local parts source pricing
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 808
Likes: 2
From: east central Illinois
local parts source pricing
I know many of you folks go to places like CarQuest and NAPA for parts. Are the prices in line with the mail order/online catalogs? I recently stopped in these local stores to get some parts. I stopped at NAPA first and was shocked to hear they wanted $35 for a tie rod end and $15 for an inner hub grease seal. Yikes! I thought the kids behind the counter were just incompetent until I was quoted similar prices at CarQuest. These items list in mail order/online catalogs for $11-$15 and $3-$5 respectively. Is there that much of a difference in quality to warrant the high prices? I ended up ordering the seals since I need them now (I guess that sort of answers one question) but went to Mac's Antique Auto Parts for the tie rod ends and a few other parts. Just curious what others have experienced.
Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100
Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Kevin
Carquest reboxes about everything they sell and manufacturer often clearly stated on the box. They used to sell Moog steering and suspension parts. I think very highly of Moog parts but they are spendy. You need to find somebody that gets a discount. Mark up is big on most of their stuff. They have wiggle room.
Carquest reboxes about everything they sell and manufacturer often clearly stated on the box. They used to sell Moog steering and suspension parts. I think very highly of Moog parts but they are spendy. You need to find somebody that gets a discount. Mark up is big on most of their stuff. They have wiggle room.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 910
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
I think a lot of these mail order places buy up large lots of obsolete parts at a discount and seem to pass the savings on to us. Some of the things would have been sitting around for a wile in most cases that is fine.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Lancaster SC ,
After consulting our host's catalog, try places like AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advance auto parts, parts america and sometimes JC Whitney. Shop around and you can find some good deals. We have a small auto parts place here and I needed a starter. Napa said they'd send mine for a rebuild for $125, others could not get it. The small guy got the starter in 2 days for $68 exchange.
Good luck
Bubba
Good luck
Bubba
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Kevin,
In my experience I've found NAPA is the highest priced for parts but sometimes they are the only people who have it or can get it in my town. We have a VIP store here that is much less expensive but they almost always have to order the part and it takes longer to get it than at NAPA. I try to buy as much as I can via mail order but be sure to include shipping and handling costs in your shopping estimates as that will often tip the scale toward the local parts store.
Vern
In my experience I've found NAPA is the highest priced for parts but sometimes they are the only people who have it or can get it in my town. We have a VIP store here that is much less expensive but they almost always have to order the part and it takes longer to get it than at NAPA. I try to buy as much as I can via mail order but be sure to include shipping and handling costs in your shopping estimates as that will often tip the scale toward the local parts store.
Vern
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 808
Likes: 2
From: east central Illinois
Just a little update on my Mac order. Now I know why they only charge $11 for a tie rod end. The left and right ends I got aren't even close to looking similar. One is painted, the other is just the raw casting. The rod dimensions are the same but one has more threads so counting threads won't help me get them the same depth into the tie rod. The overall shape is different. I got what I paid for. Dang. 
On a happier note, the swing hangers I got from Job Lot look like they will work. The previous repros I ordered had a casting defect that wouldn't let the spindles line up making it impossible to install in the spring and frame bushings.
Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100
On a happier note, the swing hangers I got from Job Lot look like they will work. The previous repros I ordered had a casting defect that wouldn't let the spindles line up making it impossible to install in the spring and frame bushings.
Kevin Kessler
1953 Ford F-100
