I know Ground Up is our sponsor, not bashing them or anything. I'm just curious, which resto/repro parts place do you guys prefer to use? I'm sure not EVERYONE here uses Ground Up? Is there any parts in peticular that you would recommend getting from Year One, rather than Ground Up, as far as quality goes?

Jason. I think the quality is about the same since most retailers get there parts from the same manufacture. I have noticed the 1. Year-one seems to have things that other don't. 2. Year-one seems to be on avg. 5 to 10% higher than other places. I get most of my parts from The Paddock.
Another place to look is Gene's General store (http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/storefront.pl?ref=genesgeneral) They have very good prices.

NPD gets my vote for the best service, and fastest shipping.

This subject has been discussed to death. It's also not aloud by the rules of the site owner. Why can't we all just obey the rules. They all start out with "I'm not vendor bashing" then the next guy starts trashing a vendor, because they had a bad experience. It's like a broken record :confused:

These always start out with good intentions, then go down hill fast:sad:

or a cracked record cracked record cracked record cracked record cracked record cracked record cracked record

Beat the dead horse the dead horse the dead horse the dead horse the dead horse

:D

NPD, they're local.

Mike

Sorry guys,I deleted my comments.

I second the NPD vote.

I make my own parts out of paper clips and bailing wire.

Seriously, I like a couple of guys on ebay, always get good stuff and they stand behind what they sell

Who is the manufacture of these parts? I like them all.

I think there is a big misconception as far as ALL of the parts suppliers are concerned. Most of them DO NOT, if any at all, make any of the parts they sell. They are resellers, period. I go for 2 things, how close a supplier is to me, in my case, Ground Up is only 3 hours away so if I order something, I generally get it the next day which works out great for me. If they don't have something in stock, I call up whoever is the next closer to me and go from there.
Now to address customer service. I think that needs to be handled on a situation basis. You can't please everyone all the time and if you have a bad salesperson, regardless of where they work, it will result in a bad dealing. Personal example: I have had nothing but bad experiences dealing with companies in California and it doesn't stop at car parts. I have to deal with companies in CA at work as well and have had similar dealings. There are more than 1 resource out there for us to use for parts......use them, get a feeling for them, and go from there. I have found 2 suppliers (will rename nameless so nobody can make a conflicting statement) that have been very good to me and I will continue to give them my business. Anyone that asks this question in the future needs to evaluate their own needs and make an unbiased decision without the influence of others. Go with what meets your own personal needs.

I have used Ausleys with alot of success. They attend alot of the local big swap meets (Englishtown and Maple Grove) and are very helpful over the phone. Part Quality and shipping time is fine. Ground Up has also been very good for hard to find items.

I`ve had good luck with Ground Up and Year One. After I placed an order one of the guys at Ground Up called me at home to tell me I ordered the wrong fan shroud! Talked it over with him and got the right one. Ground Up has my vote.

NPD gets my vote for the best service, and fastest shipping.

I second that.

I personally had problems with both mentioned suppliers in the title of this post but I wont get into that.

I have to agree with a few others. Im not taking any shots at anyone but its time people that are looking for this info are best to do a search first.

You need another catagory in the poll
"Anyone EXCEPT ........"

THAT, I'd vote for.

Obviously I can't speak for others here, or the vendors, but to me feedback is useful information for all involved. The vendor can try to improve their service when a problem is identified, and the buyer can avoid potential problems others may have had. Of course, we won't all have the same experience and personal perceptions play a role, but I think the info can be useful if not taken out of context. As for myself, I've used most of the various vendors over the years on different projects, always comparing price, quality and service. I'm sure you can find someone, somewhere, who has had a good experience, and someone with a bad experience, when using any vendor. The few problems I've had (and there have been only a few), the vendors involved, when the problem was brought to their attention, did the right thing and I continue to use them. They way I see it, parts suppliers are run by people, just like us, and as people we all make mistakes at times, but from my experience when a valid mistake occurs and is properly discussed and explained, a reasonable resolution can usually be reached.

Jeff
68SS in TX

Many of small parts like clips, clamps, screws, ect. for Chevelle are crossover parts, and can be used from other GM suppliers. You should also keep in mind that most of the repop parts just dont fit right, or as good as origional parts. Have a good origional core part restored, replated, and you'll be better off in the long run. Another thing to consider is the shipping cost, and add that to the total bill.

