What Makes Your Vendor or Supplier of Truck Parts Special?

[70cst]

As I am close to having the Circuit Rider completed and I look at all the parts purchased and the expense in purchasing these parts to bring the “Circuit Rider” back to her former glory… I reflected as to why I bought 90% of my parts from WES at Classic Heartbeat. The remainder of parts purchased was split between Christians Classics (Tim) and GMCPauls (Paul). I have met Tim and Paul and they are both class acts while I have never met WES in person.
So why have I purchased my parts from the other side of the country verses some place a lot closer. Let the story begin...
I joined this site in 2001 as I was interested in the mid fifties Chevy trucks. But eventually I found myself spending time on the 67-72 message forum getting educated on these trucks and as it worked out I purchased a 1970CST mid summer of that year.
About six months after I became a member of this site my youngest son was killed in an auto accident which shook my world. It was through faith and friends that I came out a stronger person. But this site was amazing as I posted my tragedy and the out flowing of kind words given can never be given sufficient thanks.
But something happened at the viewing that I will never forget…As I went early and was looking at where all the flowers came from a pleasant surprise met my eyes…WES sent flowers on behalf of the 67-72 Truck Site, which really touched my heart. Neither WES or very few of those on this site knew much about me except that I was a family member of this internet site community. Our internet connection had just passed beyond the internet lines that day to become personal as you all said…we’re sorry.
I made a vow that day that if ever I would fix up my 70cst…WES was going to get my business regardless of the cost because I value friendship. Sometimes we forget that our Vendors are people like us and they have families that also require their time. You have heard my story so now it’s your turn to share what has made your Vendor or Supplier special. I think WES symbolizes many if not most of our Vendors/Suppliers who will go the extra mile to help us out. I know at times we dump on them but it’s good to hear the good things you have experienced with you suppliers. I am not sure if this is the correct forum for this post but it’s just something I wanted to write…Ok it s your turn to share.

[Alvin]

That is really cool that Wes did that! I've tried my best to purchase from board vendors (and members) exclusively, and have never been disappointed.

[72K20]

Board vendors are: Amazing, Knowledgeable, Communicative, Educated, Honest, ForthRight, Stand Up people who care about what they do and why they do it! From Stan to Wes to Paul to Jeff to Kenny and Tina (and all the others), you will NOT find a better group of people to do business with! Period, full stop!

[don t. - 72gmc]

70CST....I am very sorry for your loss. NO parent should have that experience.

I've yet to really start to fix up my 70 GMC, but when I needed parts I went to GMC Paul. There was a time when he did not have the part, and I was having problems w/the local GM dealer. Paul took the time to give me a GM part number knowing he would not make a dime. Whenever possible, I look at his site first when I need parts.

Have fun.....don t. .....

[Quackaddict]

My wife doesn't understand why I am the same way. I will pay more for familarity. If I meet someone say even at Autozone and they show an actual intrest in what I am doing and offer what advise they have even if it is little I will keep coming back.

Happened just the other day I was at an autozone I am not overly fond of just because of location but I started talking about my new project, turns out the guy just finished a very similiar build and was full of advise. So for now he is who I buy all my little stuff from instead of going other places closer to they house.

It is just the feeling that they give 2 craps that makes the difference. Kind of like all ways of life I guess we are drawn to people we believe actually care period. That is the thinking I use with all my customers you are more than just a number I care what happens to them.

[Rat Bastid]

i just found this WES character recently and the best part is he lives in my neck of the woods...ive never had the oppertunity to meet wes but it is on my things to do list.....from what i can tell wes is not only knowledgable but he loves these trucks like i love these trucks......my business will go to him from now on just cause of that reason

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I have met wes and talked with wes at great lengths on the phone he is a good guy and great friend.. I only purchase from wes when I need something but he has always done me right and has given me some of his vast knowledge....

[Tx Firefighter]

I had a similar experience.

