Macs new catoloug

[fredski]

Just received macs latest catoloug and was very impressed.
Good pictures of parts and a lot of diagrams of parts as well.

I think it is more informative than the other 2big guys.

Fredski

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

In my view, it is a shame their quality is only in their catalog!

On the other hand, maybe the exploded views and/or diagrams are for their customers to use to repair the merchandise they sell!?!

[C26Pinelake]

They have the best catologue in our hobby. The others don't even compare! Wayne

[George Miller]

Ricks use to have a nice catalog also.

[2manycars]

Some companies spend their money on fancy catalogs, others spend it on supplying quality parts.
You can guess which one I prefer.

[ModelAMike1930]

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I have gotten a lot of parts from Mac's and haven't been disappointed yet. They deliver fast and all parts packed well..

[Mitch//pa]

try and return parts after 30 days or even 6 months if your doing a project which is the case many times... i returned stuff from my lucy restoration to snyders and brattons that was over a year old with no questions asked...

[Franchise_24]

I don't know why these threads even get started, they are pointless.

[FL&WVMIKE]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

In my view, it is a shame their quality is only in their catalog!

On the other hand, maybe the exploded views and/or diagrams are for their customers to use to repair the merchandise they sell!?!

Come on - Be nice !
MIKE (mikeburch)

[msmaron]

And would you look at the fancy catalog A&L has.....seems their money is in the parts!!

[WRA]

I like Macs catalog but I no longer purchase parts from them. They are just not competitive based on their Shipping and state sales tax.

[msmaron]

Originally Posted by WRA

I like Macs catalog but I no longer purchase parts from them. They are just not competitive based on their Shipping and state sales tax.

Shipping and sales tax..????? How about quality...thats a bit better of a reason not to purchase don't you think??

[C26Pinelake]

I think it has been said that they are also a sponsor of this site! Hmmm! Wayne

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Franchise_24

I don't know why these threads even get started, they are pointless.

Agree!!!

[fredski]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Agree!!!

I did not post to start parts bashing !

Catoloug //. Okay


Fred g

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by fredski

I did not post to start parts bashing !

Catoloug //. Okay


Fred g

No need to apologize, it was a good post on your part! Wayne

[harleytoprock]

I like, when dealing with vendors such as Snyder's,Bratton's, Bert's, I can talk to a person who can answer my technical questions. At Mac's I had a sales person that could only read to me the description from the catalog. Duh, I can read too. I'm sure most of Mac's parts are the same as other vendors .

[WRA]

Originally Posted by msmaron

Shipping and sales tax..????? How about quality...thats a bit better of a reason not to purchase don't you think??

Depends on the part, some good, some bad. I'll say that 50% of my car is built with Macs. I've spent north of $2500 each year for the last 15 or so years. I've also returned my share and actually spoke with someone who cares.

Well, now that Eklers bought them out, they have a high school girl answering questions. Their tax and shipping are well over the top. Depending on what I buy, 18-23% per $100 is standard.

I shop around, C&G is great, Brattons etc. plenty of vendors that don't gouge you. I don't mind reasonable shipping, but will not pay shipping and tax, Macs fails on a number of levels but they do have a great catalog.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

BUT, we are blessed to have so MANY suppliers & most try to help us with our problems & inquiries.
Just imagine if YOU were the help person & put up with some of the GOOFAH they put up with!!! BE NICE, what goes around, comes around!!
Parts are not always "perfect" as they are made by people who aren't "perfect" either, JUST LIKE US!!!
Be glad you're NOT trying to get parts for a 1923 1/2 SPUTTERMOBILE !!!
Bill W.

[jeep44]

I have a number of vehicles with multiple parts vendors-old jeeps, old Dodge trucks. British motorcycles, and I like to spread my business around, instead of using just one seller. I've used all the model A parts sellers, and I continue to spread my orders around to all of them.

[jhowes]

I agree with Bill, I have a Willys Knight, try finding a vender like Macs for that car. Jack

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by fredski

I did not post to start parts bashing !

Catoloug //. Okay


Fred g

Sorry Fred g. I did not intend to give you a bad time. Your post was very good and mentioned a true statement about one of the best catalogs available. I totally agree with you on that comment.

But it is all the other critical comments that followed that I have a tuff time seeing the point of posting.

[tbirdtbird]

"But it is all the other critical comments that followed that I have a tuff time seeing the point of posting"

So is your point that we are to assume that all the vendors have all the same quality and all the same prices and all the same service?

If that is NOT the case should the Barners be aware of any differences? Or should we just throw our fellow Model A friends to the wolves when it comes to parts choices?.....

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

"But it is all the other critical comments that followed that I have a tuff time seeing the point of posting"

So is your point that we are to assume that all the vendors have all the same quality and all the same prices and all the same service?

If that is NOT the case should the Barners be aware of any differences? Or should we just throw our fellow Model A friends to the wolves when it comes to parts choices?.....

What ever you want to do. Not worth explaining.

