So disapointed in Macs

[BobbyG]

Macs Antique Auto Parts – An Ecklers Company.

By far the worst service I have EVER received from a USA based supplier.

I have spent quite a lot of money with this supplier as I have a 55 Chevy & a 28 Ford – But I will not send them one more penny not if they were the last supplier in the world.

This is how they look after their customers.

26/03/14 I ordered some door locks for my Model A - a week later I asked for an ETA and was told only part of the order had shipped and it would be with me shortly.

Countless e mails later after having contact with Customer services staff : ****** & ***** (edited out names - Ryan) I learn that they have sent the order out to the wrong location and I would have to re order.

I requested a refund ASAP and I did that a further 8 times, they just ignored my e mails, I called and tried to sort it out on the telephone, the 1st time they left me on hold for 10 mins and then cut me off I called back and they just cut me off – these were long distance calls from UK to USA.

Today I have received a refund – Just short of 3 months they have had my money – no explanation – no apology.
There are lots of great suppliers out there who deserve your hard earned money and there are some that should be avoided.

I know who I am not going to recommend in the future.

[Mitch//pa]

thanks for the review and at least you finally got your well deserved refund back.
Macs is just to commercial for me and lacks that personalized attention. i wouldn't spend my $$ there either even though i qualify for a 10% shop discount

[Franchise_24]

Thanks for sharing your experience, be it good or bad. I'm sure things take a lot longer when it is outside the USA, but hopefully you don't continue to have these types of problems.

[C26Pinelake]

Conversely, since the change in ownership I have had many excellent transactions with Macs. Their shipping is slower than many others but I am aware of that when I order. I deal with Macs and Snyders routinely. Hopefully you will have better luck with your new supplier !
Wayne .

[Terry,NJ]

Thanks for sharing! I wish we could talk over the back fence, but the internet makes these conversations possible. I have ordered from Macs a few times, small orders so that if they screw up, well no great loss! But they've always been ok. However, I'm nervous about ordering from them and feel a lot more confident about Brattons, Snyders, Berts, Or Speedway. Some other dealers you might try are Mikes affordable, Smith and Jones, Tams. Or any that are listed at the beginning of the forum.
Good Luck, Terry

[Growley bear]

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Originally Posted by BobbyG

Macs Antique Auto Parts – An Ecklers Company.

By far the worst service I have EVER received from a USA based supplier.

I have spent quite a lot of money with this supplier as I have a 55 Chevy & a 28 Ford – But I will not send them one more penny not if they were the last supplier in the world.

This is how they look after their customers.

26/03/14 I ordered some door locks for my Model A - a week later I asked for an ETA and was told only part of the order had shipped and it would be with me shortly.

Countless e mails later after having contact with Customer services staff : ***** & ****** I learn that they have sent the order out to the wrong location and I would have to re order.

I requested a refund ASAP and I did that a further 8 times, they just ignored my e mails, I called and tried to sort it out on the telephone, the 1st time they left me on hold for 10 mins and then cut me off I called back and they just cut me off – these were long distance calls from UK to USA.

Today I have received a refund – Just short of 3 months they have had my money – no explanation – no apology.
There are lots of great suppliers out there who deserve your hard earned money and there are some that should be avoided.

I know who I am not going to recommend in the future.

I had a similar experience and will NEVER conduct business with them or recommend them to any one.

Chet

[Franchise_24]

I always hear about their shipping being so slow and it taking weeks to get orders out. How can the popular ones (Snyders, Brattons, Mikes, Berts, etc) get things shipped out the same day you order? I seriously doubt Macs is busier than all the others. If I order from Snyders or Brattons in the morning, it is on my door step the next day. Love service like that.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

It also begs the question, why do hobbyists continue to use their parts when it has been stated over-and-over here regarding Specialized's (their parts manufacturing subsidiary) poor quality of parts. Folks know that Mac's parts are junk before they make the purchase yet they seemingly still follow thru with trying to make a purchase. What gives with that mindset?

[nhusa]

Interesting -
I now remember people on the Model T Ford Club of America site saying the same things about Macs.

I am making decisions about what I need when rebuilding my A motor.
My current list included items from Macs, Snyders, Brattons, Tams and Tims.
There was about $500 from Macs that will go somewhere else.
I will also check out Berts and Speedway.


