kroil, MMO, etc.) and other magic goos, potions, sauves and
ointments or MAYBE "The Right Stuff" threads! ;-) 

And again, I *REALLY* appreciate all the comments by Steve, T.R.E., John,
Ryan, Joseph, Isaac and others. It's guys such as yourself that are the
backbone of this great community.  I've subscribed to many other special
interest groups/newsletters, etc. Nothing comes remotely close to the
support & fellowship that's found here in the Digest. This is a living
breathing community.  We mourn for those that fall asleep in death, we
rejoice in the newborns and snipe at the newly wed (ahem! And you KNOW who
you are!). We all make mistakes and stumble. Me foremost, to be sure. With
the support of our Binder brothers, we pick ourselves up, dust off, and move
on down the road. Thanks ever so much for letting me tag along. 

May the farce be with you!

--Pete