Auto body repair & detailing: Patent and Parts Numbers Filed Off

Question
Dave,
I had to replace the vapor canister on my wife's 2011 Ford Expedition.  To do so, I ordered the Dorman (OEM) part from Rock Auto's website. When I was installing the part, I discovered that some information on the back of the part had been intentionally filed off.  Have you ever heard of such a thing, and should I be worried?  Rock Auto said it was standard practice in the auto parts industry (rebranding), and Dorman customer service said it was either an extra piece that needed filed off or unimportant numerical information.

Thanks,
Jason

Answer
Hi Jason....First off, you did nothing wrong and should not be worried at all as far as I am concerned. As you mentioned also, you ordered the Dorman OEM part from Rock Auto's website, and I am sure it was in good faith. It will be up to them to supply the correct part, make sure it is within factory specifications, completely safe for installation, etc...That being said, I have never in my 30+ years in the Autobody/Mechanical/Parts Trade, heard of any company filing off any pertaining information/serial numbers/ etc., unless they are trying to hide something such as a Copyright infringement. Sounds like this may be the case, but this is just my opinion. My best advice to you, is to contact Ford directly, and ask them if they have authorized Rock Auto to supply replacement parts for them. You might also like to get a hold of the Better Buisness Bureau, and your local Insurance Company to see if they have had any complaints/problems regarding your concern.....Hope this helps you out Jason....Please feel free to drop me another line anytime if there is anything I can try and help you out with....Thanks....Dave.