Preferred Vendor for parts?

[CC-Mo]

Hello, newbie here.
Just recently purchased a '30 Tudor Sedan. It needs the usual care but is sure a solid car. I've been driving it on short jaunts, really a lot of fun.
In order to get it running properly I've ordered a few parts. So far, just choke rod parts. Spring, bushing/rubber grommets.
Next, an intake/exhaust manifold due to mine being cracked.
The question is, who's the preferred vendor most here use?
Thanks in advance.

[Jerry in Shasta]

I like Bert's near Denver. Excellent parts and reasonable shipping prices

https://modelastore.com/

[Gary WA]

Berts or Brattons! Welcome to the Model A World of fun!

[DBrer]

I use many of the stores it just depends on price and the item. Like most of us we have many of the catalogs they offer and its nice to look around.

[Fred K OR]

Berts have many used parts is you want to use used parts. Or they also have all new parts if you want to go that route.

[PalAl]

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I have parts catalogs from many vendors Bert's, Birdhaven, Bratton's, Gas Light, Mac's, Mike's, Snyders and there are more, most catalogs are free and most show exploded parts view with numbers which can be very helpful during assembly. I have also found cell phone pictures during tear down to be a good reference getting it back together right the first time. The red Les Andrews book is almost a must for refference. Consider joing a local Model A Club as most are a great bunch of people willing and wanting to help a fellow A'er.
Club members are also a good resorce for parts. M.A.R.C and M.A.F.C.A put out a great members magazine and the M.A.F.F.I. can supply endless information and is a must see.
Personally I think the best thing to do is join a club, get involved and enjoy Model A activites.

[redmodelt]

Snyder's

[Steve Plucker]

A and L, Bert's, Bratton's and Snyders.

[rrich1]

Snyders (super fast shipping so its my preferred dealer)
Berts
Brattons
Mikes Affordable A
Model A Medic
Macs/Ecklers

Each have essentially all the same parts. Places like Berts, Brattons, Mikes, Model a Medic will have old parts for purchase. They are all good. Take your pick

[marty in Ohio]

CC-Mo,
Let us know where you are located. I'm about 100 miles from Snyder's in Ohio and it's a fun drive for a couple of us "A" guys to go, have lunch, and be back in time to put some parts on. The Snyder's folks are friendly and know their stuff. They are my "go to" supplier.
Marty

[TerryO]

Let us know where you are located. I'm about 100 miles from Snyder's in Ohio and it's a fun drive

I have ordered from several but I usually drive to Mikes because it's a nice 2 hr drive. Nice folks too


TOB

[JD 1931]

(Mikes) Mikesafordable, good people....

[ryanheacox]

I know from experience that A&L, Bert's, Bratton's and Snyder's all have excellent customer service.

[Dick M]

Bert's Model A Center. Quality parts, great advice, and they only charge actual shipping costs.

[Ted Duke]

Best? Hard to tell. Most responsive to me? Bratton's. And quickest shipper since I am in Virginia and they are in Maryland.


I have NOT had a problem with any of them, but I have been told I am lucky. All of the one listed and great and if you have a problem with ANY of them, TELL them. They want to know.

[CC-Mo]

Originally Posted by marty in Ohio

CC-Mo,
Let us know where you are located. I'm about 100 miles from Snyder's in Ohio and it's a fun drive for a couple of us "A" guys to go, have lunch, and be back in time to put some parts on. The Snyder's folks are friendly and know their stuff. They are my "go to" supplier.
Marty

I'm in Southern Missouri. You guys are lucky to make a day trip over there.
I'd be like a kid in a candy store!

[WTSHNN]

I've probably bought something from all the major suppliers over the years.

I do most of my parts shopping online so the web store interface is important to me. I find that Bratton's is the easiest online store to use.

I have visited and toured Berts, Brattons, and Snyders and have found all to be welcoming and knowledgeable. Those are my go-to parts suppliers.

I've had two small problems with two vendors I won't name. I felt they could have done more to right a wrong. So, I stopped giving them my business and instead stick to the vendors who have come through for me in the 20+ years I've been playing Model A's and they keep me happy.