Brent - Your begging question is fair. I think people get busy and sometimes forget.

[C26Pinelake]

Obviously everything sold at Macs is not manufactgured at Macs. I resently purchased 6 Goodyear tires and a Covercraft Noah car cover. I was totally satisfied with both the service and the quality. I am not here to market MAC's but they do indeed provide a service to our hobby. Is their shipping slower than others such as Snyders, of course it is but you know that when you place your order. With thousands of customers they must be doing something right !
Wayne

[Terry,NJ]

Brent, You focus on a little bit of insanity that has concerned me too! Why do I do it? I can't give a good answer except to say, I want them to be good, They're close! When I go to Denver, I like to stop in at Bert's, Cause I'm close! And I genuinely like the place and the people. I took a trip down to Walt Bratton's once. I was buying a HC head and I didn't want to ship it.
Mac's is not far (4 hrs?) Snyder's is 5 hrs Maybe and I will take a trip out there for Rain gutters for the fordor.
Terry

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

It also begs the question, why do hobbyists continue to use their parts when it has been stated over-and-over here regarding Specialized's (their parts manufacturing subsidiary) poor quality of parts. Folks know that Mac's parts are junk before they make the purchase yet they seemingly still follow thru with trying to make a purchase. What gives with that mindset?

[wrndln]

I to, don't do business with Mac's anymore. I have had a couple unpleasant experiences with them in the past. There are several other good parts suppliers like Bratton's, Bert's and Snyder's. I would switch to a better company if I were you - sounds like you are. Sorry for the problems you encountered. I believe all three companies I mentioned above ship overseas, but being in Minnesota, I don't know for sure.
Rusty Nelson

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by nhusa

Interesting -


Brent - Your begging question is fair. I think people get busy and sometimes forget.

Kind of like the Pink Slime they use to make McDonald's and most fast food joint hamburgers!! We ALL soon forget!!

[hangarb7]

Again, thanks for sharing. Last week I had a disappointing experience with Snyders, yet what they recommended was correct and the parts were delivered the next day.

I had called to not only order but to ask a question; the fellow they switched me to (clearly an older fellow) was rude because he had to answer more than one question.

Since this was a specific body question, at one point I asked if he had done the install of this part himself, and I guess that was a bit too far because the question and answer period was over! How dare I ask that?!

However, in six years I have received most everything that I have ordered on time and correctly. I will continue to buy from Snyders but will experiment with Berts just to get familiar with them. I think I need someone more personable to answer questions, and honestly, as we switch to newer and younger owners of Model A's, they need to start realizing that a smaller percentage of owners are knowledgeable from the start.

[mot]

I have never heard anything bad about Berts
and they are on Ford Barn all the time to answer questions
they even loaned Pluck terminal boxes for his research
they seem to be a little more involved with people
and have lots of original parts

tom

[700rpm]

I've always had good experiences with Bratton's and Bert's. Never a disappointment.

[wrndln]

Tom,
You are correct, Steve Becker runs a great place at Bert's. He will try to find original parts if he gets some in and notify the buyer if and when they do. In fact I have my name on a list for a couple parts right now. It is the go to place for original Ford parts.
Rusty Nelson

[zzlegend]

My 2 cents. When i buy "A" parts, I use berts or snyders or brattons. But I recently ordered a 6 piece door and kick panel set for my 27 roadster. They are made by a company that Macs owns, "or so I am told". Another vendor stocked these also but were out of stock and they buy them from Macs. So I went directly to Macs and was surprised. They gave me a reduced shipping price, why? Not sure but it was reduced. "Maybe they have been reading all the comments on the barn about their shipping fees". The guy I talked to did not seem real savy on the panels but did help. Received them in 6 days and they look and fit perfect as far as I am concerned. I know they have had their problems with others, but I am very satisfied. Like I said, just my 2 cents.

[Franchise_24]

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

Obviously everything sold at Macs is not manufactgured at Macs. I resently purchased 6 Goodyear tires and a Covercraft Noah car cover. I was totally satisfied with both the service and the quality. I am not here to market MAC's but they do indeed provide a service to our hobby. Is their shipping slower than others such as Snyders, of course it is but you know that when you place your order. With thousands of customers they must be doing something right !
Wayne

By all means, you are happy with them so I would think anyone would encourage you to continue to deal with them. The slow shipping times is enough to make me say no thanks, I'll go else where, and deal with someone who has things in order and can get it out faster.

