Parts?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
"Trying to save a little money" and "buying online" seem to be mutually exclusive ideas...whatever might be saved on the cost of used parts will be spent on shipping. I am not sure how the parts supply is in your area but there seems to be more than enough parts available almost anywhere in the country. Craigslist is the only online source that I have found for good prices on local parts for sale. Many times I will check out an ad for a part that I need and find that the seller has other parts of interest or other sources that he knows for them. Good luck...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
Members in the used parts business sometimes charge, as kevin says, premium prices. Other members, who just happen to have spare parts taking up space in their shops, will sometimes share their parts with members for basically the cost of shipping. An example of this generous attitude is Gary (Gdub) from Texas. I needed a rare hard to find latch for a rear panel door. He sent me an "extra" he had for the cost of sending it to me. Someone in the parts business could have easily charged $100 for it.
Local scrapyards are another source for cheap parts. I needed another rare part for my rear panel doors (something Gary didn't have). A parts guy quoted me $100 (or maybe even a little more), but I was able to find it in a local yard for $15.
Good Luck and Welcome!
Jim
Local scrapyards are another source for cheap parts. I needed another rare part for my rear panel doors (something Gary didn't have). A parts guy quoted me $100 (or maybe even a little more), but I was able to find it in a local yard for $15.
Good Luck and Welcome!
Jim
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 696
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From: Central Connecticut
Although you might hope that it's not so, even when dealing with FTE members you have to be careful. I was looking for original wheels for my '50 F-1 and a member with a good reputation on the site offered to sell me some. I paid what I thought was a fair price, plus shipping, but what I received was unusable junk. Like everywhere else, it's buyer beware.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
I've purchased parts from two FTE members (if you count my business with Gary as a purchase). I was very pleased with both transactions. The very high quote was also from a member--so yes, I agree there is always some risk when you purchase something unseen. I made two fairly substantial Parts purchases from non-members--one turned out very well--and one--somewhat disappointing.
When what we are looking for is approaching 70 years old, it's probably not surprising that what we end up finding sometimes seems overpriced and not always in like-new condition.
Jim
When what we are looking for is approaching 70 years old, it's probably not surprising that what we end up finding sometimes seems overpriced and not always in like-new condition.
Jim
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
Certain parts of the Country will have better access to good usable "used" parts in salvage yards, barns, etc. Up here in the Northeast, we don't have many of those and the stuff that sits outside is usually garbage.
Unfortunately, we are in a "pay to play" hobby, and as noted with nearly 70 year old vehicles, repro parts or high cost NOS are going to set you back if really need it. Then there's the time and cost in getting a used part that turns out to be junk, and you have to buy a repro or NOS part anyway.
On a side note, I recently got into old gas pump restoration and memorabilia. It is absurd what people charge for the garbage that's out there, so I'm going to build one from scratch with a few decent original parts I can find, some repro parts from restoration places, and fabricate whatever else I need. But there is no cheap way to do anything "vintage" or "antique" anymore. Those buzz words are driving prices way up. Most ridiculous truck-related thing I've seen on ebay so far was an original NOS set of 6V headlights for the 48-50 trucks going for over $225/pair (sorry if that was someone on here).
Unfortunately, we are in a "pay to play" hobby, and as noted with nearly 70 year old vehicles, repro parts or high cost NOS are going to set you back if really need it. Then there's the time and cost in getting a used part that turns out to be junk, and you have to buy a repro or NOS part anyway.
On a side note, I recently got into old gas pump restoration and memorabilia. It is absurd what people charge for the garbage that's out there, so I'm going to build one from scratch with a few decent original parts I can find, some repro parts from restoration places, and fabricate whatever else I need. But there is no cheap way to do anything "vintage" or "antique" anymore. Those buzz words are driving prices way up. Most ridiculous truck-related thing I've seen on ebay so far was an original NOS set of 6V headlights for the 48-50 trucks going for over $225/pair (sorry if that was someone on here).
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 322
Likes: 45
From: La Center WA
There is a guy here in Washington state that sells F1 parts at the swap meets and has very high prices. I was looking for the stock 52 bumpers to get away from the 48-50s that were on it. He had a pair for $250 that were good shape and I almost bought them when a buddy of mine in another area of same swap meet found a front one for $40 and back for $25. Got them,cleaned and painted,look good.I decided to go with repro on a variety of small items for mine. I’ve had good luck with the various vendors and I’m surprised that the quality is so good. My 40 Buick was another story. I ended up buying 3 other parts cars to get everything needed then sold them for a small profit. Might be a bit of work but a spare truck may do it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,558
Likes: 8,227
From: northwestern Ontario
What if a guy helped you take them off the top shelf, any cheaper....lol
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,165
Likes: 4,765
From: Burbank, WA