There is a parts vendor that I speak very highly of on here based on my past dealings with them. One day a few years ago, I come home from work and there was a UPS delivery on the front porch for me. It was from that vendor. Inside was a Christmas gift and a hand written note thanking me for all of the support I had shown them on this board over the years. The owner of that company (a very big company) had been reading what folks were saying over the years on this board about them.

I have never found out how he figured out exactly who I am though. He knew my screen name on here of course, but how he correlated that to my past orders to get my home address is a mystery to me.

[weasel29gm]

Thats why this site is great, I bought most of my stuff from Tim. After meetin' and talkin' at the Auto Fair he's been a good friend since.

[70cst]

These are good stories...If you can name your favorite Vendors do so as I am sure there are a lot more good stories about the Vendors on this site. Good stuff all!!

[flashed]

Can we name our least favorite vendor ? I have had good luck with LMC ,bad luck with another. I have also bought good used parts from many fine folks on here .Thanks to all of you who were here before me that needed a question answered for I have learned a lot from searching thru your questions and reading the answers. I have received some parts for free and shared some parts for free to others as payback .This is a great site to learn from.

[hilandr452]

I buy most of my stuff from Crispy Cream!!!

But seriously, I was recently looking for a bumper and Brothers gave me great customer service when I inquired about a back ordered item. I was not happy to find that the part was made in Taiwan, but I suspect most of them are nowadays anyway and the stickers are just removed. The part seems to be nice and heavy and good quality.

I will look for stories like this in the future to select vendors in the future, and not worry about saving 10-20 bucks.


Dan

[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by hilandr452

I will look for stories like this in the future to select vendors in the future, and not worry about saving 10-20 bucks.
Dan

I recently placed an order with Mikes bump and Grind, not only was he the cheapest but also threw in some hardware I asked about for free!

[70cst]

Bump fpr the Saturday crowd.

[70cst]

ttt

[70cst]

2 z top

[71blksuper4x4]

Manes Truck Parts... . . I like Ron's outfit because he is an independent and has been in the business since the 80's. He has stock of used, repro, and NOS. Always helping and doesn't mind chatting about them. I just haven't had the privilege to use many if any of the board vendors, but that is normally due to me not deciding I need a part until I am ready. I also buy a lot from Randy. Great to shoot the crap with and very honest seller. Trevor

[TonyJohnson]

I've had great luck with:

mbgmike - http://www.bumpandgrindgarage.com/

GMCPauls - http://www.gmcpauls.com/67-72_parts.htm

Christians - http://www.christiansclassics.com/

LMC and Brothers have great catalogs...

[LockDoc]

-
I use Art's Classic Truck Parts in Indianola, Iowa. Nice guy, good prices, and I can pick them up, so no shipping. He isn't a board vendor but he is very knowledgeable, visits the board occasionally, and has three really nice '67-'72 Chevy trucks.

I have also purchased parts from mbgmike. Great guy and good service.

LockDoc

[mr48chev]

I haven't needed a lot of either 71 or 48 specific parts for either of my trucks in the past few years so I haven't done a serious amount of buying.

I have been to Wes's shop and store and met him and got the grand tour and I can say a couple of things. One, he uses what he sells right there on his own personal trucks and is happy to point it out. Two he has most of what he sells in stock on the shelves and gets it shipped in a hurry when you order it. For me that met next day delivery on the windshield and door rubber for the 71. And he is an all around nice guy.

I have only bought a couple of small things from some of the other vendors but quality and service were good. The one my hood bolts and other pieces came from came on high recommendation by a board member and he was right.

I'd rather pay a bit more for the personalized service and being able to get on the phone and talk to the same person every time. And I would rather spend my money with those who support the sites that I participate on than send it off to someone who doesn't know or care that such a site exists.

It still doesn't hurt to gather a good catalog collection for parts and pieces from a wide variety of vendors to know what's out there and to use as reference material and sometimes find that part you can't seem to find otherwise though.