Where is your allegiance?

[lance leblanc]

After reading post that turn in to rants and bashing, I thought it would be interesting to see just where everyones allegiance is.
Given the choice of being able to buy from only one parts house, who do you choose?

• Bert's
• Brattons
• Mikes
• Macs
• Sacramento Vintage Ford
• Snyders
• Smith and Jones
• Tams
• Other

[Model A Man]

First would be Snyders, second would be Mikes and third would be Berts (only because I haven't tried Berts yet)

[SLPreston53]

Snyder's & Bratton's tied
Intend to try Bert's next order

[jkcrosson]

Bert's and Brattons

[Mitch//pa]

1...Tams i like dealing with the owner when i call. his prices are usually tiny bit cheaper for the same thing compared to others. no shipping gouging

2. Snyders

3. Brattons

[Mikeinnj]

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I choose whoever gives the consumer the best quality product for the most reasonable price and who can offer knowledgeable information about their product and ship the product in a timely and cost effective way.

[Jim Brierley]

Arizona Model A, 480-782-0266. Knowledgeable and quick service along with decent prices.

[newshirt]

Bert's, Synder's, Bratton's.

Bert's is local for me. I can drive up and ask questions. Plus, they have a junkyard out back, and a mechanical shop that is always buzzing. I try not to eat up their time, but I do like to ask questions while they work. I just try to remember: time is money.

[TommyCoupe]

Mike's and Snyders are the only 2 that I've bought from. Both have been great.

I don't have any reasons not to use the others, that's just who I started with, and stuck with them.

Tommy-

[CarlG]

When I bought my truck, the only supplier I was aware of was Sacramento Vintage, only because there was a copy of their catalog that came with the truck. Since then I have used not only Sacramento, but Snyders, Mikes, Berts, Bratons and Macs. They have all had their plusses and minuses over the last couple of years, but I have more-or-less migrated to Snyders for the majority of things, because of their on-line catalog and ordering. Freight is a big thing for us in Alaska, and most of the suppliers will ship USPS when asked to do so -- but you do have to ask!

[H. L. Chauvin]

Humble Opinion:

1. Distance: In all fairness, many shop with vendors because of distance therefore reducing either shipping time or cost.

2, Used Parts: For a combination order of new & used parts, to reduce shipping cost, it would be wise to order from Bert's or others who offer used parts.

3. Specialty Items: Some vendors offer a few restoration items that others do not; hence, it may be wise to combine orders with this specialty item to reduce overall shipping cost.

4. Item Cost: Some customers may have a laundry list of items to purchase & thus shop for the cheapest prices from each individual catalog; in doing so, not only can postage cost exceed amounts saved; but one can get mismatched parts from different manufactures, e.g. intake & exhaust manifolds, timing gear & crankshaft gear.

5. Experience: If any one of us would get a job for example, to answer Bert's telephone for a week, & work with their employees for a week, & see what these guys go through on the phone with customers ordering incorrect merchandise, not knowing the names of specific parts, knowing which item is for 1929 vs. 1931, we would have an entirely different perspective & appreciation of what they do.

6. Blessed: I think we are just blessed to have these non-complaining Model A vendors working with today's types of employees & tolerating all of us as customers.

7. Family: I prefer to look at these vendors as part of our Model A family trying their best to offer the best service possible, & rather than choose one son as a preferred vendor & give him everything, I prefer to help all of them who are trying so hard & prove that they can deliver.

[fredski]

i totally agree with above reply.

seems to make sense to order from a parts source within a few hundred
miles, than one that is a great distance away.

fredski

[Mike V. Florida]

I too agree with H. L. Chauvin so I wil not answer the poll as it would not be fair to just pick one as I also use several.

[Purdy Swoft]

My first choice for repro parts is Snyders , I get the quickest shipping and good parts there. Second would be Smith and Jones, They have some parts that others don't have and I love their radiators . For original used and NOS parts Berts is best. If I lived closer they would get most of my business.

[[email protected]]

I feel uncomfortable judging all of the Model A vendors on this type of Forum. We only know these vendors from our own experiences and it could be long term or just a snapshot. If you are only shopping for best price sometimes your can expect to get what you pay for. It is a struggle every day for these vendors as small business owners and every day for them is a new day with new challenges. I don't feel it is a good Apples to Apples comparison as each vendor is really good at certain specialities.

