Parts dealers and pricing - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RSRXION · 07-27-2006, 03:37 PM

Gentlemen, I have obtained catalogs from many of the larger dealers around the country and I have spent a great deal of time comparing prices between 7 of them. It seems like LMC and Classic ( formerly Chevy Duty ) are typically the least expensive. I compared approximately 75 items and as a rule these two dealers were more competitive than the other 5 in about 95% of my comparisons. Often LMC and Classic have the same prices to the penny but Classic offers free shipping on orders over 300.00. Has anyone else found such a dramatic pricing difference when comparison shopping ?

Lastly, I have acquired the rights to about 20-30 parts trucks. These trucks are currently in an old salvage yard nearby that is being liquidated to build a new housing addition. Many of them are currently covered up by weeds and blackberry thickets so I can't begin to tell you what shape they're in or how much is left. In many cases you can't see enough of them to tell what year they are or even Chevy or GMC . I can tell by the roof line but that's about it ! The owner has agreed to let me check them over good before the crusher gets them this winter. The current price of steel makes crushing them a very lucrative proposal. I wouldn't get my hopes up for tachs and tilts but I did find a very nice core support for my hauler the other day. I'll keep you posted as the fall and winter kills off the foliage.

By the way, the 454 and TH400 have found their way into the hauler and I hope to hear it run this weekend. Cross everything you've got and wish me luck !

Dean

boraxman · 07-27-2006, 03:43 PM

Very informative...I hear LMC has a bad reputation...Do try and score the part trucks, we need parts to keep em goin

dallas71 · 07-27-2006, 03:50 PM

if you run into a p/s gear box and p/s pump let me know (for a 71/72) Thanks

shifty · 07-27-2006, 03:50 PM

LMC has an immensely bad reputation for both sending incorrect parts, sending inferior quality parts and the worst customer service ever known to man. their parts catalogs are great reference material, though.

there is a "Reviews" forum just under the General Discussion forum in the forums list. there are tons of reviews on different companies, LMC has several negative threads in there, as opposed to most other companies that have very positive reviews.

cheaper isn't always better when you look at time lost getting the wrong part, time spent trying to get customer service to fix the problem (i hate waiting on the phone with incompetent people), and potentially lost $$$ due to overpriced shipping and/or return shipping for someone else's mistake.

LMC will never get my business based on reviews from others. i've only seen 1 in 5 people here have a good experience with them. would you buy from someone on eBay with 20% feedback? pffft, i wouldn't - i'd run like hell

67ChevyRedneck · 07-27-2006, 04:05 PM

I go to the biggest swap meet I can (around here that's Charlotte) and buy all the stuff I need. You save off the catalog price AND NO SHIPPING on anything!!!!! It's a lot of work, but based on shipping and all the parts I bought at charlotte a few months ago, I probably saved about $500. I spent about $1,200. (most of the $500 would have been shipping on large items!)

RSRXION · 07-27-2006, 05:41 PM

Thanks for the quick responses ! I agree that going to the swap meets is the best avenue and I do that when I can. I've got 3 dealers in my area for these parts and I can also go to them when I need parts. I must admit though that I was very surprised to find such dramatic differences in pricing.

I was unaware that LMC had such a bad reputation. I'll certainly keep that in mind.

With respect to ebay... I agree about the feedback issue. I'm an ebay power seller and positive feedback is very precious indeed. I take every effort to keep mine all positive. I sell mostly Ford parts since Fords are my area of expertise. I've got more blue ovals than bowties but I declare no allegiance to any brand AS LONG AS IT'S DOMESTIC !

About the power steering pump... A friend of mine has one for a small block. I think it's a good piece but I've never tried it. It does have the bracket on it and the lines are there but show their years. Have you considered using a 73-87 style box ? I used one years ago on a 67. As I recall I had to shim one or two of the bolts but it was no big deal. It worked very well as I recall.

Thanks, Dean

jay6891 · 07-27-2006, 06:09 PM

Hey there fellow Arkansan. Where are you located? Always looking for parts. Love to see what kind of treasures you have your hands on. I'm 20 miles south of Little Rock.