[JRShaw]

Guys - WHY would anyone use Mac's for anything?/ I have done an AACA award winning Late '31 Truck with the help and support of Bratton's. Walt has gone out of his way to be kind and helpful. Another huge plus is being a New York State resident, I have saved quite a bit of taxes over the last 20+ years, far out-shadowing any shipping costs. The service has been outstanding, the responses and shipments excellently sent, phone conversations polite and helpful, etc. I would NOT go to Mac's if it were the last place on earth. They screw you for taxes, shipping (or gas), etc.
I am presently doing a Late '31 Roadster and you can bet your sweet a__ who is getting the patronage!!

Just Sayin...

Joel R. Shaw in Fairport, NY

[Terry,NJ]

Bert's is not just a visit, It's an experience. Where can you visit a show room with vintage parts, a warehouse with bins full of vintage parts, and engine rebuilder and Mod.A mechanic shop and a Mod A Junkyard all under one roof?
Terry

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Franchise_24

By all means, you are happy with them so I would think anyone would encourage you to continue to deal with them. The slow shipping times is enough to make me say no thanks, I'll go else where, and deal with someone who has things in order and can get it out faster.

X2
It seems most of the more experienced know to stay away. i have noticed more newbies tend to use them mostly by reading previous threads on the subject.

[Rene R]

Bert's and Bratton's cover all the bases for me. Great service, especially from Bert's. And as others have said, when I pass through Denver it's a pilgrimage to stop at the shop.

I did try to order something from Mac's a couple of years ago; I forget what, or why. Must have seen a promo or something. All I remember about it is that it was something small (spark plug connectors or the like) that could have gone in a padded envelope for $1.96 postage. Their shipping charge was $15, non-negotiable. More than the cost of the order. I canceled it and never went back.

[mshmodela]

As a newbie, I've gotton 90% of my parts from Synders, i tried Mac twice no issue but when Don calls you personally on an order that he suspects is a miss well it's service you just do not get much today.

[Brother Hesekiel]

Mac's has been swallowed by Corvette parts supplier Eckler, who has also swallowed Porsche parts supplier Performance Parts here in California, among others. It's a corporate giant that is expanding, and they invest their money in struggling businesses and use their experience in the parts business and shipping to turn their investment into profits to expand further. It's just a business decision.

I like to compare it to Walmart, where it comes down to the bottom line. The cheapest Chinese parts, at cut-throat prices, to hurt the competition. Macs uses very aggressive marketing, so aggressive that all of their spam goes right into my junk mail box by default.

Folks, like buying nuts and bolts at the hardware store in town instead of Lowe's or Home Depot, if we can help it, we owe it to ourselves to buy our parts from that small business that is run by enthusiasts who go out of their way to help us out. If we have to pay a buck more for the same part once in a while, so be it, and I consider it smart business. If we allow the giant to squeeze the small businesses out of business, as Walmart does it, we'll be stuck with Mac's, who then will raise prices and show us the erected middle finger constantly. Whomever you buy your Model A parts from, don't buy them from Mac's unless you absolutely must because it's out of stock everywhere and you can't afford to wait.

[Bill Goddard]

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Originally Posted by hangarb7

Again, thanks for sharing. Last week I had a disappointing experience with Snyders, yet what they recommended was correct and the parts were delivered the next day.

I had called to not only order but to ask a question; the fellow they switched me to (clearly an older fellow) was rude because he had to answer more than one question.

Since this was a specific body question, at one point I asked if he had done the install of this part himself, and I guess that was a bit too far because the question and answer period was over! How dare I ask that?!

However, in six years I have received most everything that I have ordered on time and correctly. I will continue to buy from Snyders but will experiment with Berts just to get familiar with them. I think I need someone more personable to answer questions, and honestly, as we switch to newer and younger owners of Model A's, they need to start realizing that a smaller percentage of owners are knowledgeable from the start.

