Update on ecklers........

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

I can't complain too much. Try buying parts for another brand besides Ford, especially the off brands. Try buying a new radiator for a 1930 Franklin (that's a joke). Most other cars you have to search for used parts on the internet or a swap meets and new parts are mostly non existent.

It is hard seeing a dealer go out of business. I am just thankful for the parts that I can buy for my car by just getting online and doing a few clicks.

I agree, we still have a few really good suppliers.
But that said, if we do not spend money with them we will lose another.

John

[Jim M]

I use them all to try to spread the business. That being said I prefer Bert's. Steve also has used parts the are probably better than most new parts. But kudo's to all of them. LOVE my A!!!

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I think what most people don't realize is that Macs/Ecklers sold parts for many other makes and types of vehicles. For example, early Bronco, F-100, Corvette, Mercedes, Mustang, Camaro, Chevelle and on and on. Turn5 bought them for these entities, not for Model A or V8 Ford parts sales. The folks at Turn5 don't even know what a Model A or early V8 Ford is. I know for a fact because I have spoken with the suppliers you all shop with and they have been on the phone with Turn5 looking for answers.

The problem is that Macs/Ecklers made some parts exclusively. They are gone forever. They also had Cartouche, an inexpensive V8 Ford upholstery kit company. The last remaining V8 Ford upholstery company. Gone forever. The day is approaching where all of our suppliers will be gone. When folks like the Snyders retire, if they don't have a next generation to give the business too, these places close for good. Young people can simply not afford to buy an established business, for the most part. It's too expensive to tool up and take over where other manufacturing has stopped. I'm 42 years old. I hate to see this and it affects me more in the long run.

Small business is better than corporate America. You all know what a disaster corporate America is. The service is horrible and they do not care about the consumer.

A very logical and intelligent synopsis! I agree. Wayne

[Oldbluoval]

“Small business is better than corporate America. You all know what a disaster corporate America is. The service is horrible and they do not care about the consumer.”

I absolutely agree. But….always a but! It’s a catch-22…
Investment to make most necessary parts is so high it becomes impractical. Brent referred to ROI (return on investment) and it just isn’t there. Smaller companies may can help on parts if it fits their current business model that is profitable. I know of one situation where a producer of great parts was sold and the successor grew the business greatly in other directions. It got to where the Model A parts did not fit in the time and profitability model so…..Model A parts were dropped.
Folks..the sun is setting on us!!

[dansluck]

Zax40
When you get an email you want to get rid of, block or unsubscribe right click it, like you were going to open it only right click, then choose from the menu.
Good Luck
Dan

[30Murray]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Just checked Mac's website and under new Model A products they list a 347 stroker crate engine, fitment '28- '31 Model A and AA. Who says they don't sell Model A parts anymore?

[The Master Cylinder]

Originally Posted by 30Murray

Just checked Mac's website and under new Model A products they list a 347 stroker crate engine, fitment '28- '31 Model A and AA. Who says they don't sell Model A parts anymore?

Not a bad price, cheaper than a Burtz and you get 4 more cylinders.

[Afordman31]

Gaslight is a good competitor also carrying the same parts as Snyder. Some parts are a bit cheaper.

[dsarge390]

Eklers/MACS is gone because of their crap customer service and never ending back orders they never fulfill. Not just Model A but other catalogs they sell too.
They’ll charge your card AFTER confirming that they have the item in stock over the phone, then send a back order slip in the box with only about half of your order. Next, they give you no shipping date and refuse to credit your account/card. After phone calls back and forth, they refund you after 90 days, then charge you a restocking fee for the parts you never received! Glad they are gone. Hope they don’t pop up as some “new” company/supplier.

[The Master Cylinder]

Originally Posted by Afordman31

Gaslight is a good competitor also carrying the same parts as Snyder. Some parts are a bit cheaper.

The issue I have with Gaslight is they don't have pictures in their online catalog.

[updraught]

"The problem is that Macs/Ecklers made some parts exclusively."

I hope that isn't what I think it is.
That it is, the steering balls, worms etc.?

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by The Master Cylinder

Not a bad price, cheaper than a Burtz and you get 4 more cylinders.

BUT---will the stock Model A manifolds, oil pan, etc. bolt up to this 'replacement' block??

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

BUT---will the stock Model A manifolds, oil pan, etc. bolt up to this 'replacement' block??

Yeah, but who uses "stock" stuff anymore? I always hear 'I want to be able to tour with mine, ...and I want it to be reliable.'. Using 'stock' Model-A manifolds, oil pan, etc. makes them unreliable according to many posts I read on social media!!

[Chris in WNC]

Tried Mac's when I got my first A in 1986.
Don't remember how I found them in pre-internet times.
Not only was the customer service unacceptable, I found lots of their parts very poor quality.
Quickly discovered Bratton's and Snyders and that was all for Mac's.
Always puzzled when I encountered someone who was a Mac's repeat customer......

[ronn]

Overall I had no problem with Macs. Their pricing was sometimes good on certain items, as can most likely be said by all the vendors. Their shipping was another story.......

My best success has been Snyders, but admittedly, I dont use vendors on the other side of the country, because of shipping for the most part. Mikes has been alright, but they often dont have the parts on hand.

[McMimmcs]

I have dealt with Macs for many years. I found shipping costs expensive at times but I never had a problem that wasn’t resolved to my satisfaction. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. Wayne

[Will N]

Same old story. I imagine Mac's started off as a one-man business run out of founder's garage. The business grew through the hard work and smarts of the owner to the point where it attracted the attention of a large company that made an offer to buy out Mac's that could not be refused. Then stifling corporate bureaucracy took over and the innovation and personal service that the original owner brought to the table was long forgotten. Sales start to slip, so the corporate HQ cuts the budget to prop up profits. The death spiral has now begun.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Will N

Same old story. I imagine Mac's started off as a one-man business run out of founder's garage. The business grew through the hard work and smarts of the owner to the point where it attracted the attention of a large company that made an offer to buy out Mac's that could not be refused. Then stifling corporate bureaucracy took over and the innovation and personal service that the original owner brought to the table was long forgotten. Sales start to slip, so the corporate HQ cuts the budget to prop up profits. The death spiral has now begun.

You're close. It started in the early 1960s as a kid who was working out of his grandparent's dairy farm. This kid went around buying obsolete Model-A parts inventory from dealerships and auto parts stores. He later started having some small parts 'reverse-engineered' and manufactured mainly in Argentina. The company grew however the founder was not really a Model-A guy. Matter of fact, he was more of an aero guy. When his 'Specialized' lifestyle got him in too far, that is when the Macintosh family bought him out.

[WHN]

Are any of you guys old enough to remember Lakeview Antique Parts?

They were also located in up-state New York. Late 70’s early 80’s.

Enjoy

[OLDMANKOHOUT]

YEP....Specialized and TT the beginnings