RSRXION · 07-27-2006, 06:19 PM

Just a little north of Ft. Smith Arkansas. With respect to what treasures I have my hands on ... I don't yet. There are just too many briars and thickets to get to them to see what's in there. I'll post a pic or two in the near future to give you an idea. Thanks, Dean

gmtruckfan · 08-01-2006, 07:02 PM

I called CPP last month on a front chrome bumper for my 72 pickup and they referred me to a Company called Classic Parts Depot. I called them up and asked them a few ? one of them was how much is the bumper, they told me $119.00 (Brothers $164.95) in chrome and its backed with a 2 year warranty. Well i just had to to drive to there location to check them out, the place, pick up a catalog and a Bumper. Thanks to CPP for turning me on to a new source! Check them out at classicpartsdepot.com

Sweet72 · 08-01-2006, 08:18 PM

I bought some patch panels from LMC 5 years ago and was very disappointed with the quality and packing method since they were bent and dented when I received them. I sent them back and haven't ordered from them since.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSRXION

I declare no allegiance to any brand AS LONG AS IT'S DOMESTIC !

I couldn't agree more with this statement! Spoken like a true American!

Jonce · 08-02-2006, 09:55 AM

I wish I would've read this 10 days ago before I placed a $2200 order. So far so good with LMC. I will be unpacking my parts within the next couple of days.

The catalog is a great reference manual - used it several times.

bryanw1968 · 08-02-2006, 11:43 AM

I've heard good and bad about LMC. I have ordered some stuff from them but have been lucky I guess?

I have also ordered from Early Classic and really like them a lot.

If I had access to 20-30 parts trucks I would be in heaven.
You'll probably be able to build several trucks out of them

67chevy2wd · 08-02-2006, 07:10 PM

I would be haulin them all home, I couldn't let them see the crusher.

RSRXION · 08-02-2006, 07:13 PM

I'll save evrything worth saving guys. I guarantee you that I don't want to see them crushed either. I'm reday for winter to get here so I can get in there. I may have to let the frames go because I don't have any place to store that many trucks. I'll keep you posted. Dean

weasle · 08-02-2006, 10:47 PM

I ordered some cab corners from LMC and the passenger side was not made too well. I called them up and they sent me another one. The one that they sent was just as bad. They sent Fedex to pick both of them up and they refunded my money. My experience with their customer service was good but I would have preferred good cab corners.

07-27-2006, 03:37 PM	#1
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Parts dealers and pricing Gentlemen, I have obtained catalogs from many of the larger dealers around the country and I have spent a great deal of time comparing prices between 7 of them. It seems like LMC and Classic ( formerly Chevy Duty ) are typically the least expensive. I compared approximately 75 items and as a rule these two dealers were more competitive than the other 5 in about 95% of my comparisons. Often LMC and Classic have the same prices to the penny but Classic offers free shipping on orders over 300.00. Has anyone else found such a dramatic pricing difference when comparison shopping ? Lastly, I have acquired the rights to about 20-30 parts trucks. These trucks are currently in an old salvage yard nearby that is being liquidated to build a new housing addition. Many of them are currently covered up by weeds and blackberry thickets so I can't begin to tell you what shape they're in or how much is left. In many cases you can't see enough of them to tell what year they are or even Chevy or GMC . I can tell by the roof line but that's about it ! The owner has agreed to let me check them over good before the crusher gets them this winter. The current price of steel makes crushing them a very lucrative proposal. I wouldn't get my hopes up for tachs and tilts but I did find a very nice core support for my hauler the other day. I'll keep you posted as the fall and winter kills off the foliage. By the way, the 454 and TH400 have found their way into the hauler and I hope to hear it run this weekend. Cross everything you've got and wish me luck ! Dean Last edited by RSRXION; 07-27-2006 at 03:38 PM.

07-27-2006, 03:43 PM	#2
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	Re: Parts dealers and pricing Very informative...I hear LMC has a bad reputation...Do try and score the part trucks, we need parts to keep em goin __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

07-27-2006, 03:50 PM	#3
dallas71 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Corinth,TX Posts: 444	Re: Parts dealers and pricing if you run into a p/s gear box and p/s pump let me know (for a 71/72) Thanks __________________ My 1966 LWB Truck My 1966 SWB Truck

07-27-2006, 03:50 PM	#4
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: Parts dealers and pricing LMC has an immensely bad reputation for both sending incorrect parts, sending inferior quality parts and the worst customer service ever known to man. their parts catalogs are great reference material, though. there is a "Reviews" forum just under the General Discussion forum in the forums list. there are tons of reviews on different companies, LMC has several negative threads in there, as opposed to most other companies that have very positive reviews. cheaper isn't always better when you look at time lost getting the wrong part, time spent trying to get customer service to fix the problem (i hate waiting on the phone with incompetent people), and potentially lost $$$ due to overpriced shipping and/or return shipping for someone else's mistake. LMC will never get my business based on reviews from others. i've only seen 1 in 5 people here have a good experience with them. would you buy from someone on eBay with 20% feedback? pffft, i wouldn't - i'd run like hell __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