Also the poll doesn't list all of the little guys that are selling Model A parts LOCALLY. There are at least 3 that are within an hour's drive from my home. They all stock the basics and have prices similar to their primary sources such as Synders or Macs. Most often they will match a price if told about it. They also will go the extra mile for you for Customer Service....

Finally some of the best bargains I have obtained for Model A parts price wise have been at the swap meets and even EBAY. You just have to be at the right place at the right time and / or be Lucky....

Once again different strokes fof different folks....

Thank GOD we have them ALL. I don't wish to go back to the Days of Rick and JC Whitney.

[bill44]

Since I live 10 miles away from Vintage Ford, I always try them first. If they are out of stock which is common; I then use Mike's. When they gave their 5% discount off online orders it was cheaper than going to Vintage. Sacramento has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, so the 5% made it cheaper to use Mike's

[Darlene]

Below is a response from Matt Jordan, CEO of Eckler Industries;
posted by Darlene Waldmiller, Marketing Manager at MAC’s:

We appreciate the candid feedback from everyone. This helps us prioritize and focus our efforts at making MAC’s a better company. We’re working hard to put into place new systems and procedures that will speed up shipping and improve service levels. While I can’t promise that the transition will be without snags or hitches, I can promise that we are focused on driving improvement. I hope that those who are satisfied with MAC’s performance will find their service much better, and those that have not had a good experience will give us the opportunity to show what we can do over the coming months.

Thank you again for your honest feedback – we sincerely hope to use this to make for a better customer experience.

Regards,

Matt D. Jordan
CEO, Eckler Industries, Inc.

[Russ B]

Snyders then Brattons, both are great.

Back in the sixties it was Ford Parts Obsolete down in LA area. I just can't find their old catalog now, looking up their prices would be fun. But seriously, now is much better for finding more reproduction parts. But too many of the parts are of poor quality. Snyders and Brattons are both great in letting you know what the quality is of the various parts.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Mikeinnj

I choose whoever gives the consumer the best quality product for the most reasonable price and who can offer knowledgeable information about their product and ship the product in a timely and cost effective way.

This summarizes the situation well. A person has to evaluate a need to see which vendor fits that need the best.

[lance leblanc]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

This summarizes the situation well. A person has to evaluate a need to see which vendor fits that need the best.

That, I think is a given. While I order online I still call before ordering to check quality and availability. Smith and jones actually suggested I use another vender before purchasing a shift tower from them as the one they currently had in stock wasn't the best quality. "You have to respect that"

[jerry shook]

Mike"s

[Bill in SoCal]

Berts, Snyders, Brattons, and I have used them all.

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by Darlene

Below is a response from Matt Jordan, CEO of Eckler Industries;
posted by Darlene Waldmiller, Marketing Manager at MAC’s:

We appreciate the candid feedback from everyone. This helps us prioritize and focus our efforts at making MAC’s a better company. We’re working hard to put into place new systems and procedures that will speed up shipping and improve service levels. While I can’t promise that the transition will be without snags or hitches, I can promise that we are focused on driving improvement. I hope that those who are satisfied with MAC’s performance will find their service much better, and those that have not had a good experience will give us the opportunity to show what we can do over the coming months.

Thank you again for your honest feedback – we sincerely hope to use this to make for a better customer experience.

Regards,

Matt D. Jordan
CEO, Eckler Industries, Inc.

Thanks Darlene for posting. Good luck in the future. Mark.

[jim1932]

I buy from Dick Spadaro, but then again I have a 4 banger Model B

{didn't do the survey as I don't count}

[SkimmerBob]

Anyone know of any part suppliers near Detroit?

[Forditude]

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1 Arizona Model A, 480-782-0266. Knowledgeable and quick service along with decent prices. I have known Sammy for many years and he provides fast service with prices in line with the rest. Saving the sales tax to California more than offsets the shipping.
2. I have had great service from Berts and Mikes
3. The other big guys, Snyders and Brattons have done a fine job for me also.

I will hold on any negitive comments. These are the one's I have used

[quickchange]

As above, Arizona Model A , 480-782-0266, Sammy is good strait shooter with great service , great prices, & you talk & deal with him not some young dude that is only interested in his pay packet, Hell he even came & visted us in NZ ,Hows that for service, ??

[Carter]

I mainly use Snyder's when buying new parts, but that could be because they are only a half hour drive for me.

Dave

[al's28/33]

I have used them all and will continue to do so, haven't had any life and death issues with any of them nor have they burned my bridge yet.

[Roadster62]

Were is Bratton's? I've used Snyders for well over 40 years. Tam's is a great local vendor.

