Which vendor do you buy from?

[dubnutty]

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!

[P.S.]

This should answer your question-

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95346

[Dollar Bill]

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.

[ped58]

I have tried other vendors but I usually buy from Snyder's, plus you can't beat the fast shipping........IMHO

[Rojo]

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.

[ModelAMike1930]

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I like Mac's because they accept pay pal. And the prices are good. The delivery is fast too.

[Y-Blockhead]

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.

[Brianfrench65]

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.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Dollar Bill

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.

Sound words of wisdom I totally agree with.
Wayne

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

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.

X2 and that being said you might consider ordering from the one closest to you. all 3 carry good quality parts.

[jax55]

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.

[dlshady]

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.

[Sparky]

Originally Posted by P.S.

This should answer your question-

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95346

Also, this sticky has a long list:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17518

[Fred K-OR]

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.

[Charlie Stephens]

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

[MrBruce]

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.

[CarlG]

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.

[WRA]

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

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by dubnutty

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!

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.

[Slowplane]

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)

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

You know, I've NEVER had a particular PROBLEM with ANY supplier! I've NEVER returned even 1 part!! Some parts have required some "refining"--BUT, no big deal!
Some folks would complain if they were HUNG with a NEW rope--LOL
With everybody's FREE catalogs & their SPEC pages & their EXPLODED views, I don't even need a shop manual. I gave away my Les Andrews book & my Service Bulletin Book. I don't even have an Owner's Manual. The Dog remembers stuff for me.
Bill W.

[boomerusmc]

Bratton's primarily...they have most of what I've needed so far (and they are close, so I get the parts very quick). I've also used Mac's for a couple of items...no complaints.

[mshmodela]

I buy from mostly Snyder's but as a newbie, I've tried Mac's and Mike's all positive experience with them. I've also read on this forum that Bert's in Denver is one of the better places if you're looking for original parts..

[marc hildebrant]

When I lived in Colorado, a trip to Bert's was my method. I was spoiled....

Marc

[brito36]

A & L Parts reproduces a lot of smaller items. No hassle and eager to help you out.

[mrtexas]

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Originally Posted by Slowplane

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)

Well even the best(Bert's) messes up occasionally. They are my top choice.

[Bill Underwood]

As you say new, so welcpme!
Also look at the search tab as it will reduce redundancy and give you quicker results
However, many of us older dudes seldom remember it's already been addressed any way!
Happy Easter to all!

[glenn in camino]

Brattons

[dubnutty]

Thanks all! I'll get a Berts catalog. I found my old Snyder catalog stuffed away in a book shelf. Never ordered from them but would look and dream of when this day would come. Now it's here so no more dreamin'.

[burner31]

All of them<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

[Pmsqrd]

Bert's hands down.

[Mike V. Florida]

Mikes is closest to me so shipping time is short. 5% discount for online orders pays most of the shipping.

I have used all the other "Big Guys" with the only problems being Macs for the reasons mentioned, price, shipping, product knowledge, etc (do a search here to read about Mac's)

To be fair it seems that Macs is making an effort to improve things and have posted here a short while ago. I'm "once bitten, twice shy".

Also look up and try the "smaller" guys. I think they buy from the big guys at a discount and sell to you.

[Osage Orange]

Rootlieb for running boards, splash aprons and fenders; Mack Industries in Moberly, Mo. for pickup beds and parts. I''ve ordered from all of them, including Rick's, who was local but now long gone. Mostly successful, but once in awhile get the wrong part or something - like a dash panel - that is so cheaply made that it would have been better to have found an original and spent the money and time cleaning it up and paying to get it chromed. Swap meets are full of our disappointments from vendors that we're trying to get rid of.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

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.

I also like Bert's Bratton's and Snynder's. Good service.

[Mitch//pa]

as mike v says macs has their all around issues, plus a surcharge if you want it shipped the sane day / tight return policy read the fine print.

[inex01]

Brattons, they have two very knowledgeably technicians, Both has the same name "Tom" and both have done frame off restorations. Tom Kortisses has done five "Frame Off" restorations and Tom Terko has done at least two as far as I know. The big advantage is when you call them for a problem they have so much knowledge. Plus Brattons insists his parts are USA made and stands behind everything they sell.

[1929]

Macs prices are higher, and their shipping cost from New York to New York is higher then the vendors who are out of state for me.

[Not George]

Bert's!

[Skibb]

Welcome dubnutty! Day in and day out it's Brattons, Snyders, then Berts for me. There are sometimes large differences in the quality of parts from others.

