Yes, you're correct Andrew. This is what I was trying to convey in my previous post, but I guess I didn't do a good enough job. These ARE old parts. What I wanted builders to take from this, is that the idea of prefab parts or their plans-built project having aged along the way during years of building does not in any way make it less safe, or airworthy, simply because they took longer (20 years) to complete the airplane. I have a Cozy fuselage tub that I started building 18 years ago (1998). It still looks like it was built yesterday, because it was kept in a climate controlled environment. I have no qualms at all finishing and flying that fuselage tub. If parts, or materials are not stored correctly, then they should be inspected closely to see if any damage has occurred due to exposure. Cold is fine. Direct sun (UV) damage is not, and can severely warp and destroy anything left exposed to it. We are in Arizona. The desert will turn anything exposed to it for any length of time into dust. It doesn't care if it's epoxy, rubber, plastic, upholstery, batteries, or skin.
Your mention of not supporting the older parts is not completely accurate. Old parts, new parts, it doesn't really matter to me. Provided the parts are in good condition and a builder needed guidance on how they install into the airplane, on a case-by-case situation and time permitting, the support would be there to assist them in getting to the finish line. Heck, we all want to see airplanes completed and flying. That's the ultimate goal. We're all in this together my friend, and fellow aviator.
I'm not sure what happened along the way that would create an atmosphere of no-support issues with parts made my Jeff Russell, and parts made after the business changed hands to Al, but that is something that needs to change, and is being worked on as we speak. I worked alongside of Jeff for awhile, and I learned a great deal from him back at the turn of the century. Those were interesting times. I would fully support any parts made back then, as if they were made yesterday. They would simply need a thorough inspection. The installation methods of the parts hasn't changed.
My courtroom comment was just a knee-jerk. Idiots sue because they spill hot coffee in their lap. Evil coffee companies. Our society is over-sensitized... and way too PC. Ya just gotta be careful out there. Businesses can suffer or fail overnight because of one comment posted via social network. Sad!