[springerpete]

I have used all the ones listed but I use Tam's for most all of my orders because I know Joe well, he gives me good advice and he is the closest to my Maine location so parts come quickly and at less cost. I have had good service from everyone but Mac's but that story is being told elsewhere.

[4 pot truck]

I live in the UK and must admit have only used Snyders. I have always found their service excellent, never had a problem importing parts from them.

[c125bob]

I live in Georgia and use Mike. Excellant customer service and good honest people. With Bentley Restoration next door and the great support there it's hard for me to buy anywhere else. Mike has even helped me find a part he didn't have in stock from another vendor. Have to support the "home team".


We are indeed lucky to have several good suppliers to choose from.

[frank mcdaniels]

Being from Minnesota, Iv'e got to put a plug in here for Little Dearborn in Minneapolis. I've been buying parts there since the sixties,(I like things with a history) There great guys and I get my parts the next day. God It's cold here today. Frank

[Paul in Colorado]

For me it's definitely Berts. They're only 15 minutes from my house, and they are very helpful with information and rebuilding parts. They have a huge stock of original parts, and are a fascinating place to visit. They also have the friendliest resident dog, who supervises all operations.

Paul

[Juggler]

Another vote for Sammy at Arizona Model A

Loads of good used parts at reasonable prices

Apparent to me that he evaluates and tests out the new repro stuff himself.

If it doesn't work or doesn't fit it goes back to the manufacturer or supplier, not rolled out to his customers and hoping for the best.

[Bob/Kansas City]

Here's a strong vote for Bratton's. On Tuesday I ordered 23 items from them to finish the interior of my Town Sedan. They filled and shipped the order complete the same day and it just arrived here today.
It doesn't get any better than that!
So far I've purchased about 98% of the parts I have needed on this restoration from them and have not been disappointed yet.

[JBill]

Does anybody remember Ernie Hemmings in Quincy, Illinois? He must have been one of the first to sell A parts through the mail. At least I think he sold through the mail. I always just went to his store.

[quickchange]

IN New Zealand. Antique Ford Parts , But then im the owner 45 years, If I speak nicely to my wife she even gives me a small discount ,Pays too keep in good with the boss, Derek from hot sunny NZ

[30ccpickup]

I have used several of the vendors listed, but I like Snyder's best because of their website. The wish list is nice when compiling an order over a period of time.

[james.heider]

I use Berts and Brattons. Too bad you limited the survey to only one choice.

[RUNNERBUN]

Snyders. I started using Snyders over 30 years ago and have never had a reason to look elsewhere. Others may be just as good but never having tried them I cannot comment.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by james.heider

I use Berts and Brattons. Too bad you limited the survey to only one choice.

That's why I can't answer the poll. Not all vendors have all the items in stock at all times. I use many for different reasons, parts availability, price, taxes, shipping times etc. When I read this poll it sounds to me like it's looking for the "best" vendor. That's just my reading of the thread.

[lance leblanc]

When I started this thread it wasn't that I was looking to compare vendors, prices, or customer service. The vendors that are in the poll are the ones whose catalogues I have. I agree that like most anything else... you buy from whereever fills your need best for that given situation. I've ordered from four of them with mixed results and have come away with one sure conclusion.
"I wish I had a vendor within driving distance".
It's not so much that I have an issue with any vendor as much as it is my own problem. I want to touch, feel and smell the parts before I buy them.
Maybe I should start a new poll....
although I'm pretty sure how the results would read.

How do you prefer to receive your parts?

U.S. Postal
UPS
Fed Ex
Over the counter

[Tom Wesenberg]

I just went through round 3 yesterday with the USPS. Of 4 antique sewing machines I bought, the USPS broke 3 and lost one. Now I'm fighting with them trying to collect some insurance money. I'd never let them touch another sewing machine and I won't waste money on buying there insurance that doesn't want to pay off. I've already wasted more time with them than it's worth.

[Joe K]

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I use either Tams or Snyders.

Tam is good - but variable. Sometimes I've gone in and "gee, I just sold the last one and I don't expect more for 4 months." Other times "here you go - do you want me to mark this delivered to NH?" (where I live and which forgoes the MA sales tax.)

Tam does go to Amherst (NH) Auto Flea Market when in season and he can simply mark my sale as having occurred there.

Still, Snyders has a slight edge on quality. Also slightly higher price. Still I can DEPEND on Snyder. It will be delivered within a week - or they call or Email.