Being in Chicago most parts get to me in about the same amount of time regardless of where I order. I think with my three preferred vendors they try to get packages out the door as soon as possible so there isn't a lot of lag between order and delivery.

Regardless, we're incredibly spoiled to have the options available to us.

-Tim

[Jon-Ohio]

There is a parts dealer in the Springfield Mo area - I don't know anything about them .


Battlefield Antique Ford Parts
5054 S. Broadview
Battlefield, MO, 65619
417/882-7923
E-mail: [email protected]


I've always used Bratton's, Snyders or A&L - my favorite.
Jon in Ohio

[captndan]

Bert's all the way.

[G Baese]

Agreed, Bert's!

[30 Closed Cab PU]

I like Berts a lot , usually ship same or next day. Best to call and ask for delivery times on rebuilts (Carbs, Generators, etc), sometimes they are backlogged.

[whirnot]

I only buy from Berts. Not only same day shipping, no handling charges, but if you have a question, they know model As inside and out. That's all they do, for 40 years

[CC-Mo]

Originally Posted by Jon-Ohio

There is a parts dealer in the Springfield Mo area - I don't know anything about them .


Battlefield Antique Ford Parts
5054 S. Broadview
Battlefield, MO, 65619
417/882-7923
E-mail: [email protected]


I've always used Bratton's, Snyders or A&L - my favorite.
Jon in Ohio

Thanks for that info, I'll have to see if they're still open. I don't do Facebook but I googled their business name, takes you to a Facebook entry. No new info posted for awhile so I wonder if the doors are still open. If so, I'll check them out.

[CC-Mo]

Sounds like Berts is the favorite here. Their website looks good, seem to have a vast choice of parts.
I ordered some small items from Macs last week. Choke tube parts.
Next will be intake/exhaust manifolds, carb gaskets, & some more smalls & I'll be getting those from Berts.
Thanks for the recommendations guys! I want to get this A running smooth like it deserves.

[37 Coupe]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

A and L, Bert's, Bratton's and Snyders.

I like Bert's for really good used parts and I use Snyders here in Ohio and Bratton's. I talked to Alan of A and L yesterday about my stop light switch and should have asked about a catalog or whatever they have. Not a whole lot of info on them so I guess you just call and ask them?

[Brad in Germany]

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I almost exclusively use Brattons......knowledgable folks, usually everything is in stock and super fast shipping....and most of their parts are made in the USA. Their printed catalog, and on their easy to use web site, also has good/helpful information and assembly diagrams, tech-tips, specifications and torques, etc. On their website they also offer many original parts.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

For me, location is important. Being in a small town in southern Minnesota if I order from most suppliers the package gets transferred from truck to truck five or six times enroute. That means the package gets tossed a LOT. I have heard from the drivers that if you put about $1000 insurance on it they will be a lot more careful. They don't want to pay off a big claim.
It doesn't matter what value is actually in the package. If it gets damaged they only pay up to the value of the item. It costs a couple bucks extra for the higher insurance but in my mind the value of the extra care given is worth it. IF my info about the $1000 insurance is right.

So go for the closest vendor if you are off the grid like me.

[dmaxweb]

Bert's for me !

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by CC-Mo

Sounds like Berts is the favorite here. Their website looks good, seem to have a vast choice of parts.
I ordered some small items from Macs last week. Choke tube parts.
Next will be intake/exhaust manifolds, carb gaskets, & some more smalls & I'll be getting those from Berts.
Thanks for the recommendations guys! I want to get this A running smooth like it deserves.

You may have noticed a lack of recommendations for Macs, there's
a reason for that.


Bob

[ryanheacox]

I'd just like to add that I was at A&L yesterday to buy a couple reballed steering arms. First when he checked the arms I brought to exchange he said the double arm was bent and he'd keep it on the side just in case the correct replacement made things not line up. Second, when I asked if they had a hone in the shop to do the kingpin bushings he said no but gave me a nice piloted reamer and said I could use it and bring it back whenever I was done. Didn't ask for a deposit or anything. Could not be happier with the level of customer service there.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Plus 1 on A&L. Al was a great guy. The line up is somewhat limited, their main business is really reproduction parts for Snyders, etc. They do have a small retail catalog, no web presence.