1. Ground Up: they used to be 1/2 mile away. Now in CT. I guess if I had a decent order I could drive up to save the shipping, depending on shipping cost vs. gas and tolls.

2. East Coast Chevelle, he's the new kid on the block. He's local for the Long Islanders.

I use them both and e-bay when the deal is right.

1. Ground Up: they used to be 1/2 mile away. Now in CT. I guess if I had a decent order I could drive up to save the shipping, depending on shipping cost vs. gas and tolls.

2. East Coast Chevelle, he's the new kid on the block. He's local for the Long Islanders.

I use them both and e-bay when the deal is right.

I'll second this.... I keep all the catalog's on hand though...

I think there is a big misconception as far as ALL of the parts suppliers are concerned. Most of them DO NOT, if any at all, make any of the parts they sell. They are resellers, period. I go for 2 things, how close a supplier is to me, in my case, Ground Up is only 3 hours away so if I order something, I generally get it the next day which works out great for me. If they don't have something in stock, I call up whoever is the next closer to me and go from there.
Now to address customer service. I think that needs to be handled on a situation basis. You can't please everyone all the time and if you have a bad salesperson, regardless of where they work, it will result in a bad dealing. Personal example: I have had nothing but bad experiences dealing with companies in California and it doesn't stop at car parts. I have to deal with companies in CA at work as well and have had similar dealings. There are more than 1 resource out there for us to use for parts......use them, get a feeling for them, and go from there. I have found 2 suppliers (will rename nameless so nobody can make a conflicting statement) that have been very good to me and I will continue to give them my business. Anyone that asks this question in the future needs to evaluate their own needs and make an unbiased decision without the influence of others. Go with what meets your own personal needs.


I have to agree with BlueSS on this one. Where you live and good service probably has more to do with who you but from more than anything. I live in CA. Why would I pay to ship something from CT and wait 5 days for it to get here when I can order the EXACT same part and get it in 1-2 days?

Having said that, I will always go back and do business with the guy that gave me the best customer service AND who has the part IN STOCK!! I've had good luck with both *** and **** in SoCal. My last order was thru ****. I always try to order over $299 to get the free shipping. I called every supplier mentioned in this thread, starting with our sponsor (I tried AL, really) but **** was the only one who had everything. I got great cutomer service and my order was shipped complete.

Now....just to make my point, there is another vendor who's warehouse/store is right next to where I get fuel at the Ryder yard in Stockton. Good prices and I wouldn't have to pay shipping right? Wrong. 4 times now, I've walked over there while my truck was being fueled and 4 times I've left empty handed. They never have what I want, don't know what I'm talking about and the owner treats me like I'm some kind of idiot. (Weld-On headliner glue in a can ? never heard of it. Go the hardware store and ask for contact cement) One time, he even whipped-out an OPGI catalog and told me he could order me the part! Heck, thanks to TC, I probably know more than he does about restoring a Chevelle. Maybe if I had a Camaro, my experience would be different. There are always people buying stuff there so he must be doing something right. Just not for me. Same goes for the place in Rancho Cordova only 5 miles from my house. Lots of Camaro stuff, never have what I want IN STOCK. But he'll order it for me...

Of Course, you'll get just as many guys telling you wonderful things about both of these vendors. It's all subjective to your previous experience. My advice to someone trying this for the first time is to call and make sure they have what you need IN STOCK. Get a price QUOTE and the salespersons name. Maybe make a small purchase first, until you get a feel for buying from them. I've placed over 25 orders (mostly online) from various vendors since starting this project and have a pretty good idea of who does what and how they handle things like returns, defects and out-of-stock. If you're new here or just need advice, email me for names and details. Glad to help if I can.

(Hows that AL ?)

npd

Started buying from Hinshaws. Nice to be able to get a piece of advice when ordering a part........

Family business

I find most suppliers don't have a full inventory for my needs......NPD, is the closest I can get for "most" parts. OPG, a good one followed up by Year One. But when you own a 65......you would think you're trying to find parts for a extinct dino mobile or something.:sad:

NPD gets my vote to. I have had both good and bad experiance with OPG. I guess sometimes S%$T happens so I suppose it could happen to any of them. I have been pleased every time though with NPD and wouldn't blink an eye to order from them again.