But Tam has done me several favors over the years. "Here" he says to me when I'm looking for the correct mix/match universal joint to connect a Borg Warner overdrive into my (then) AA truck.

"What do I owe you?" I say.

"Gimme $3 for that" he says. "You give me what I have in it."

Can't beat that sort of business relationship with a stick. Tam is my willing ally in the war of restoration. Snyders is a hired mercenary.

Joe K

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I just went through round 3 yesterday with the USPS. Of 4 antique sewing machines I bought, the USPS broke 3 and lost one. Now I'm fighting with them trying to collect some insurance money. I'd never let them touch another sewing machine and I won't waste money on buying there insurance that doesn't want to pay off. I've already wasted more time with them than it's worth.

What one needs to do is have the seller send you an Invoice for the goods "sold" at $5000.00, insure the package for that amount. Now you have something to fight for!

[Rowdy]

If properly insured I have never had a problem getting claims settled for damage. It is the ones that were lost that are the big hassle. All claims have to be submitted by the shipper, so fighting with them from the reciever end is pointless. Or atleast that has been my experience. Rod

[ba49]

I mostly use Snyders. They are the closest to me and have been very helpful with great customer service. Their prices are comparable and their parts are what they say they are. I have also used Bratton's on occasion when Snyders were out of stock. They were good also. I have used Mac's several times when everyone else was out of an item. Other than the fact that they were alot higher in price(which is why they usually have hard to get items IMHO) I can't complain about service or shipping time. They have always been courtious on the phone also.

[lnvmyrick]

1st choice.......Little Dearborn
2nd................little Dearborn
3rd ...............Snyders
4th................ Brattons

[ronn]

I agree with H.L.
Location pretty much determines who one uses and there is no one best vendor.........
depends on your needs at the moment.

[bikejunk]

brattons sniders and A&L but I pledge my allegiance to the flag ......

[Randy in Illinois]

All good vendors, but depends on who has the best price, quality, of items I need at the time. Shipping is crazy! , over priced for their service. sacromento I think you have to know someone to get a catalog, still waiting for mine.

[DrinkMan]

I've only tried a few and had good luck. But once I found that it was only a 30 minute drive to Mike's, I was hooked. I like taking my old parts to them, laying them out on the counter and having Erich look over my issues and make recommendations and helping me with not only getting the right part but giving great advice. Nothing beats over the counter....not only for the instant gratification but the personal service as well.

[Arcieri]

Bert's, of course. I can be there in 14 minutes via I-70 with only two stoplights between us.

[Mike V. Florida]

After more then a year I would have thought that the poll would have been closed by now?

[jr-41ford]

I've used six of the vendors listed and several more that are not listed. They all have been great to deal with.

But I've never heard of Tams and Smith & Jones or even mentioned on Ford Barn until today.

[DougVieyra]

1- Bratton's (for quality of products, and explanation of product application)
2- Snyder's ( ditto )
3- Bert's ( ditto - and original Ford-made parts)
4- A&L ( for quality made parts )

[ct1932ford]

Joe's Antique Auto Parts in Mass. 1 508 278-3980
Best Service I have found. Great and knowledgeable guy to do business with!

[bobpo1]

I'd have to agree on Snyder's and Brattons. Both offer the man to man support you need whether in a jam or not. I've used other over the years but these two rank tops in my opinion...

[springerpete]

TAMS. I like dealing with Joe or Joanne. Joe has good advice which often costs him selling me a new part. TAMS is also closest to me so postage is less and arrival time shorter. I also have dealt with many of the other suppliers. I do like MAC's catalogue as his diagrams and pictures are helpful.

[Ron/IA]

My answer is "Other" - which is Birdhaven, Colfax IA.

They are local to the Model A clubs and owners here in IOWA. While they are a small vendor; it has been rare they didn't have what I wanted in stock.

After that, it is any of the other vendors.

[rockingchair]

My A has been reliable for 14 years and has not been asking for parts. BUT last week it wanted some $$$ sprinkled on it. I ordered 2 parts from Snyders and got them delivered to me in Calif within three days. It has now been over a week and the parts ordered from a vendor 300 miles away still are not here. Guess who I am calling next time.

Bill
28 Coupe

[Byron1930]

Well Its been 10 days since I placed an order with Macs, I have sent two Emails and checked my orders status every day still "processing order".

I placed an order with Snyder's a day after my Macs order and guess what the next day I have my email saying my order has been sent Considering time difference between America and Australia I couldn't be happier with there service. Subsequently I have sent Mac a third email asking them politely to cancel my order and advising them I will not be a future customer.