07-27-2006, 04:05 PM	#5
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I go to the biggest swap meet I can (around here that's Charlotte) and buy all the stuff I need. You save off the catalog price AND NO SHIPPING on anything!!!!! It's a lot of work, but based on shipping and all the parts I bought at charlotte a few months ago, I probably saved about $500. I spent about $1,200. (most of the $500 would have been shipping on large items!) __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

07-27-2006, 05:41 PM	#6
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: Parts dealers and pricing Thanks for the quick responses ! I agree that going to the swap meets is the best avenue and I do that when I can. I've got 3 dealers in my area for these parts and I can also go to them when I need parts. I must admit though that I was very surprised to find such dramatic differences in pricing. I was unaware that LMC had such a bad reputation. I'll certainly keep that in mind. With respect to ebay... I agree about the feedback issue. I'm an ebay power seller and positive feedback is very precious indeed. I take every effort to keep mine all positive. I sell mostly Ford parts since Fords are my area of expertise. I've got more blue ovals than bowties but I declare no allegiance to any brand AS LONG AS IT'S DOMESTIC ! About the power steering pump... A friend of mine has one for a small block. I think it's a good piece but I've never tried it. It does have the bracket on it and the lines are there but show their years. Have you considered using a 73-87 style box ? I used one years ago on a 67. As I recall I had to shim one or two of the bolts but it was no big deal. It worked very well as I recall. Thanks, Dean

07-27-2006, 06:09 PM	#7
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: Parts dealers and pricing Hey there fellow Arkansan. Where are you located? Always looking for parts. Love to see what kind of treasures you have your hands on. I'm 20 miles south of Little Rock. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

07-27-2006, 06:19 PM	#8
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: Parts dealers and pricing Just a little north of Ft. Smith Arkansas. With respect to what treasures I have my hands on ... I don't yet. There are just too many briars and thickets to get to them to see what's in there. I'll post a pic or two in the near future to give you an idea. Thanks, Dean

08-01-2006, 07:02 PM	#9
gmtruckfan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pico Rivera Posts: 3	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I called CPP last month on a front chrome bumper for my 72 pickup and they referred me to a Company called Classic Parts Depot. I called them up and asked them a few ? one of them was how much is the bumper, they told me $119.00 (Brothers $164.95) in chrome and its backed with a 2 year warranty. Well i just had to to drive to there location to check them out, the place, pick up a catalog and a Bumper. Thanks to CPP for turning me on to a new source! Check them out at classicpartsdepot.com

08-02-2006, 09:55 AM	#11
Jonce Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 115	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I wish I would've read this 10 days ago before I placed a $2200 order. So far so good with LMC. I will be unpacking my parts within the next couple of days. The catalog is a great reference manual - used it several times. __________________ __________________________________ 1971 GMC Stepside 350HO Deluxe 330hp, TH350 w/Gear Vendors, 3.73 Eaton posi, Fitech EFI, Boyd's Welding Tank, Ridler wheels, ECE 4/6" drop, front/rear sway bar ________________________________

08-02-2006, 11:43 AM	#12
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I've heard good and bad about LMC. I have ordered some stuff from them but have been lucky I guess? I have also ordered from Early Classic and really like them a lot. If I had access to 20-30 parts trucks I would be in heaven. You'll probably be able to build several trucks out of them

08-02-2006, 07:10 PM	#13
67chevy2wd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Salem, ND Posts: 1,558	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I would be haulin them all home, I couldn't let them see the crusher. __________________ 07 Chevy classic LBZ Duramax (a few mods) '67 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd (in pieces) '69 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd (on hold) '71 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 ‘71 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd suburban

08-02-2006, 07:13 PM	#14
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I'll save evrything worth saving guys. I guarantee you that I don't want to see them crushed either. I'm reday for winter to get here so I can get in there. I may have to let the frames go because I don't have any place to store that many trucks. I'll keep you posted. Dean

08-02-2006, 10:47 PM	#15
weasle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Northern VA\Raleigh NC Posts: 56	Re: Parts dealers and pricing I ordered some cab corners from LMC and the passenger side was not made too well. I called them up and they sent me another one. The one that they sent was just as bad. They sent Fedex to pick both of them up and they refunded my money. My experience with their customer service was good but I would have preferred good cab corners.



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