Happy Memorial Day. I'm nearly finished with the paint and body work on my '66 F-100 Styleside frame-off restoration. I need to place a very large order for many new parts to begin the reconstruction, and I would like to hear about any experiences fellow FTE members have with the following vendors: Dennis Carpenter, Carolina Classics, Flashback F-100's, LMC Truck, Mac's, and NPD. I've had very good luck with NPD on the few parts I have ordered--good service and quality parts. I've never heard of Flashback F-100's until the F-100 Nationals last weekend, but they have a rebuilt steering column which I really need. Any thoughts on vendors will be appreciated.

 

I went to Dennis Carpenter's store in June 2004 to buy a couple of minor parts for one of my Galaxies. $2000.00 and 3 hours later I left. What impressed me was besides all "the goodies" on display, is the fellow that waited on me was very knowledgeable. Finding good help today...that not only knows about Fords, but cares about them too, is rare today.

Something to consider.

 

Dennis Carpenter repops a lot of Ford parts using the original Ford dies. He has a dealer network and several of the others you mentioned are selling his parts. Rick Allen also make some of the many part that he sells and is an all around good guy. Tom at Flashbacks worked fro Rick for several years before going out on his own. Tom goes out west and brings good sheet metal back east. LMC has some folk saying less than kind things about them. The others are OK.

Rick is a neighbor of mine so I always put him up near the top. He will do what he says.

John

 

Hello John. Tom at Flashback has a rebuilt steering column that I really need. I'll get one at the Pigeon Forge show in June. I'm not aware of Rick Allen, do you have a phone number? Also, I've heard about some quality issues with LMC parts. Thanks for the input.

 

tell me more about the stering colums and where to find it

 

Tom at Flashback F-100s: You can't get more golden than folks like him. I have also dealt with Rick Allen, Dennis Carpenter's and Mac's in New York (gasp - yes, a Yankeee!) and they are right up there with him.
I have not had any dealings with LMC, not for any reason in particular, just haven't dealt with them.

 

http://www.carolina-classics.com/

Not sure that Tom-Flashbacks has a website.

John

 

Carpenter is the big kahuna of repro Ford parts. They do it very well, and quality is generally top shelf. I've bought several 'seconds' from them over the years and amp surprised at what they will reject for normal sale, which reflects well on their commitment to quality.

Rick Allen is Carolina Classics. He drives a Slick every day. A fine southern gentleman. I always enjoy spending money with him.

Tom at Flashback is a true truck guy. Both he and Rick buy from Carpenter but also do some of their own parts. I'd have no fear in buying a column from Tom. If you'd have trouble with it, he would take care of it for you. Tom is a walking encyclopedia on Ford trucks, and having the ability to tap that knowledge is worth paying a little more sometimes.

LMC is the Wal-Mart of the bunch. I've mostly been pleased, and their catalog is one of the nicest of the bunch for reference. Some of the stuff is Wal-Mart quality, meaning price took precedence over content. Still, they carry some things the others don't.

I have not bought from any of the others as I've been very happy with the first three listed above.

 

LIke to take opportunity to welcome you to FTE!!

Have purchased from most of the Ford part supplier's mentioned. Find some supplier's carry parts other's do not. Purchased weatherstrip from Dennis Carpenter, found the quality good and did not find need to search with other supplier's. You will likely end up ordering parts from most of the Ford part supplier's mentioned; however, if there is a time issue, suggest inquire if part is in stock and if not try another, holding up project for part to arrive can test one's patience. Also, request copy of their Free Catalog, handy for comparing prices, and most catalogs provide pic's on how various parts are reassembled. Finally, couple of suggestions: never discard a part until that particular phase of project is completed, occasionally had to remove item from the original the replacement did not include. Found on more than one occasion needed the original as pattern, or refresh on how to reassemble. Not familiar with Flashback F100, will check them out, Sac. Vintage Ford offers many 'retro' parts if looking into upgrades. I like to hit as many of the swap meets as a source for parts and suppliers, and primarily to swap ideas with other truck enthusiast. Anyhow, had an urge to add my $.02.

http://www.vintage-ford.com/

dave

 

Hey vsf100, I ordered some things from Long motor co. and was happy with some of the stuff I got. and not so happy with the rest. SO i guess thats 50 50. will i order things again, Maby after I ask more Questions like yours.

 

Thanks for the valuable input. LMC has a very impressive catalog, and they also have some parts that I can't find anywhere else. So I'll by these parts from LMC and hope for the best. Thankfully, I saved all the old parts during deconstruction. I purchased new exterior door handles from a local supplier. They looked pretty good, but then I noticed that when you push the button in, it travels too far and gets stuck. I ended up using the internals from my old handles and now they look good and work like OEM.

 

I've bought about $3,000 worth of Dennis Carpenter parts in the past. For both my '72 and my '63. I am very pleased in every way with Dennis Carpenter parts. Whether you order online or speak to a customer service representative on the phone. Very professional and knowledgable people.

 

vsf100 check ididit steering colums they look very nice.

 

any contact info on flashback f-100. I've bought from lmc and mac's and had good luck with both.

 

Tom's phone is 336-421-3979. Email him at PLCTHOM at aol dot com and request his catalog.