OPG does have the largest selection though.

I most recently purchased at OPG. Only because we drove out to Disneyland and they were 12 miles away. I only purchased items they had it stock and could hand me. They had most of what I wanted in stock.

I have used Ground Up for many of my restoration parts. Many of the chrome parts have been cheap or cheesy. Upon contacting customer service, I have been outraged at their lack of concern. I have spent thousands of dollars at their store and now that my car is on the road and their products are failing, they say there is nothing they can do to right the wrong. "The warranty period has expired" is the response I get. Is there anyone out there that restores their own car in 60 days or less? I would definately go National Parts Depot. They are a sponsor without discounts, but their customer service is well worth the extra.

The problem is that most of these guys get their parts from the same suppliers. The quality of the parts will be the same regaurdless of which Chevelle parts place you use. I like dealing with James Hinshaw @ Hinshaws Chevelle Parts. He will tell you if the repopped parts are worth using.
James

The problem is that most of these guys get their parts from the same suppliers. The quality of the parts will be the same regaurdless of which Chevelle parts place you use. I like dealing with James Hinshaw @ Hinshaws Chevelle Parts. He will tell you if the repopped parts are worth using.
James

I couldn't have said it better, James is a straight up guy, and will tell you if the parts are worth buying or not. Call him and talk to him. You wont be disappointed.


Rocky

I personally had problems with both mentioned suppliers in the title of this post but I wont get into that.

I have to agree with a few others. Im not taking any shots at anyone but its time people that are looking for this info are best to do a search first.

x2. It would take days to read all of it in the many sections it is in. Here is something my dad told me years ago.

There is not enough money to buy good word of mouth advertising and not enough time or words to overcome bad. Problem with the bad is you almost never get to tell your side or defend yourself.

I use Muscle Car Metal, pricing and service is great.

Problem with the bad is you almost never get to tell your side or defend yourself.


Especially here.


Rocky

Ive spent thousands of dollars with Ground Up but no more. Ive had many problems with them (parts missing, wrong parts sent but they swear its worked for years and so on.) Upon contacting customer service, they just dont care. I put up with them because their shipping was quick. I will now switch to a company who appreciates the business and is more customer friendly. Thats my thought.

As far as someone that knows Chevelles,it is hard to top James Hinshaw. He is a good guy and easy to talk to. If I don't get it from Hinshaws,it will be Ground-Up....Bob

Npd

I've always gotten good parts and service from Ausleys. I also use Year One because they have everything. The list prices are more expensive but there are several discount options. Enter code TEAM15 at checkout and you get 15% off. Orders over $500 automatically get an additionaly 5% off and orders over $1000 get additional 10%. So, if you spend $1000 bucks at year one it will end up costing $750 with the discounts. These discounts put their prices on par with the other vendors.

Ausley's and Ground Up are good.
OPG is the only place I found that offered a heavier 18 gauge rear deck panel. http://www.opgi.com/product.asp?topcatid=26&chapterid=26&topvalue=&newflag=&VendorCode=&grpcode=10731&prodcode=

It came un-painted and covered with oily. Alot better than the 21 gauge non-fitting first one I got from another.

Problem with the bad is you almost never get to tell your side or defend yourself.

Especially here.

Rocky

This is nonsense. Any of the vendors mentioned can come here & defend themselves whenever they choose to.

A few of them do, but FWIW, Ground Up has been the sponsor here going on a dozen years & not once have they ever posted in the forums to defend their position. For that matter, they never even post to offer any technical or creative solutions to Chevelle related issues.

I like both NPD and Muscle Factory.

Hinshaws, hands down! James is the BEST! :thumbsup:

I have to agree with BlueSS on this one. Where you live and good service probably has more to do with who you but from more than anything. I live in CA. Why would I pay to ship something from CT and wait 5 days for it to get here when I can order the EXACT same part and get it in 1-2 days?