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

BUT, we are blessed to have so MANY suppliers & most try to help us with our problems & inquiries.
Just imagine if YOU were the help person & put up with some of the GOOFAH they put up with!!! BE NICE, what goes around, comes around!!
Parts are not always "perfect" as they are made by people who aren't "perfect" either, JUST LIKE US!!!
Be glad you're NOT trying to get parts for a 1923 1/2 SPUTTERMOBILE !!!
Bill W.

I have managed Help desks for several organisations and know what it is like to be on the receiving end of the GOOFAH.

If the person you are talking to does not have the answer, ask politely if there is anyone else you can talk to. If not, ask when would be a good time to call back and who to ask for.

If you are rude, bullying or otherwise obnoxious you will not get the best response.

[Charlville]

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Thanks for the voice of sanity Ian

[Eckler's]

The only thing i didn't like about the new catalogs is type of paper used. I liked the older catalogs paper better for some reason. Great point about the exploding views of parts.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Scott,

I think it is just great and courageous to comment "only" on your catalog's paper.

Now we can all get serious and begin a new discussion as to whether your catalog paper should be "scented" or "unscented".

Thanks for your most sincere reply ........ those parts suppliers who put so much effort in presenting detailed and helpful information in their Model A parts catalogs ........ and continue to try ......... will never fail.

[Eckler's]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Hi Scott,

I think it is just great and courageous to comment "only" on your catalog's paper.

Now we can all get serious and begin a new discussion as to whether your catalog paper should be "scented" or "unscented".

Thanks for your most sincere reply ........ those parts suppliers who put so much effort in presenting detailed and helpful information in their Model A parts catalogs ........ and continue to try ......... will never fail.

Not sure what you wanted me to say?? I think we have a great catalog and have for years.

[Y-Blockhead]

With all this lambasting of MAC's I am compelled to say I've gotten some pretty crappy parts from Synder's and Bratton's lately also.

And what's with Mike's charging a $2 "Handling charge" on every order?

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Eckler's

Not sure what you wanted me to say?? I think we have a great catalog and have for years.

Yes Scott and I would hope that those that are very critical of your company either refuse to accept Or return your catalogue. That would be the honorable thing to do. Wayne

[nuwala]

5$ for the catalogue + 16,89$ for shipping to Europe. What a rip off. That's the last time I've ordered something from Mac's.
Other online shops offer a download option for the catalogue. At MAC's I need to pay $27,89 just for a catalogue? Looks like Mac's is not interested in oversees customers...

[Randy in ca]

What is the version of this new catalogue? On their webpage it shows 2014-2015 only for Model A's available for order. Page just not updated yet?

[Franchise_24]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

With all this lambasting of MAC's I am compelled to say I've gotten some pretty crappy parts from Synder's and Bratton's lately also.

And what's with Mike's charging a $2 "Handling charge" on every order?

Im actually ticked at brattons. I called them and asked a question about a part. Tech didn't know the answer so he said he would figure it out and call me back. I knew as soon as he said that he would not call me, sure enough that was a few weeks ago.

[C26Pinelake]

Hmmm, maybe Mac's is not the only company that is not perfect! At least we have a representative of their company online to express our concerns to. To the best of my knowledge SnydersMikes and Brattons do not have an online representative on FordBarn. Mac's is to be commended for this progressive initiative! Wayne

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Franchise_24

I don't know why these threads even get started, they are pointless.

Must be a slow day, in the garage

[CarlG]

My wife got her new JoAnn Fabrics sale flyer today.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by CarlG

My wife got her new JoAnn Fabrics sale flyer today.

I can top that one. Neighbor's mail got mixed up with ours and SHE got a new Victoria's Secret catalog!! Doesn't look like all NOS original parts there's a lot of reproduction going on there

[mshmodela]

I buy most of my parts from Snyder's (they are close) but have ordered part from MAC's (last part a 6V coil worked very well BTW), Mike's and Berts. Snyder's service is surely second to none and I've not needed to return any parts from Mac's or Snyder's... As has been said, we're luck there are businesses out there that will serve the needs of a few thousand model A owners...

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

...a few thousand model A owners...

A FEW Thousand??

[bobusnick104]

They get started because someone is not satisfied, simple as that. I appreciate the advice or should I say opinion. I happen to agree.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Scott,

Just letting you know many people operating businesses in 2015 in the U.S. have respect and compassion for others encountering difficulties while running businesses in 2015.

Once an employee becomes an employer, the perspective changes.

Also noticed that several Model A parts suppliers, (even though they do not discuss it often), have lots of the same difficulties as others, and really have respect for the hard work that their competition is also experiencing.

Thanks for coming on this Forum to chat with us.

Thanks for helping our massive U.S. unemployment situation by hiring needy families in these difficult times.

[RonC]

I have bought a fair amount of parts from MACs over the years. They used to have a fair amount of NOS parts too. It really depends on what part your buying. This goes for any of the parts suppilers. Some of the parts supplied to some of the top venders are actually from MACs! I think they may the only ones supplying the steering shafts, worms, sectors? It would be better criticism to only talk about who sells the best particular "part". Every vendor has good and not so good parts.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Franchise_24

Im actually ticked at brattons. I called them and asked a question about a part. Tech didn't know the answer so he said he would figure it out and call me back. I knew as soon as he said that he would not call me, sure enough that was a few weeks ago.