[37 Coupe]

I called A&L Tuesday afternoon about the '31 brake light switch issue I had and Alan sent me out a new one that I got today already. He was surprised one somehow got through that would not work correctly.I wish I had asked him to also send a catalog or parts list. Wonder if they are the ones who make the sidemount spare tire repro brackets? Tired of messing with bent up rusted originals.

[jwilliams81]

Here are all the vendors I buy from:
https://www.brattons.com/
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/
https://modelamedic.com/
https://www.mikes-afordable.com/
https://modelastore.com/
http://www.gaslightauto.com/
http://a-springs.com/
https://www.classtiqueupholstery.com/

[jimcarl]

+1 Bert's!

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by CC-Mo

Sounds like Berts is the favorite here. Their website looks good, seem to have a vast choice of parts.
I ordered some small items from Macs last week. Choke tube parts.
Next will be intake/exhaust manifolds, carb gaskets, & some more smalls & I'll be getting those from Berts.
Thanks for the recommendations guys! I want to get this A running smooth like it deserves.

Rick smith is the owner. He does some shows in Florida around this time of year in the road. Call him , I’m sure he will answer. All the other core guys are great but sometimes it’s good to have s guy like him local as well.
I know I miss the local guy we use to have in town
Larry shepard

[Bill G]

I will jump on the Bert’s bandwagon.

[Mike A Model]

For quick shipping and great service, you can't beat "Tam's Model A Parts”, Joe always treats you right.

[ryanheacox]

Originally Posted by Mike A Model

For quick shipping and great service, you can't beat "Tam's Model A Parts”, Joe always treats you right.

I have ordered from Tams before and have been to their booth in Rhinebeck. Never had a bad experience and they are a good choice for New Englanders.

[CC-Mo]

Originally Posted by larrys40

Rick smith is the owner. He does some shows in Florida around this time of year in the road. Call him , I’m sure he will answer. All the other core guys are great but sometimes it’s good to have s guy like him local as well.
I know I miss the local guy we use to have in town
Larry shepard

Larry, are you referring to the one in Battlefield?

[Dean Lemoine]

Bert’s and Mike’s. Mike’s is about 50 minutes from my house. Bert’s is “just” a little further.

[Purdy Swoft]

I prefer Berts , Brattons or Snyders . Berts has good used parts and sometimes even new old stock parts, they also handle the new reproduction parts . Brattons have the good repro parts and Walt is one of the best guys ever to deal with . If the parts are wrong Walt will take them back without problems . I still buy a lot of parts from Snyders . Snyders are one of the quickest to ship and they also handle the best repro parts .

[Ranchero50]

I'm 40 minutes from Brattons so the choice is easy. I will say that the quality of some of the parts was off and it was not a problem to return them (Ford grill emblem) and it's a very painless transaction. I will also say that you get what you give when dealing with small shops. Walking in it's more like a family than a business. Brattons doesn't really have a storefront, just a newer warehouse with a small office area out front. When the phone doesn't get answered it's because they are out back. They do stop in person sales to help phone customers.

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by CC-Mo

Larry, are you referring to the one in Battlefield?

Yes,
His name is Rick smith . I realize that everyone knows and supports the other guys which I do mostly as well. But it’s nice to have a supplier nearby . His doesn’t have everything but that’s ok. He has some used parts as well.
I do Model A service and restoration work up in St. Louis area and have several cars in house from that area right now. I advertise in the national magazines if you need my number. It’s also on Mafca resource web link
I do agree that all the core suppliers are great and we are lucky to have them. None of our cars would be in the road without them .
Larry shepard

[jrelliott]

For us in Arizona, Arizona Model A Parts. Sammy has a lot of new and used parts. Great person to deal with. Just a phone call and will send the part. Shipping is cheaper and can drive there in about two hours.

[Ernie Vitucci]

I also agree that Arizona Model A should be on the list of the good suppliers. Sammy Guthrie is very knowledgeable and very helpful...Order by phone 480-782-0266. They are open Tuesday through Friday. Ernie in Arizona