Parts shortages building up,, Model A's and V-8's

[Jeff/Illinois]

A friend is in the middle of restoring a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe and a 1940 Ford standard Coupe.

He was telling me how hard it is getting to get parts for both cars. A cast iron sediment bowl for his Model A they don't exist evidently. He ordered a wiring harness for the '40 Coupe yesterday from Dennis Carpenter, the guy told him he was lucky they only had two left and it didn't look like anymore would be made.

Those are only two examples of two dozen parts he has been trying to run down for those cars this winter.

He called Bratton's on a Model A part, they had none left anymore and the guy making them has quit the business.

One parts dealer on V-8 parts, I won't say the name, Mike said he got real snippy with him on the phone and said 'we are OUT what did I tell you, and no more are being made...' Mike said well you better update your website it still shows them. The guy hung up on him.

I hope this situation reverses itself but it doesn't look too promising for us.

[KiWinUS]

It’s been happening for some time now. Last year was the last for Carpenters MAKING 37 parts I believe. 1923 was last of making 36 parts so I guess this will be last to make 38 parts. It’s a supply and demand situation. We can blame the manufacturers. They are on a going out of business plan if they invest a pile of $$$ just to sit on the shelves. Mr Carpenters son told the minimum amount of aluminum he can purchase to make 36 Ford scuff plates was $5000 then had to manufacture them just to sell a few sets a year. He said you multiply that by a few other items and it’s a fortune on the shelves with very little return. It’s only going to get worse.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

A friend is in the middle of restoring a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe and a 1940 Ford standard Coupe.

He was telling me how hard it is getting to get parts for both cars. A cast iron sediment bowl for his Model A they don't exist evidently. He ordered a wiring harness for the '40 Coupe yesterday from Dennis Carpenter, the guy told him he was lucky they only had two left and it didn't look like anymore would be made.

Those are only two examples of two dozen parts he has been trying to run down for those cars this winter.

He called Bratton's on a Model A part, they had none left anymore and the guy making them has quit the business.

One parts dealer on V-8 parts, I won't say the name, Mike said he got real snippy with him on the phone and said 'we are OUT what did I tell you, and no more are being made...' Mike said well you better update your website it still shows them. The guy hung up on him.

I hope this situation reverses itself but it doesn't look too promising for us.

Wire harnesses are still made to order by several suppliers and ordered 3rd party by some others. These conditions today are still much better than than they were back in the day when there were no reproduction parts made by anyone. Every restorer was on his own to make or modify parts for his own use.

Inaccurate website information is hard to deal with, but we all have to remember that nobody appreciates being told how to do their job, and phone order takers are themselves frustrated with poor website maintenance. The old saying is true: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

[rockfla]

Jeff/Ill
Depending on IF he is looking for concours correct or "close" to concours? AS 38V8 above stated, there are a few 4 companies that can make his wiring harness.....IF you search on the forums here, you will find a few post discussing just this issue and the names of a few at least


Narraganset Wiring (?) IF you want concours correct


*****Close*****
YNZ's yesterdays
Tyree Harris in Bumpass VA advertises in the V8 Times for years


Just to name a few.

[OldFred]

Hello, I'm new here on the site and glad of it to be here! I'm bringing back a really nice 38 Standard old-time hotrod, basically two 94's, headers and a high rise intake, etc..simple old school all steel car I'm excited about..I have a comment to make about the Model A Stuff. He could try Bill's Model Acres, near Milton Pa. Bill has a vast amount of "A" stuff. His name is Bill Haberer, phone (can I give that here? no website) : is 570 538 3200. Also, Rhode Island Wiring is salty, but great wiring..just to try and be helpful here.

[Zeke3]

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Welcome OldFred, I am sure your information will be helpful to others. We would all like to see pictures of your car when you can post some.

[flatford8]

Old Fred ……welcome to the ‘Barn….yes we like pics and would love to see some of your car…..Mark

[34fordy]

I believe the amount of cars and pickups one can find now to restore are much scarcer than 10 years ago. The suppliers and manufacturers surely know this.
Over the last 10 years I have enjoyed repairing and selling different parts as a hobby. I have advertised 3,33/34 column drops, 2 with new Hurd key cylinders, and a couple 35/36 windshield regulators in the last 6 months. These are items that were very easily sold 5 years ago. I haven't had anyone interested in any of these parts. I hate to put them on epay. I actually enjoy looking at them laying on the shelf. It is like going out to my shop in the cold of winter and sitting in my 36 pickup, just looking around inside and falling in love all over again. If I ever am able to own a 34 couple I will probably end up taking residence in my little shop. When you spend time working to fix old parts the satisfaction makes a guy feel so good. I just like to hold the parts in my hand and operate them. They are so unlike the parts produced today that have no feeling of quality. It makes me think firstly of Kube and DavidG, and a few others who do the restorations that are so nearly perfect. It must feel like selling your own child when you part with them. I suppose when I am gone my son will put my leftover parts on his shelf to draw dust and when he is gone these parts along with others will end up in a landfill. Such is life, death and supply and demand.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