[C26Pinelake]

Whichever one has the best quality part. I only want to have the job done once so many times it is the highest priced part. Macs does charge more for expedited service but so does the Post Office and UPS and FedEx. If you want to go to the front of the line there is a price to pay !
Wayne

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Slowplane,
Thank you for starting this thread! Wouldn't it be an experience, to answer the phones for a supplier for a day. Remember, we ALL process information DIFFERENTLY!! AND, remember, that all the folks we talk to have NOT necessarily done "hands on" restorations.
We are blessed to have SO many parts available. What if you had an APEX-ZIP MOBILE-X-37 & were tryin' to find 3 piece valve guides & a L/F splash deflector & a ROCK proof windscreen???
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

dubnuuty
so your not misinformed the other main suppliers mentioned here DO NOT charge a premium to get the part out the same day.. your always at the front of the line for free..

[Slowplane]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Slowplane,
Thank you for starting this thread! Wouldn't it be an experience, to answer the phones for a supplier for a day. Remember, we ALL process information DIFFERENTLY!! AND, remember, that all the folks we talk to have NOT necessarily done "hands on" restorations.
We are blessed to have SO many parts available. What if you had an APEX-ZIP MOBILE-X-37 & were tryin' to find 3 piece valve guides & a L/F splash deflector & a ROCK proof windscreen???
Bill W.

Well Bill, I didn't start this thread, I only stated my experiences, and preferences, with the vendors. As I see it, one vendor has had 3 opportunities to fill an order, but has not followed through on it.
The second vendor dropped the ball on 2 different occasions by not responding, as he said he would.
I am a consumer, and I'm also working in a service oriented business (for 41 years). I have an inkling as to what "service" entails.
That's why I prefer dealing with Snyders. I don't have any hard feelings towards ANY vendors, I only want to be able to play with my Model A.
Oh yeah, I sold my Apex-Zip Mobile X-37 'cause I couldn't find any parts for it. Tho' parts are readily available for the X-38.
what say we jus' go for a drive, and have a Happy Easter?

[Curt Campbell]

Birdhaven...close to me, Bert and Brattons. No Macs.

[Larry Jenkins]

Snyders after some research.

Here's what I found:

They tell you when parts are made in the USA
They tell you when parts are foreign made
They tell you when parts are marginal and to use originals if possible
They describe what it is and what it's for most of the time
They have an on-site Tech expert (Tom Jordan)
2 day shipping from Ohio to Iowa. Either UPS or USPS
Shipping options
Great current catalog
Competitive pricing.

Going to launch an improved Catalog Site soon.

I have place several order with them recently and I'm pretty pleased with the parts.

No, I don't work there, nor do I have any interest in their Company.

Larry Jenkins

[JD 1931]

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Mike,s and Bratton, If a problem Mike will work with you....

[jwaldrich]

I use Mac's catalog to research and then buy for Brattons or Snyders. I also find Mac's to be generally higher priced but they have the best catalog.

Don't know Bert's as I am new to A's (Old T guy here).

[jwaldrich]

Originally Posted by forever4

Are you serious??? lol

Looking at Bert's now!

[Curt Campbell]

LARRY JENKINS. I replied to your post but can't tell if it went thru or not. Curt

[BigErn]

I have used quite a few with good luck. Mostly it depends on who has the parts I need in stock at the time. Snyders, Bert's, Mike's, Bratton's, all have worked well for me. I have not used Mac's because I have to pay 8% sales tax (they are in my state).

I just placed my first order with Tam's (Massachusetts). A good experience. They were good to talk to, had good prices and delivery was surprisingly fast (I had the stuff in 2 days).

[Larry Jenkins]

Curt..

Did not get it.

[email protected]

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by pmsqrd

bert's hands down.

x2:d:d

[ian Simpson]

I use George Moir in Stoney Plain, Alberta. Fantastic service, no shipping charges as it is only a 30 minute drive from my house. Dwayne is so helpful and polite it is embarrassing. They are so reliable that I usually drive over without calling to check if the part is in stock, only got caught out twice in the six years we have had the Tudor and then Snyders shipped the part the same day.

They also have the most friendly and polite dog who does not even sneer at my wife's 1957 Chev.

Ian

[marc silva]

Berts all the way. Sometimes I will call Steve just to ask for some advice and he will give it gladly without making you feel like it is a bother. Top notch service!

[Del in NE Ohio]

J.C Whitney

[ronn]

Was using Macs................
you folks converted me to Snyders-no waiting for partial shipments and happy with the quality.

[Mikeinnj]

You can not beat Brattons for quality,fast shipping and friendly and knowledgeable service and tech support from the employees. Here are just some of the reasons I chose to make them my #1 supplier :

They tell you when parts are made in the USA
They tell you when parts are foreign made
They tell you when parts are marginal and to use originals if possible
They describe what it is and what it's for most of the time
They have an on-site Tech experts (Walt Bratton and several other tech guy's)
They ship parts the same day order is placed.
They have been in business for over thirty years.
They have a well illustrated catalog dedicated to the Model A.
They have a great web site and on-line catalog. www.brattons.com

I have bought parts from Brattons since 1984 and never had a problem. Top notch !