Which vendor do you buy from?

dubnutty

dubnutty

Member
Being the "new guy" here, I have a question. Which parts vendor do you buy from? I see a lot of places after googling Model A parts. Or do most of you just use all and look for the best deal. I have a '29 station wagon so I'm just starting to make a list of parts to get this project started. Any help on this subject would be great. Thank!
 
The best deal doesn't always equate to the best quality of parts and vice versa.

I've had good luck with Bratton's and Snyders.

If placing the order online, it's usually a good idea to verify the parts availability to save on shipping.
 
I have tried other vendors but I usually buy from Snyder's, plus you can't beat the fast shipping........IMHO
 
I primarily use Bert's in Denver.....many times Steve will have an original part at a better price than a repro. Great service also.
 
I have tried most of the vendors since I bought my Town Sedan last July and Mac's is the only vendor I have NOT had any issues with.

And yes the ability to use PayPal is a plus.
 
My experience with Macs is that the price is always higher, and their first choice of suppliers is China. Snyders and Braytons, both have primarily better quality products, and are fair on pricing and far less than Macs on shipping.
 
Dollar Bill said:
The best deal doesn't always equate to the best quality of parts and vice versa.

I've had good luck with Bratton's and Snyders.

If placing the order online, it's usually a good idea to verify the parts availability to save on shipping.
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Sound words of wisdom I totally agree with.
Wayne
 
1930 coupe said:
Bert's, Bratton's, and Snyder's seem to be the top three with most restorers. Each vendor has some unique items that the other vendors do not have. Get a catalog from all three of them and order from the catalog that has the parts that you need. I order from all three, depending on what I need.
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X2 and that being said you might consider ordering from the one closest to you. all 3 carry good quality parts.
 
I agree with 1930 Coupe. Sometimes when I need something fast, I'll order from Snyders they usually ship second day priority mail. Bert's is usually my first choice, Steve is always willing to go the extra mile to help you out.
 
It must be the first of the month if we're having this discussion again...

Snyder's for me but would have absolutely no problem ordering from Bert's or Bratton's either. Al three are top notch.
 
I think you will find MAC's has the best catalog and have parts that are OK most of the time. But like mentioned above there are other vendors rated higher that MAC's because of the quality of parts and the service they provide to you if you have questions. So it depends on who you find works the best for you. Suggest you try a number of them and be your own judge.
 
Sometimes it doesn't hurt to ask with a post on fordbarn. Some vendors are the only supplier of certain high quality parts. Headlight reflectors from Bratton's, brake light switches from A&L, original parts from Burts etc. If someone has two qualities, generally you are better off in the long run with the best (most expensive) choice.

Charlie Stephens
 
Brattons, Snyder's our my go to guys. I also will order from Smith & Jones (Columbia, SC) if in a hurry or if Charlotte Auto Fair is on I will have them bring me the parts and save on freight.
 
Bert's & Snyder's are my primary. Bratton's, Mike's and Sacramento Vintage are a close second. It really depends on what I'm buying as to where I go. Anything to do with wiring automatically goes to Sacramento.
 
Snyders, Sacramento Vintage and C&G have been my recent vendors. Macs used to be my primary vendor but since Eklers bought them out I have to pay 7% Sales tax as well as shipping. Can be as much as $25 per $100
 
dubnutty said:
Being the "new guy" here, I have a question. Which parts vendor do you buy from? I see a lot of places after googling Model A parts. Or do most of you just use all and look for the best deal. I have a '29 station wagon so I'm just starting to make a list of parts to get this project started. Any help on this subject would be great. Thank!
Click to expand...

You are living close to , IMO, a great Model A supplier, that is , BERTS in Denver ! Steve and Tim are exceptionally cordial, responsive and knowledgable ! Just this morning, I spoke with Steve about a parts order that I had ALREADY rec'd..and with note that my card info turned out to be outdated ! They know me and sent the parts right away with a note to call them :) ! Goes to show that , once they know you, that they threat you like they would want to be treated. Guess I picked the right guys/business to settle on ;) !!

BTW...If shipping cost gets to you like me, I think that you will also like that you can ask these guys to ship 'cheapest way' or overnight.....and they try to accommodate ! Unlike other parts supplier places who yesterday $16 to send me ONE small part no bigger than your fist (a chunk of aluminum !)..despite being asked for snail mail rate....because that's how they routinely do business. And, they are a heck of a lot closer than Denver , Colorado !! These things count and add up..your choice.
 
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I have been re-assembling a '29 station wagon over the past year, and use SNYDER'S as this is who my mechanics use, and recommended. I've placed 15 or so orders with them, probably 150-200 items total. They have been spot-on EVERY time.

I ordered once from BRATTONS. They list a body to chassis bolt kit, specific to the body style. the kit should contain 14 bolts, and a list of sizes and locations. the kit arrived with 13 bolts, only 4 matching the list. I talked with them, and they sent another kit; 14 bolts, the same kit(with the list) but still with all the incorrect hardware. I called again and they're gonna get right on it. This was 2 months ago, and no word, no nothin'.

In the last year and a half, I've called BERTS twice, talked to Steve both times, in search of a couple of parts. He took my phone number, said he'd check stock and call later that day, both times. I have never received any call from Berts.

So, guess who I use. (tho' I may give Mac's a try sometime)
 
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