I have just started restoring a 67 SS and i could use some ideas of where to shop for replacement parts and accessories that are not gonna cost me an arm and a leg.

Unfortunately there is no good answer to your question, certain places have good prices on some items, and high prices on others, you pretty much have to do your homework in order to save money. So far for my '67 I have bought from Ground Up, Year One, Hinshaws, Lutty's, Ausley's and a few others I can't think of. Some have better prices, some have bad service, I've had mixed experiences with most.

Good luck,
Steve

Well, a couple of things....First, not really much variation in price with all the vendors out there....they are all selling, for the most part, the same thing. So you are left, ususally, with finding a company that TREATS you, the Customer, the way you like to be treated.

Everyone has their favorite...The TEAM CHEVELLE Home page has a list of Chevelle Parts Suppliers

We of course have our Sponsor GROUND UP RESTORATIONS....Down your way, you got guys like AUSLEY'S Chevelles and my personal favorite...because he is my friend and a Chevelle owner, not a BIG COMPANY...he answers the phone smile.gif

James Hinshaw..ie..Hinshaw's Chevelles Parts in NC.

Unfortunately, around here, we all to often cross over from recommending a vendor to pointing out which ones Screwed us...and that part is not allowed here... so, if anyone has a favorite for this fella...chime in!

Mike Crown

Oh, one thing I'd like to point out, you can save a bunch of money by looking for certain items that can be bought as 'kits'. Common kits like interiors and weatherstrip, and others that group together a bunch of related items. There has been more than once, and usually I end up doing this to myself at swapmeets, where I buy most everything seperate that could be bought in one of said kits, and kicking myself when I get home after looking through a catalog and finding I could have got a kit and saved money.

I have previously purchased items from Hinshaws, and I'll agree, they are one of the best places to deal with, customer service-wise...

Personally, I would get every free catalog you can, and maybe buy a few (I try not to ever "buy" a catalog)...

Some companies/catlogs will not list some products, while others will...

I also look at shipping costs, because they don't all have the same their either...

and still, even though they all sell the same products, there are several interior vendors (PUI, etc, Acc carpets, etc, Custom Mold trim and cheap import stuff), so its good to arm your self with many catalogs...

Finally, when you find a company you like, ask about parts you need not listed in their catalog... often they can get them, but be aware how much they cost compared to other vendors... I recently wanted to buy a part, but avoid a certain vendor (due to shipping costs, etc-NOT necessarily customer service)... The "other" place I was buying from was very nice, but they did'nt have the one part... They told me they would see if they could get it for me... They called back very quickly and said it was about $40+... great service, but the other companies were all about $28-$30 for the same part...

Quality and customer service are very important, but for me, so is price... And sometimes I need something quickly, where I know shipping across the country will be too late...
Some that I have used:
OPGI, True-Connections, National Parts Depot, Jim Dyer, Paddock, Hinshaws, Year One, Ausleys... I know I have used others, but the names escape me now...

You "ARE" going to have problems with some of the reproduction parts.......make sure you keep all of your documentation from the parts that you order so you don't fall into "you must have your original invoice or packing slip" routine before you can have the honor of returning the parts for credit.......
I have a original 66 SS Convert and needed the factory clips that held the stainless trim on the rear deck around the top opening......talked to three of the big suppliers and they either did not know what I was talking about or told me they were not available.........
I called Hinshaws (first time) and talked to a wonderful lady who knew exactly what I was looking for and she had them in stock....When I start my next project, Hinshaw's will be my first call......just my $.02
Ken

66 SS396 Marina Blue Convert
66 Malibu Lemonwood Yellow 406 700R4
66 Nova Fast Burn 385 700R4
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