If you call Bratton's and ask for Tom Kortissis or Tom Turkle you will get advice based on 60+ years of Model A experience and OWNERSHIP. Tom K told me his job at Bratton's is primarily to answer customer questions - not fill orders.
I have been dealing with Mac's for 7 years. When I go to their showroom counter the same guy is always there and IMO knows nothing about A's. He can't find a part on the computer without a part number. He is oblivious to part names, descriptions, etc.
However, regular mailorder service from Mac's has been exellent. Bill G

[Franchise_24]

Originally Posted by JRShaw

Guys - WHY would anyone use Mac's for anything?/ I have done an AACA award winning Late '31 Truck with the help and support of Bratton's. Walt has gone out of his way to be kind and helpful. Another huge plus is being a New York State resident, I have saved quite a bit of taxes over the last 20+ years, far out-shadowing any shipping costs. The service has been outstanding, the responses and shipments excellently sent, phone conversations polite and helpful, etc. I would NOT go to Mac's if it were the last place on earth. They screw you for taxes, shipping (or gas), etc.
I am presently doing a Late '31 Roadster and you can bet your sweet a__ who is getting the patronage!!

Just Sayin...

Joel R. Shaw in Fairport, NY

Hope the IRS doesn't read this post, they may come after you for not claiming all those out of state sales you should be paying tax on

[ronn]

Have used Macs for years-got tired of the rude inept phone conversations and just started with Snyders-honestly much happier with their products and the speed of shipping and not being told it is on order.................

[hardtimes]

Hey Bobby,
At one time or another, we have all had a 'learning curve' relative to purchasing A/B parts. Sounds like you have a legitimate complaint with Mac's. Thanks for having the thought of informing the rest of us. HEY, IT IS NOT BADMOUTHING , IF IT IS TRUE !!
IMO, GOOD alternatives are BERTS and SNYDERS businesses !

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Brother Hesekiel

Mac's has been swallowed by Corvette parts supplier Eckler, who has also swallowed Porsche parts supplier Performance Parts here in California, among others. It's a corporate giant that is expanding, and they invest their money in struggling businesses and use their experience in the parts business and shipping to turn their investment into profits to expand further. It's just a business decision.

I like to compare it to Walmart, where it comes down to the bottom line. The cheapest Chinese parts, at cut-throat prices, to hurt the competition. Macs uses very aggressive marketing, so aggressive that all of their spam goes right into my junk mail box by default.

Folks, like buying nuts and bolts at the hardware store in town instead of Lowe's or Home Depot, if we can help it, we owe it to ourselves to buy our parts from that small business that is run by enthusiasts who go out of their way to help us out. If we have to pay a buck more for the same part once in a while, so be it, and I consider it smart business. If we allow the giant to squeeze the small businesses out of business, as Walmart does it, we'll be stuck with Mac's, who then will raise prices and show us the erected middle finger constantly. Whomever you buy your Model A parts from, don't buy them from Mac's unless you absolutely must because it's out of stock everywhere and you can't afford to wait.

If true, this information explains Mac's attention/behavior towards Model A hobbyist !! No longer have time for such..all about bottom line,eh !

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by hangarb7

Again, thanks for sharing. Last week I had a disappointing experience with Snyders, yet what they recommended was correct and the parts were delivered the next day.

I had called to not only order but to ask a question; the fellow they switched me to (clearly an older fellow) was rude because he had to answer more than one question.

Since this was a specific body question, at one point I asked if he had done the install of this part himself, and I guess that was a bit too far because the question and answer period was over! How dare I ask that?!

However, in six years I have received most everything that I have ordered on time and correctly. I will continue to buy from Snyders but will experiment with Berts just to get familiar with them. I think I need someone more personable to answer questions, and honestly, as we switch to newer and younger owners of Model A's, they need to start realizing that a smaller percentage of owners are knowledgeable from the start.

While I was not there to observe both sides of the conversation, let me just say it this way. In all likelihood you spoke with Tom Jordan, ...and while he might have seemed "brash", he really is a genuinely nice and knowledgeable individual. Something to ponder that might be in his defense is tech advise is not his only job at Snyders. Getting orders filled is, --and you never know if Tom reluctantly dropped what he was doing to help you out yet had 10 other critical things on hold because of it. Knowing how Tom is, I truthfully would just chock it up to a stressful moment for him and not think about it again. He really IS a nice guy, ...and remember that he gets MANY questions a day from employees and customers who need immediate answers.

Originally Posted by Ed

Brent:

Your question is a good one. In my case I realized these parts from Mac's are likely the same parts furnished by other suppliers as well. So price was the underlying issue when I ordered these parts from them.

When I had problems with the parts quality I asked specific questions when ordering from Bert's. They knew exactly what I was asking about when these questions were asked. The parts they offered were much better quality.

That is not always a factual statement, and in reality there are many more items out there that have multiple suppliers for. Just like WalMart and Target both carry Toasters, never assume they are the same product and the same quality. I generally think of Macs as wanting to distribute the WalMart-quality merchandise.

[Spokes]

Originally Posted by Franchise_24

I always hear about their shipping being so slow and it taking weeks to get orders out. How can the popular ones (Snyders, Brattons, Mikes, Berts, etc) get things shipped out the same day you order? I seriously doubt Macs is busier than all the others. If I order from Snyders or Brattons in the morning, it is on my door step the next day. Love service like that.

I have also ordered from the suppliers you listed. Never had a problem !!!

[1931 flamingo]

Many complaints on the EV8 forum about Mac's shipping charges. Four and a half years ago, before I knew I ordered a few parts from Mac's, not thrilled with quality. Then I discovered thru here Bratton's and Snyder's and Berts. They are my sources now. A&L is 20 miles away, so I go there also, what great service AND they let me "wander".

Paul in CT

[olut]

I purchased parts from MACs since Feb/2014 for at least 6.000,- Only once a tiny piece went lost and has been resend without any fuzz. All shipping was to Austria, had luckily never any issues. Also communication via email was smooth and easy, have no reason to complain..

But I also order specific and essential parts with demand of perfect quality from other sources...


Cheers
Albert

[JohninKuranda]

I have tried a number of US suppliers and have been disappointed by all on occassion. Macs currently threatens me with the possibility of a USD$70 freight charge (will let me know if more than this!) on any item regardless of the cost. Emails to seek a confirmed freight cost to Australia have gone unanswered. That really makes me want to buy...not!

I once asked Snyders a tech question regarding my Model A and was told that I had only ever bought some Model T parts from them in response. Great way to get me to purchase A parts!

Probably the best service, both in price, freight and in answering all email queries has been from Mikes - but it is a limited range.

I will be trying out Brattons and Berts in the future though.

[oj]

I rarely purchase from Macs' - I believe that he who advertises the most is because he needs to and I get catalogs etc from them regularly.
For Model 'A' I go to Brattons, you call there a get a little old lady and if she can't help she'll set the phone down and you'll hear her walk out to the shop and one of the guys will come back to help you out.
I won't need to deal with anybody in customer service if they send me what I need and Brattons' has never let me down.

[Allanw]

Originally Posted by JRShaw

Guys - WHY would anyone use Mac's for anything?

Of the places I emailed about parts and getting them shipped to NZ, Macs was the ONLY place that replied at all. The parts I haven't got locally, came from Macs, no problems.

[ronn]

"Duct Tape can't fix stupid, but it can MUFFLE the sound"

Allenw-dont think anyone could hear you..............

[TDO]

I can't under stand with all the classic cars in other country's, why don't you have your own suppliers. Seems to me it would pay you all to start one.

[Steve Plucker]

Sure would be interesting to see what Mac's has to say about all this!

Hmmmmmmmmm??????

Pluck

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

It also begs the question, why do hobbyists continue to use their parts when it has been stated over-and-over here regarding Specialized's (their parts manufacturing subsidiary) poor quality of parts. Folks know that Mac's parts are junk before they make the purchase yet they seemingly still follow thru with trying to make a purchase. What gives with that mindset?

Cheap price?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Sure would be interesting to see what Mac's has to say about all this!

Hmmmmmmmmm??????

Pluck

they have been on here before defending themselves on previous threads like this one. did it make a difference? nope
who cares what they have to say at this point

[Purdy Swoft]

I bought some parts from Macs in 1990, they seemed ok at first but seemed to go down hill over time. They listed some stuff that others didn't offer but many times didn't have said parts in stock. They were rude to my wife when she tried ordering parts from them. I don't plan to ever buy from them again. Anybody that reads this forum very often would have to have seen the negative posts about Macs. There are lots of good model A vendors. For quality of parts and quick shipping, I have never had a problem with Berts or Snyders.

[juke joint johnny]

Originally Posted by TDO

I can't under stand with all the classic cars in other country's, why don't you have your own suppliers. Seems to me it would pay you all to start one.

Hi Tdo
You make a good point Here in the UK. We have 2 companies that sell new Model A parts

Guess where the Longest established one get there stuff from ???? Macks!!!
Seems like it goes round in Circles I have allways had good luck and service from Bratton's and Snyders they are both Happy to ship to the UK

John Cochran

[eagle]

Have ordered from Macs for years, T and A. Never had a problem. Have had good quality parts too.

[Franchise_24]

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Originally Posted by eagle

Have ordered from Macs for years, T and A. Never had a problem. Have had good quality parts too.

You seem to be among a few who are the exception to the rule.

[BlueSunoco]

Well, at least we have the choice of options. The really bad ones like Rick's get run out of town.

One nice thing about A's is, parts availability. I'd hate to be restoring a '29 Pierce Arrow looking for parts. Haven't seen very many catalogues for them! And for all the complaining, I know for sure I'd hate to be the guy trying to supply parts, it is a limited customer base for all of the ramp up money needed to bring parts to the table.

At least, for comparison, with all of the hundreds of thousands of Mustangs out there, they have a VERY good parts selection to choose from. Good quality to boot. That market has more growth potential than our lowly Model A Ford.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

Well, at least we have the choice of options. The really bad ones like Rick's get run out of town.

One nice thing about A's is, parts availability. I'd hate to be restoring a '29 Pierce Arrow looking for parts. Haven't seen very many catalogues for them! And for all the complaining, I know for sure I'd hate to be the guy trying to supply parts, it is a limited customer base for all of the ramp up money needed to bring parts to the table.

At least, for comparison, with all of the hundreds of thousands of Mustangs out there, they have a VERY good parts selection to choose from. Good quality to boot. That market has more growth potential than our lowly Model A Ford.

Really, I know a guy doing a 1966 Mustang & he says he wishes he was doing an "A" that with all the non-fitting re-pop JUNK he has been buying !!..

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

While I was not there to observe both sides of the conversation, let me just say it this way. In all likelihood you spoke with Tom Jordan, ...and while he might have seemed "brash", he really is a genuinely nice and knowledgeable individual. Something to ponder that might be in his defense is tech advise is not his only job at Snyders. Getting orders filled is, --and you never know if Tom reluctantly dropped what he was doing to help you out yet had 10 other critical things on hold because of it. Knowing how Tom is, I truthfully would just chock it up to a stressful moment for him and not think about it again. He really IS a nice guy, ...and remember that he gets MANY questions a day from employees and customers who need immediate answers.




That is not always a factual statement, and in reality there are many more items out there that have multiple suppliers for. Just like WalMart and Target both carry Toasters, never assume they are the same product and the same quality. I generally think of Macs as wanting to distribute the WalMart-quality merchandise.

I agree. Tom is a great asset and always helpful to me. I checked on a part not stocked in great quantity due to rarity of use.. and 6 months later when they got them in from the supplier Tom called me to say they were in. I didn't even have an order in.... Now that's service!
Larry S.

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by Fred

Really, I know a guy doing a 1966 Mustang & he says he wishes he was doing an "A" that with all the non-fitting re-pop JUNK he has been buying !!..

Have your friend buy from CJ Pony Parts. They are the 'Snyder's-Bratton's-Bert's' of the Mustang parts houses. I don't bother w/ the others because the parts and service I get from CJ is top of the line. Never had a part that was bad fitting. Never.

[JackA]

Brattons won't even sed me a catalog after three requests. I just bought parts from Jerry's in Orlando - good quality. He is closing at years end, so he would probably like to sell as much as possible before then.

[Tom Endy]

Originally Posted by JackA

Brattons won't even sed me a catalog after three requests. I just bought parts from Jerry's in Orlando - good quality. He is closing at years end, so he would probably like to sell as much as possible before then.