I believe the amount of cars and pickups one can find now to restore are much scarcer than 10 years ago. The suppliers and manufacturers surely know this.
Over the last 10 years I have enjoyed repairing and selling different parts as a hobby. I have advertised 3,33/34 column drops, 2 with new Hurd key cylinders, and a couple 35/36 windshield regulators in the last 6 months. These are items that were very easily sold 5 years ago. I haven't had anyone interested in any of these parts. I hate to put them on epay. I actually enjoy looking at them laying on the shelf. It is like going out to my shop in the cold of winter and sitting in my 36 pickup, just looking around inside and falling in love all over again. If I ever am able to own a 34 couple I will probably end up taking residence in my little shop. When you spend time working to fix old parts the satisfaction makes a guy feel so good. I just like to hold the parts in my hand and operate them. They are so unlike the parts produced today that have no feeling of quality. It makes me think firstly of Kube and DavidG, and a few others who do the restorations that are so nearly perfect. It must feel like selling your own child when you part with them. I suppose when I am gone my son will put my leftover parts on his shelf to draw dust and when he is gone these parts along with others will end up in a landfill. Such is life, death and supply and demand.

OMG. And all these years I thought I was the only wierdo who got sentimental over cars and parts.

[TomC750]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

OMG. And all these years I thought I was the only wierdo who got sentimental over cars and parts.

Oh no! Count me among the weirdos. Especially since I courted my wife in a '41 Mercury and I now have one! Sat in it for a bit today after reinstalling the seats.

[Newc]

Over a year ago- it was most of our bumpers. Newc

[MyFlattyFord]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

It’s been happening for some time now. Last year was the last for Carpenters MAKING 37 parts I believe. 1923 was last of making 36 parts so I guess this will be last to make 38 parts. It’s a supply and demand situation. We can blame the manufacturers. They are on a going out of business plan if they invest a pile of $$$ just to sit on the shelves. Mr Carpenters son told the minimum amount of aluminum he can purchase to make 36 Ford scuff plates was $5000 then had to manufacture them just to sell a few sets a year. He said you multiply that by a few other items and it’s a fortune on the shelves with very little return. It’s only going to get worse.

FYI folks.
Marty

31 model A coupe project

Facebook
Website
Posted Tuesday at 07:15 PM
Online only auction for project cars, automotive repair and refinishing equipment, tools, signs, and parts inventory from the Model A Garage and the estate of John Phillips. This auction closes Wednesday January 29 beginning at 7 PM with pickup on January 30 through February 1. All items are located in Luray VA.
2 Vehicles and a lot of nice shop equipment

https://www.mountainvalleyauctions.c...etail/bw132374

[MyFlattyFord]

31 'A' coupe project

Facebook
Website
Posted Tuesday at 07:15 PM
Online only auction for project cars, automotive repair and refinishing equipment, tools, signs, and parts inventory from the Model A Garage and the estate of John Phillips. This auction closes Wednesday January 29 beginning at 7 PM with pickup on January 30 through February 1. All items are located in Luray VA.
2 Vehicles and a lot of nice shop equipment

https://www.mountainvalleyauctions.c...etail/bw132374

[tubman]

Wait a few years until most of the current generation passes. There will be parts galore. The only problem will be keeping them from going to the scrapper. I purchased a bunch of Manilla tags and have been putting them on everything good that I have. Hopefully, someone will read the overstated prices and handle them accordingly.

[kiwi nz]

I worry that lots of us have gathered one or two spares when we have ordered parts. These are the parts that we will never need and will be forever lost to future owner/driver/restorers.

[GB SISSON]

Case in point. I just went to the FTE (Ford truck Enthusiast) forums. At 8:25 this morning there were 42 folks viewing the '47 and older section and 789 viewing the '48-'56 section. Makes me think of that old addage "Nostalgia isn't what it used to be".

[Jeff/Illinois]

Old Fred... my buddy just found out about Bill for Model A parts, and contacted him. He had a number of cast iron sediment bowls that my friend needed!

Thanks for the advice here!

Yes I'd like to see pictures of your project some day too! Sounds really cool!