Any Experience with Howell's Sheetmetal?

[bmwillia]

I need some metal for my 33 5w coupe. lower rear quarter, radiator splash guard etc..

I have been looking at Howell's on the internet for a while, and got to talk to them and handle their stuff last week at Pate.

I just thought i would check on the barn for any first hand experiences with their product.

Has anybody used Howell's?

[Bruce/CT]

Hi Brad,
I believe there has been some discussion fairly recently about them either here or on H.A.M.B.
Do a site search and hopefully you'll find it. I don't want to mis-quote or spread hearsay. Send me a PM if you have trouble and I'll try to find it.
Good luck
Bruce/CT

[dennis33]

I bought some door skins for my 33 from them they fit great

[FHFD]

A long thread on the HAMB about them..seems the majority of the issues were service related, rather than fitment issues.

[bmwillia]

Thanks...

I'll check out the HAMB thread.

[Phil]

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Used several pieces on my 31 roadster project. The fit pretty well, couple needed a little work to fit right. They did not have the rear sub rail when the shipped my order. So I got one from Syders. 16 months latter a package showed up from UPS and my credit card charged couple hundred dollars. Took 2 or 3 days to get them to answer the phone. Told them the car was painted and drivable. They told me to ship it back and they would credit my card. I did they did NOT. I tried several times to call, no answer. Finally disputed the charge with credit card company and got money back. If you could buy the parts at a show and carry them home you will be ok. Ordering by phone can be risky.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

If you want them quick (as in within a couple months), seems it might be better to try another source that you can verify they have it in stock ....

[bmwillia]

What other good quality sources are out there?

[kelley's restoration]

buy them off of ebay
they take care of those orders first to keep a good rep
other wise they suck for shipping parts
my .02
tk

[Scott H in Wheaton]

Last month I ordered a bunch of stuff for my '36 pickup. Called on Monday and had parts by Friday.
The following week I needed a couple extra pieces, same thing, called on Monday had parts on Friday.
Last week tried to call...they were out of town (I think at a show) and their phone message said as much. Placed the order via the INterWeBs yesterday and now just waiting for the last 4 pieces to arrive. I'll try to call them to verify if the shipped yet.

Overall good experience and I will continue to use them, but they really could use another person or two to answer the phones.

[V12Bill]

I have purchased patch panels for my 39 pick up on the internet and received them with in a few days. Workmanship and fit was excellent and the prices were reasonable. If I were to need more panels I would not hesitate to go back.

[bmwillia]

Scott H.

They were at the Pate swap meet in Tx last week. I talked to the guys there. Didn't realize I was taking to "all" of them.

I'll probably give them a shot as I am in no real hurry.

[mrtexas]

I live in Beaumont, Tx where both Howell sheet metal and Carline are located. These supply a lot of the flat type sheet metal parts sold and drop shipped by Snyders, Macs, etc. They make Model A running boards etc.

Carline is great to deal with 409 839-9757. Paul orders any part I want from Macs or Snyders and doesn't charge me shipping. Carline will also make custom car sheet metal parts for old Fords and any other make. Carline also makes many of the seat springs for the major suppliers and will make custom as well. Paul won't string you along for weeks without shipping and sells retail as well but doesn't advertise. I stop my Carline at least once a week. Carline also makes many wood parts.

One thing is important to know know about either supplier. Neither stamps out any parts. Their parts as made with simple sheet metal forming machines like brakes, punches, stretcher, shrinker etc. Any part requiring stamping is just not going to fit like it needs to given that fact. However, they are the only suppliers for lots of those parts, take it or leave it.

[mrtexas]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...hlight=howells

[Peterooster]

Howell's supplied my 32 door skins, cab corners, door bottoms, everything fit well. Shipping was quick. Pete

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by bmwillia

I need some metal for my 33 5w coupe. lower rear quarter, radiator splash guard etc..

I have been looking at Howell's on the internet for a while, and got to talk to them and handle their stuff last week at Pate.

I just thought i would check on the barn for any first hand experiences with their product.

Has anybody used Howell's?

I ordered a 27 deck lid form them about 4 years ago. Recived it in about 3 weeks. Did it fit? No. Had to open up the seems and rework it to get it to look right. Then ordered some patch panels and floor seat pans for my 27 pickup. Took about 12 weeks to get them. They dont like to answer the phone either. Just my 2 cents.

[39portlander]

All the sheetmetal repair panels on my 39, the body guys had no problemo with them. Scott

[bmwillia]

Thanks for all of the info guys.

[296 V8]

Like said
Use eBay ……….. I just got a bunch of 31 stuff from them (off eBay)
It was on my door step in 4 days ….. and the parts look good but iv yet to fit anything.

[gearhead1952]

I don't think any of the 33-34 parts Howells sells are actually made by them. I know for sure the front floor pan and rear wheel wells are made by Tom Bay. Pretty sure the cowl and rocker patches are made by Tom also.