I have been doing business with Bratton's for over 20 years. I have met Walt Bratton several times over the years and I talk to him usually at least once a month. Walt does not tolerate poor service from his employees. Walt takes a very professional approach when he hears of poor service from one of his employees. Instead of firing the person he calls them all together to remind them they are in business to sell parts and please the customer. If they do not please the customer they will not sell parts and he will have to lay people off. They get the message real quick.

I first met Walt at the Dallas MAFCA meet in 1992. At a time when most suppliers wanted to sell you their catalog Walt showed up at the meet with boxes and boxes of catalogs that he stacked up on a table at the rear of the seminar room and told each session to help them selves. This struck me as a man who knew how to run a business. And I have been doing business with him ever since.

Call Bratton's at 1-800-255-1929 and ask to speak with Walt. If he is there he will take your call. If he is not there ask to speak to Jeff, his son-in-law. One is always there. Tell them you want a catalog and tell them about your difficulty trying to obtain one. I guarantee you will receive a catalog in the mail free of charge. You will never have a problem doing business with Bratton's. If you do, ask to speak with Walt.

Tom Endy

[ct1932ford]

Just use Joe's Antique Auto from Mass. You will never use anyone else!

[BlueSunoco]

Joe's is great for Flathead stuff but I am sure he doesn't handle Model A parts

[hupdoc]

Originally Posted by Allanw

Of the places I emailed about parts and getting them shipped to NZ, Macs was the ONLY place that replied at all. The parts I haven't got locally, came from Macs, no problems.

Allan you have been VERY Lucky ! They have stung me for shoddy repo parts and postage previously. Order on line with Brattons, Berts or Synders and you will save yourself a bundle and its easy. Just keep the order under NZ$ 450 to avoid GST

Karl in Feilding

[dpson]

Well, I just placed a fairly large order with Mac's for a Cartouche interior kit for my 31 Roadster. My first order with Mac's. This is far from a show car and I just couldn't see spending the extra money for LB.

We'll see how it goes....

[zzlegend]

I have to say, the Cartouche kit I received last week for my 27 roadster, was very nice and installed nicely. Received it in six days to. The first thing I bought from Macs in 4 years. Not promoting them but just my opinion.
Should add, that this was just the door panel kit and not the seats. having them done at my upholstery shop.

[Mike V. Florida]

I don't know if this thread helped any but the order I placed in Dec shipped yesterday.

[rusty12]

I rarely order from Mac's because they are probably the furthest away from me when compared to any of the other vendors This, of course, means higher shipping cost and longer waiting times. However, I have found that when all the other vendors are out of stock of a particular item, Mac's will almost always has one in stock. Maybe because they are such a large company they can afford to stock higher quantities? When I have purchased parts from Mac's I have always been satisfied with both quality and service. No complaints from me.

[Mitch//pa]

good luck with car-douche mine wore out in the first year on the driver seat and l/s door panel where my knee touches. you can see the wear on the seat next to the gun stock.. never again ill spend the xtra $$$ for better quality as i just did on my current restoration project. the LB is a night and day difference all around.... i hate doing things twice

[Skibb]

Originally Posted by Growley bear

I had a similar experience and will NEVER conduct business with them or recommend them to any one.

Chet

Me too.......

Eighteen months ago they got me but good on an expensive upholstery piece that was useless. I make no excuse for my stupidity, but now smart.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by dpson

Well, I just placed a fairly large order with Mac's for a Cartouche interior kit for my 31 Roadster. My first order with Mac's. This is far from a show car and I just couldn't see spending the extra money for LB.

We'll see how it goes....

After one year of use, if it fits, you will wish you had driven to L/B and picked up a good kit..

[31Abone]

I ordered parts from MAC's about 3 month ago ,took 1 month to arrive.Mac's have dropped the ball....Snyders for me from now on ..maybe Berts or Brattons are OK

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by rusty12

I rarely order from Mac's because they are probably the furthest away from me when compared to any of the other vendors This, of course, means higher shipping cost and longer waiting times. However, I have found that when all the other vendors are out of stock of a particular item, Mac's will almost always has one in stock. Maybe because they are such a large company they can afford to stock higher quantities? When I have purchased parts from Mac's I have always been satisfied with both quality and service. No complaints from me.

