[malibuman72]

My birthday is coming up (turning 17) and I'm going to ask for some Chevelle parts

So I need some help on where to buy decent (American made would be a +) brake parts. Master cylinder, rear cylinders, front calipers, and hard lines maybe, etc. I've already purchased the 3 flex lines.

I'm going to need some ext window felts as well. There's a place by me called Gold Eagle Classics out of Aloha Oregon. Have any of you guys used their felts? Yay or nay? I've already bought a carpet kit and some rubbers from them and they seem alright.

Help with this stuff would be much appreciated, thanks in advance!

Ethan

[Verle]

Ethan,

It is very hard to find any American made parts for our old cars. It is so much cheaper to build parts overseas that most American companies buy them there.

The question is where to find parts that will fit and work, and that is a hard question to answer.

A start is, don't go to the cheapest parts store in town.

Don't buy the cheapest parts you can find. Many parts stores will have cheap parts and "more expensive" parts for the same thing. Hopefully the more expensive parts are better quality.

Go to a local car cruise or car show, find people there with Chevelles and ask them for suggestions. They should know the local vendors.

Good luck and keep working on your car.

[malibuman72]

Thanks Verle.

I knew that mostly everything is overseas because its cheaper. I don't trust china stuff too much and would rather support a USA company. I heard my dad talking about Raybestos and they seem like a good source.

[Pete 67]

Originally Posted by malibuman72

Thanks Verle.

I knew that mostly everything is overseas because its cheaper. I don't trust china stuff too much and would rather support an USA company. I heard my dad talking about Raybestos and they seem like a good source.

Unfortunately, Raybestos took the bait & outsourced to China within the past few years.

Window felts are made by a few different companies. Repops & Trim Parts are made in the USA. Ask your vendor if he carries those brands.

[malibuman72]

So don't go to raybestos, or are they still good from China?

[Pete 67]

Check out your local Napa or any auto parts store that's not a chain. See what they have in stock or what they can get that's made in the USA.

[malibuman72]

Originally Posted by Pete 67

Check out your local Napa or any auto parts store that's not a chain. See what they have in stock or what they can get that's made in the USA.

Will do thanks, Pete

[dream66]

I highly recommend RockAuto for many of the hard parts on stock brakes, steering, and suspension.

You will discover that many if not all of the traditional "Name Brands" such as AC Delco, Raybestos, Moog etc outsource manufacturing to China and Mexico.

However, those companies appear to have tighter quality control of the finished products than do some of the lesser known brands that are typically priced a bit lower.

Upgraded and special purpose parts offered by many of the TC sponsors are excellent quality and made in U.S.A. or Canada.

[malibuman72]

Thanks Gus, I'll try them out. So many choices per item there!

[Verle]

In years past you could buy Delco parts with confidence, they were good parts.
My experience in recent years is their quality is hit and miss.
I have little confidence in any brand now days.
Take an original GM part with you and compare with the new part at the parts counter.

[dream66]

I just received 2 RAYBESTOS inner tie rods from RockAuto for my '66. They are stamped "Made In USA". They are significantly more massive than the MOOG inner tie rods that I returned due to the zerk fitting placement on the backside versus the end.

[malibuman72]

Originally Posted by dream66

I just received 2 RAYBESTOS inner tie rods from RockAuto for my '66. They are stamped "Made In USA". They are significantly more massive than the MOOG inner tie rods that I returned due to the zerk fitting placement on the backside versus the end.

I got your email, I'll try them out. Thanks

[charbilly2001]

No one has mentioned it as far as I can see but I am liking the "father & son" stuff you guys are doing. Great part of maturing into adulthood. Keep up the good work.

What a fun project!

[kens71elcky]

Check at O"rileys they have a pretty good line that work well !

[malibuman72]

Originally Posted by charbilly2001

No one has mentioned it as far as I can see but I am liking the "father & son" stuff you guys are doing. Great part of maturing into adulthood. Keep up the good work.

What a fun project!

Thanks Bill, I really enjoy spending time with my dad as well as my grandpa. If it wasn't for my grandpa being into cars, I'd probabily be driving a honda civic, yuck.

(Update: Roof body work is almost done, then mud and new vinyl. Brakes and a little motor work I'll be on the road!)

Originally Posted by kens71elcky

Check at O"rileys they have a pretty good line that work well !

There's a local place equivalent to O'Riley's by me and we go there quite a bit.