According to your comment, he is only obligated to call you once he has figured it out. How do you know he has "figured it out" yet??



I agree with Ronn, knowing what you are buying and who manufactured it is huge if you truly care about what you are purchasing. Some vendors even print in their catalog that it is an inferior item however it is the best available.

To address a comment made by someone else about receiving crappy parts from other vendors, I am not sure why this thread is heading into that direction but please allow me to share my experiences, -and my opinion regarding this. It has been my experience that MACs manufactures parts that other Suppliers make the same item. Duplicate manufacturers have apparently come because either the alternate supplier felt a better quality ( i.e.: more authentic, better functioning, higher standard ) item was needed in the marketplace, ....OR because a manufacturer felt they could offer an item that was inferior to what was available on the market and simultaneously lower the price point. This in my view is nothing different than what we find throughout our economy in all areas. With that regard to MACs, it has been my repeated experiences over the years that for whatever reason, their products tend to run the gamut of being substandard in comparison with the original Ford-manufactured item, -or in comparison against another supplier's reproduction part. Then when I read/hear comments from different ones about they did not have issues with their items, I honestly cannot help but wonder how many Model-As have they worked on, ...or how many times have they compared that item to an original part or another supplier's item to know for certain if it is a quality item or not. This same mindset should be applied to the vendor that sells the part. Do they have honest first-hand experience working on a Model-A installing that very item? Does it matter?? When I need advice on something, I try to ask my question(s) to someone who has multiple experiences of that scenario. Doesn't it make better sense to trust the advice of someone has actually owned and restored more than several Model-As? Add to that, those people have studied the original prints and have reproduced from original specifications, ...and not just reversed engineered an item. THAT in a nutshell is why I feel vendors like Brattons, Snyders, Berts are the leaders. MACs started after buying out Tommy Trailor (Specialized) whose parts were reverse-engineered & manufactured in places like Argentina, ....and the same mindset has seemingly carried thru the years of MACs tenure. My initial comment above was meant as a tongue in cheek chuckle, but after re-reading it a few times, it seems it really is more fact based than just a funny.

[Terry, NJ]

Ditto, I was rebuilding a steering box and couldn't get the new worm on the old shaft and was told it was just "Ford Machining". What the hell is that? As a former Tool and Diemaker, I've always thought "Ford machining" was pretty damn good!
Terry

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

With all this lambasting of MAC's I am compelled to say I've gotten some pretty crappy parts from Synder's and Bratton's lately also.

And what's with Mike's charging a $2 "Handling charge" on every order?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I can't remember a NEW part that I couldn't use. Once I ordered 62 parts from Macs' & the ONLY part they DIDN'T have in stock was a "universal" fuse block ! They were kind enough to call me & advise me that I could probably pick it up @ my LOCAL YOCAL parts store.
Bill W.

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

A FEW Thousand??

Just a guess... I wonder actually how many model a owners are in the USA and a total for the world??

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

Just a guess... I wonder actually how many model a owners are in the USA and a total for the world??

A good question that I don't think anyone can answer. But a few thousand in my estimate maybe off by a million

[daveymc29]

To read the responses here one would think anyone that puts out a good catalog is certainly not to be trusted. Much better to by from a blurred picture with no description? Maybe we should be happy that anybody bothers with us and our outdated cars and cranky attitudes.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by daveymc29

To read the responses here one would think anyone that puts out a good catalog is certainly not to be trusted. Much better to by from a blurred picture with no description? Maybe we should be happy that anybody bothers with us and our outdated cars and cranky attitudes.

You hit the nail square on the head. I think the critics should just move on and not open a post that you find offensive. I would bet that Mac's sell more parts than all the other retailers put together! They must be doing something right. Wayne

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Dave,

WOW .............. per reply #44:

What an original and precise description of Model A owners with their Model A cranks hidden under their seats .............. "Cranky Attitudes" ........ LOL.

You get my vote for the prize Dave ........... i.e., for the most original description of responses to this "Mac's New Catalog" subject ....... plus ........... having Model A cranks even meets the Judging Standards.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

With all this lambasting of MAC's I am compelled to say I've gotten some pretty crappy parts from Synder's and Bratton's lately also.

And what's with Mike's charging a $2 "Handling charge" on every order?

Could you be specific about the "crappy" parts from Snyders? I am most pleased with them. Everything I have bought from them is very nice and fit well.

Larry

[tbirdtbird]

Brent, your comment,
"I honestly cannot help but wonder how many Model-As have they worked on,"
applies to a lot of things here

[burner31]

I agree with alot of the points mentioned above, thats why I buy a large percentage of my parts from "Mr. B's" (I won't mention the name because of some of the comments above), even though I know his partner "Ernie" would not mind.