Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

After all the supplier bashing I've been reading on this board, I thought I should tell folks about the happy experience I just had with Dennis Carpenter. I have been looking for P/N 7RA 12213-B, which is a particular style of retainer/clip to hold the distributor rotor to the shaft on a '48 F-1. I searched online with several of my favorite suppliers and they only had the newer version. So, I Googled the number and found that Dennis Carpenter had it - not in his catalog - but as "NOS" stock. Apparently they buy up old dealer stock and make it available retail. Lots of stuff not available any other way. So, to close the story, I got a new scarce part at the same retail price as the more common repro part. Very pleasant telephone service by a knowledgeable rep (female, by the way). Happy camper!!

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

I share your enthusiasm for Dennis Carpenter. They are my go to guys for all things early Ford. Since they are only 20 miles away, I have had several opportunities to buy there and have always found the folks to be very friendly and most helpful. Their nos is awesome.

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Yup, I've always enjoyed doing business with Dennis Carpenter, and all the people that work with him. If you ever get a chance, go visit his facility in Charlotte, NC, it is outstanding!:)

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Another happy Carpenter customer. Since all three of you own F-1s thought I'd share this. The gang at Carpenter's have been working on F-1 stainless vent window frames for a couple years now. They say they are getting close to completion on the project but not quite there yet. Not sure if you guys would have a need for them but I sure do. So.....IF anyone else is interested in them maybe a few more inquires could help the project along. Self serving request I know but I'm about six months or less away from needing them and I'd hate to spend a bunch of time on my old ones just to have the new shinny ones be available. Thanks.

Lee

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

My wife and myself had a tour of the factory ,sales etc many years ago when we went to an early Ford V8 club event at Charlotte speedway ,what a professional outfit ,we were introduced to the staff individually ,one guy was pressing out tiny knobs by hand for the 1940 ash tray ,one by one ,thousands a day probably ,I,m sure its more automated now , we were shown the huge area storing the NOS items,an unbelievable amount of just about everything ,if you get the chance go there ,very impressive , we use Carpenter and C&G ,never had a problem from either . cheers Jim.

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Carpenter and Bob Drake are the best, and probably only, vendors that manufacture parts themselves in this country. Carpenter makes the best plastic and rubber parts, while Drake has a greater array of body and trim pieces. When you order from one, you will likely receive some from each. Last year I restored a 1946 Cushman scooter with Carpenter parts which are very difficult to find elsewhere.

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

I think that clip is the same for a 1952 8N Ford tractor and maybe earlier 8Ns and 9Ns.
Charles

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

During my visit to Carpenters, I was impressed with his employment of several handicapped employees in positions they could handle. I hope Dennis is still able to enrich the lives of the less fortunate among us, as very few employers would ever consider doing something so radical as to help their fellow man.

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Ironically, I also recently needed that clip -- and Little Dearborn (Minneapolis MN), a organization that has been buying up obsolete Ford Dealer inventories since 1959 had the clip. We need to also remember the smaller (haha if you have ever toured Little Dearborn, not small) businesses. They have more of the parts we need, than you think.

Too many times people just take the quick way to get what they need and then complain if it doesn't fit or work right. What has happened to the 'do the reseach and evaluation' before following the easiest path.

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Carpenters have been good to me over the years going back to the day I would do business by "snail mail" and it would take weeks for me to get the bits down here at the "a*s end of the world"

GB

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Dennis, has been and still is a big help in restoring old fords, 8n, and Cushman scooters.I know him very well and he is a good person.

Re: Kudos to Dennis Carpenter
 

Yes!