[Curt Campbell]

Here in Iowa we are fortunate to have a great family run vendor....Birdhaven Antique Ford in Colfax IA. Only an hour away and great people (husband, wife and one employee Cathy). They are located about 10 miles east of Des Moines off I80.

[Mike V. Florida]

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Originally Posted by Byron1930

Well Its been 10 days since I placed an order with Macs, I have sent two Emails and checked my orders status every day still "processing order".

I placed an order with Snyder's a day after my Macs order and guess what the next day I have my email saying my order has been sent Considering time difference between America and Australia I couldn't be happier with there service. Subsequently I have sent Mac a third email asking them politely to cancel my order and advising them I will not be a future customer.

Same problems as before they were bought out. Too small of a market to care?

[tuneman]

Snyders

[Franchise_24]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Same problems as before they were bought out. Too small of a market to care?

Any business that doesn't care about its customers (where ever they may be) should not be in business. I would do without before I would order from Mac's.

[ronn]

I recd both Snyders and Mac's catalogs the same day, about 2 weeks ago.
Just made a list of what I needed and priced them both out. Mac's was less costly by 10% and the shipping was also considerably cheaper.
that's how it flys by me. I consider the pricing on both very reasonable though and am glad at the availability.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by ronn

I recd both Snyders and Mac's catalogs the same day, about 2 weeks ago.
Just made a list of what I needed and priced them both out. Mac's was less costly by 10% and the shipping was also considerably cheaper.
that's how it flys by me. I consider the pricing on both very reasonable though and am glad at the availability.

One must also keep in mind quality and timely delivery.

As an example you can go to home depot and buy bolts and screws or you can order from a vendor and get them near to what were used originally.

Home depot, get them right away, Vendor may have to wait a few days (weeks).

Price is not the only thing I look at when I buy A parts.

[ModelAMike1930]

I like Mac' because of their prices and the ability to use Pay Pal.

[Bill in SoCal]

Bert's

[C26Pinelake]

i quite often buy at Macs because nobody has a catalogue that even come close to they're.
If I want it in a hurry Snyders exceeds the others with no comparison ! Wayne

[Big hammer]

NOT MAC'S paid for new received old crusty parts, to long awaiting for parts
They were ok 20 yrs ago to many back orders though

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

NOT MAC'S paid for new received old crusty parts, to long awaiting for parts
They were ok 20 yrs ago to many back orders though

Did you return the parts ?
Wayne

[31 Model A]

Mitch's Model A Discount Parts........Mitch gives coupons for his Rotella and Champion 3X Sparkplugs. He gets both dirt cheap so he can afford to offer either big coupons or big discounts.......

All other parts, I have gone to Snyder's.

[Mitch//pa]

yea and i am not sending my free 3x plugs back to amazon either..
i will give them to Ed and Dad

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

yea and i am not sending my free 3x plugs back to amazon either..
i will give them to Ed and Dad

Give double to your dad, Ed is too buy with his girlfriends to tunup the A!
Wayne

[RockHillWill]

Brattons for closeness, Berts for wider selection.

[Dick M]

BERT'S!!!!!
They always take time to answer any questions. They always give good advice. They have a great selection of used parts at reasonable prices. The quality of their repro parts is always very good. They usually ship the same day as the order. I am in California and my orders usually come two days after placing an order. They will always look for the lest expensive mode of shipping to the point of sending your order through the USPS and just charge you the postage. Can't beat that when you need a few small parts.

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

Did you return the parts ?
Wayne

Why yes and only took about 3 mo for refund and I purchased same parts from there supplier :-) Van Pelt's - great man to do business with !!

[Steve Plucker]

I give my alegence to who ever has the best parts...A and L, Berts, Brattons, Sacramento Vintatge Ford, Snyders...

Pluck

[1930pu]

I use Snyders, have been using them since the 1980's. So far I haven't had a problem, and always fast service...

[glenn in camino]

Brattons

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

I give my alegence to who ever has the best parts...A and L, Berts, Brattons, Sacramento Vintatge Ford, Snyders...

Pluck

Same here and might add "for what I need at the time"

[Mike V. Florida]

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Everyone knows that this post is several years old right?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Everyone knows that this post is several years old right?

yea but i have switched my allegiance since the thread started

[jimalabam]

Bert's

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

yea but i have switched my allegiance since the thread started

....