Maybe because few use them so they never sell out?

[BobbyG]

Totally amazed at responses here - how does Macs survive??

probably by catching unsuspecting buyers like me.

Lesson learnt & passed on - thanks guys.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by BobbyG

Totally amazed at responses here - how does Macs survive??

probably by catching unsuspecting buyers like me.

Lesson learnt & passed on - thanks guys.

I think it has more to do with the socio-economic status of the typical Model-A owner. Just like the one above regarding the Roadster upholstery kit.

[Ross/Kzoo]

Originally Posted by BobbyG

Totally amazed at responses here - how does Macs survive??

probably by catching unsuspecting buyers like me.

Lesson learnt & passed on - thanks guys.

How many A owners don't get get on the car forums to get this feedback? When I was a new A owner I didn't know who was best but I got to this forum and soon found out. I ordered from Mac's only once because they had a bearing that everyone else was out of stock. I must say that there were no problems but I'll order from my favorite 4 (A&L, Bratton's, Snyder's and Bert's) unless they are all out of stock on something.

[NORTHEASTVIC]

Try PV Antique & Classic Ford, Inc. for personalized service. They are in their 40th year selling Model A Parts. Inquiries and questions can be answered. If in doubt about the quality of a part they will give you honest feedback.
Vic

[Franchise_24]

Originally Posted by NORTHEASTVIC

Try PV Antique & Classic Ford, Inc. for personalized service. They are in their 40th year selling Model A Parts. Inquiries and questions can be answered. If in doubt about the quality of a part they will give you honest feedback.
Vic

Nice little plug for yourself there :-) Do you guys have a catalog? Thanks.

[Smog Tech]

When I first got my Model A someone gave me a Mac’s catalog, so I ordered a lot from Mac’s. I discovered some repo parts are not very good, but for the most part was happy with Mac’s. Then I discovered Snyder’s and Mike’s and have been ordering form them. I wanted a part that only Mac’s carried so I ordered last month, took 7 days to reach Calif. Everything I ordered good quality. So I must say that for the most part I am happy with Mac’s.

[Growley bear]

Originally Posted by Skibb

Me too.......

Eighteen months ago they got me but good on an expensive upholstery piece that was useless. I make no excuse for my stupidity, but now smart.

Too early old too late smart. Seems the lessons I learned the best are the ones that were from a hard experience.

Chet

[Mike V. Florida]

My father would say "A measure of a good business is not what they do when things are going well but rather how they handle things when they go wrong".

[JRShaw]

Tom - and others - I have talked with both Walt and Jeff and found them to be very honest, candid, and cordial. Early in the year I realized that I had not received a 2013 Bratton's catalogue. One phone call to Walt, and a few days later a FIRST CLASS delivery of the catalogue showed up. That is real class and caring !!! Joel

[Del in NE Ohio]

Probably 15 years or so ago, I was on a tour with my local club that found us in Baltimore, parked down at the Inner Harbor planning to stuff ourselves with crab cakes and adult beverages. When I exited my roadster, I noticed that the prop nut had fallen off of my top bow pivot on the left side and was NOT on my running board. I called Bratton's and they were still open and had them in stock. I didn't catch the guys name, but bottom line is that after they closed for the day, he drove down to the Inner Harbor and brought me a prop nut. Wouldn't even let me buy him a beer. As a result, I did a fair amount of business with Brattons over the years, and I live in the shadow of Snyder's.

[zzlegend]

Now that's service. Great story and thanks for sharing.

[Russ/40]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

My father would say "A measure of a good business is not what they do when things are going well but rather how they handle things when they go wrong".

I can relate to that. When I was in sales, I won my best and most faithful customers by being honest about my mistakes and by making good on them.

[pat59]

Yup,
I'm currently dealing with an issue with Macs as we speak. Ordered a pair of 61/2" quarter panel patches and they send me 5 1/2" patches.
I already bought 5 1/2" patches from another vender that just listed them as quarter panel patches Realized that they were too short so thats why I specifically ordered the 6 1/2" panels from Macs.
So for a week now they have got their "tech" looking into the issue. I'll check with them again on Monday and stop payment if I don't get the right part. Seems like that they are just leading me along.
-Pat