Having said that, I will always go back and do business with the guy that gave me the best customer service AND who has the part IN STOCK!! I've had good luck with both *** and **** in SoCal. My last order was thru ****. I always try to order over $299 to get the free shipping. I called every supplier mentioned in this thread, starting with our sponsor (I tried AL, really) but **** was the only one who had everything. I got great cutomer service and my order was shipped complete.

Now....just to make my point, there is another vendor who's warehouse/store is right next to where I get fuel at the Ryder yard in Stockton. Good prices and I wouldn't have to pay shipping right? Wrong. 4 times now, I've walked over there while my truck was being fueled and 4 times I've left empty handed. They never have what I want, don't know what I'm talking about and the owner treats me like I'm some kind of idiot. (Weld-On headliner glue in a can ? never heard of it. Go the hardware store and ask for contact cement) One time, he even whipped-out an OPGI catalog and told me he could order me the part! Heck, thanks to TC, I probably know more than he does about restoring a Chevelle. Maybe if I had a Camaro, my experience would be different. There are always people buying stuff there so he must be doing something right. Just not for me. Same goes for the place in Rancho Cordova only 5 miles from my house. Lots of Camaro stuff, never have what I want IN STOCK. But he'll order it for me...

Of Course, you'll get just as many guys telling you wonderful things about both of these vendors. It's all subjective to your previous experience. My advice to someone trying this for the first time is to call and make sure they have what you need IN STOCK. Get a price QUOTE and the salespersons name. Maybe make a small purchase first, until you get a feel for buying from them. I've placed over 25 orders (mostly online) from various vendors since starting this project and have a pretty good idea of who does what and how they handle things like returns, defects and out-of-stock. If you're new here or just need advice, email me for names and details. Glad to help if I can.

(Hows that AL ?)

I'm in California, but I usually look for an out of state vendor. California sales tax is near 8%. I've had large heavy items shipped from New York for less than I can get in California. Sorry guys but I would rather pay a businessman even though he is out of state rather than send my money to Sacramento where they will waste it and then figure out how to get more.
No amount of money is enough for these big spenders. When we could of had a budget surplus years ago, they went on a spending spree and now refuse to eliminate all of the things that they created back then. We now have 10 BILLION DOLLARS (low estimate) worth of programs that we don't have the money for. Anyone that wants to tell me different can take some of their money and send it to Sacramento.
Squido

Kind of a different point of view, but the availability of repro stuff, even if it is not the equal of the original is what makes this hobby possible on the level we can do it today.

I started the "fix up an old hot rod" hobby with a 68 Dodge Charger, in 1985. There were very few repro parts available, and I remember buying three junk radiators and power steering boxes before I got a usable one. Even a rebuilt 383 shortblock was not available from the local parts places. Then the disc brakes had to be custom sleeved.

The Chevelle is much easier, even if I had to grind the crap out of the new repro inside rear view mirror bracket I bought Saturday....Brake stuff is available, lock stock and barrel. All the interior, nearly all the sheetmetal.

Had this repro stuff not been available, I would not have gotten the Chevelle.

Not really had any poor experiences with these vendors yet.

Kind of a different point of view, but the availability of repro stuff, even if it is not the equal of the original is what makes this hobby possible on the level we can do it today.

I started the "fix up an old hot rod" hobby with a 68 Dodge Charger, in 1985. There were very few repro parts available, and I remember buying three junk radiators and power steering boxes before I got a usable one. Even a rebuilt 383 shortblock was not available from the local parts places. Then the disc brakes had to be custom sleeved.

The Chevelle is much easier, even if I had to grind the crap out of the new repro inside rear view mirror bracket I bought Saturday....Brake stuff is available, lock stock and barrel. All the interior, nearly all the sheetmetal.

Had this repro stuff not been available, I would not have gotten the Chevelle.

Not really had any poor experiences with these vendors yet.


That's a nice sentiment, but I don't agree. Yes it's nice that these parts are available, but why does the quality & fit have to be so piss-poor? :confused:

I would bet that of the 99% of the ill-fitting parts that are reproduced, it wouldn't take an extra dollar to properly engineer the tooling to do it right the first time. You can't tell me that the technology to produce these parts 40 years ago can't be replicated for less money in today's Chinese economy. Which is a problem in itself. The manufacturers who sent this stuff overseas to begin with are the ones who are truly to blame. :mad: