Parts suppliers

[Bret B]

I've been doing some more researching of who to buy parts from. Looking thru some of the old posts and doing a search gives a fair amount of information. What I think I'm really looking to find out about is, are all these suppliers like LMC, Brothers, Chevy Duty, and others, just reselling the same parts, or are they actually getting different vendors to make parts for them? What is the quality from these vendors? Outsourcing is huge, and I see Brothers touting the "Made in USA" on some of their products. Not the same advertising from others.

Example: I found a post from mid 2013, about the windshield seal, I believe the original poster had bought the seal from one of the companies above and was having a difficult time installing, quality of product so to speak. The replies enlightened me to Steele Rubber Products, who I didn't even know existed. If the fit, finish, and quality is going to be that much better, then i really don't see a down side to paying a bit more for the product. No one spoke ill of another company, but there weren't any other other companies recommended to buy from either.

Only thing I've bought aftermarket for my little truck is body patch panels from Top Banana. They seemed to have competitive pricing, and had some great reviews on here. Following the advice of others, it worked out.

Thanks in advance for suggestions and recommendations.

[tincan1966]

Unfortunately, there is a limited number of manufacturers of parts for our trucks. However, it all depends on what parts you are looking for:

Using your reference to the windshield rubber: there are several places like Steele Rubber Products, to name one, that actually make parts. Of coarse the pricing is accordingly, when comparing to the foreign made reproduction pieces that some sell.
The sheet metal seems to be limited to one 3 or 4 places, and from what I've seen and used, the TriPlus panels from Top Banana are about as good as anyones. There does not seem to be any complete front fenders that do not need some "convincing" to make a decent fit/finish.
For electrical- Standard Motor Parts and BWD, Echlin and even Duralast seem to still carry quite a decent cataloging of replacement parts that have decent quality.

This is just my opinion on these particular vendors, based on experience we've had in our shop, trying to find reliable/quality parts to use for our customers.

[Clyde65]

I have used Chevy Duty ( now called Classic Parts of America) for over 25 years. great customer service and quality parts.

Saying that, Now that I am a member here, I try to buy from a supporting vendor as often as I can. If they dont have the parts I need, I go to Classic Parts.

I have never liked LMC parts just because what I have gotten is cheap Chinese stuff.

[speedy_steve]

+1 for Classic Parts.

[1963c-10]

Look at the vendor reviews also on the home page here.

link: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...play.php?f=238

[TJ's Chevy]

I had to wait 2 months for my order from Classic Parts just recently!!! It was supposedly on back order!!! 2 stickin months I had to wait for my order and those idiots didn't even give me a discount or nothin. The best service I have had was from The Truck and Car shop...least they deliver their parts quicker.

[Slow Build]

I've used Classic Parts with no issues. I've never had any company offer a discount on back ordered parts, so to call them idiots is kinda harsh.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

I've used Classic Parts with no issues. I've never had any company offer a discount on back ordered parts, so to call them idiots is kinda harsh.

Isn't harsh to me, if there gonna make me wait 2 MONTHS for a part that I have to pay full price on then I'm gonna complain about it...just like if you bought a part off of me..you'd start getting a little ticked if I just kept saying..hold on...I'm busy..and made you wait for 2 months. lol. I called and all they would say is "Its on back order..3 or 4 more weeks."...they said that twice...so I had to wait 2 months..and by that time I was ticked off. Especially since they were holding my money. But that is just an issue I had with them...doesn't mean they sell bad parts...just means they ave their issues like all companies do.

[1963c-10]

I don't use them anymore personally after several bad dealings with them, but I don't discourage others from using them. They just won't get any more of my money.

[tincan1966]

I've used Classic Parts(Chevy Duty) for years and never had a bad experience.
Not all back orders are the stores' fault,
Their suppliers may be holding them up, as well.
Regardless, a simple solution would be to just cancel the order and go somewhere else.
A discount on a back ordered part will never happen and kind of foolish to expect one.

[Bret B]

Nice information guys. Much appreciate the link to the customer reviews. Didn't even know Chevy Duty had changed names, if that shows you how long I've been out of the loop on things. Time for some more reading on the customer reviews.