I'm going with Early Classic Enterprises... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**COBALT** · 08-14-2002, 07:18 PM

After some research, and some surprises I've decided to buy Early Classic Enterprise's front-end rebuild kit for my 3/4 ton '69 2wd. No, I didn't do it because of the TV show. LOL

I wanted parts that I'd never have to replace again. When I do the converstion to 1/2 ton I'll be able to reuse these front-end parts, and they're good quality (Moog).

This was the most comprehensive rebuild kit with everything I needed for a better price. Most other places provided 1/2 the stuff ($400 for 1/2 the stuff - Performance Suspension Technology (PST)), or were too expensive (+$800 - Napa). Just an FYI if anyone else is in the same boat.

nate68 · 08-14-2002, 07:35 PM

you could always go with a 73-87 front suspension, i believe they are cheaper to rebuild

Chevyc10! · 08-14-2002, 07:36 PM

You won't be disappointed with ECE. Great guys and top notch parts. Little pricey but worth it on the suspension stuff...

**COBALT** · 08-14-2002, 07:39 PM

I'm gonna wait to conver the suspension when I do the frame-off. Right now I'm actually ready to spend the extra money to have heavier parts for a 1/2 ton front end in the future.

Another bonus is they keep a pretty good relationship with you as a customer if you go with them. You can call them up and get tech. info and they'll help you.

Project1970 · 08-15-2002, 04:22 AM

Early Classic just plain rocks, period. If I ever do another build of one of these trucks, I'll go to them again without a moment's hesitation...they're not the cheapest necessarily, but they're the best for the suspension stuff.

1-PU70 · 08-15-2002, 11:08 AM

Get one of there credit cards and you get free shipping when you use it.

LowSeventy · 08-15-2002, 11:28 AM

I just bought my entire kit from them and nobody said a word about a credit card. What are you referring to?

**COBALT** · 08-15-2002, 01:08 PM

Yeah! No kidding. Usually they'll mention that, but I heard nothing about a card.

Oh well. It's not like I need another card. I could always call them back.

**COBALT** · 08-15-2002, 01:20 PM

Oh, on a related note I thought PST (Performace Suspension Technology ) was NOT impressive. I was going to order from them, but they didn't have a complete kit (and they mostly carried stuff for cars). I needed inner tie rods, a pitman and idler, and full kits for the control arms upper and lower. They also didn't have adjustment sleeves for the tie rods, just the outer ends. They did have these parts sold separately from the kit, but it was getting expensive.

I was able to piece together a kit for $408 a few weeks ago, but when I called them back to order it the sales people were less than enthused to help, and plus they said that extras I was trying to add to the kit weren't in fact available for my truck in the first place. All they had was the basic kit for $209. They also wouldn't tell me who manufactured their parts: "Oh, there's a lot of manufacturers, and it changes so I can't tell you...". Not good business.

Napa had Dana parts, which is pretty good, but they wanted top dollar for them, and they didn't have kits and they wouldn't budge on price. $89.50-$87.50 for just the ball joints! The total bill would have been close to $900, and they couldn't guarantee hardware. That would have been easily another $50.

Early Classic Enterprises offered a complete kit + hardware for $650, and they're Moog parts. That's for a 1969 3/4 ton 2wd with power steering (stock height and brakes). Good deal.

stmoore · 08-15-2002, 02:09 PM

I recently bought a disc brake kit, front end rebuild kit, and rear axles from Early Classic. I've talked with Stan and Dave a few times, and they are always helpful. One of my calipers in the kit was bad (leaked) which was no fault of theirs. I called and Dave sent me another one overnite across the country. However if you wanted to shop around, I found Moog parts cheaper online after I had bought from ECE. I'm very satisfied with their parts and service.

**COBALT** · 08-15-2002, 04:56 PM

Like I said earlier the relationship with those guys is probably the best part.

By the way there is no credit card that will get me free shipping. I called Stan and asked him, and he just laughed and said he's heard that rumor too. He has no knowledge of any credit card.

Sorry guys.

67_SS396 · 08-15-2002, 05:18 PM

I bought my drop kit from ECE and am very happy. They are top notch people and know thier stuff. If the need comes up, I would buy from them again in a heart beat.

Dandeluxe · 08-15-2002, 09:49 PM

early classic all the way dude

08-14-2002, 07:18 PM	#1
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	I'm going with Early Classic Enterprises... After some research, and some surprises I've decided to buy Early Classic Enterprise's front-end rebuild kit for my 3/4 ton '69 2wd. No, I didn't do it because of the TV show. LOL I wanted parts that I'd never have to replace again. When I do the converstion to 1/2 ton I'll be able to reuse these front-end parts, and they're good quality (Moog). This was the most comprehensive rebuild kit with everything I needed for a better price. Most other places provided 1/2 the stuff ($400 for 1/2 the stuff - Performance Suspension Technology (PST)), or were too expensive (+$800 - Napa). Just an FYI if anyone else is in the same boat. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-14-2002, 07:35 PM	#2
nate68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: ca Posts: 1,110	you could always go with a 73-87 front suspension, i believe they are cheaper to rebuild __________________ 68 short step, 406/700r4, 9" w/discs.

08-14-2002, 07:36 PM	#3
Chevyc10! Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Centerville Ga. USA Posts: 804	You won't be disappointed with ECE. Great guys and top notch parts. Little pricey but worth it on the suspension stuff... __________________ 68 SWB The Surgeon General doesn't say anything about smoking a Ford!!! Would rather be ran over repeatedly by a Chevy than drive a Ford!!! Paralyzed from the neck up and confined to a hat! Kathleen, Georgia USA

08-14-2002, 07:39 PM	#4
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	I'm gonna wait to conver the suspension when I do the frame-off. Right now I'm actually ready to spend the extra money to have heavier parts for a 1/2 ton front end in the future. Another bonus is they keep a pretty good relationship with you as a customer if you go with them. You can call them up and get tech. info and they'll help you. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-15-2002, 04:22 AM	#5
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Early Classic just plain rocks, period. If I ever do another build of one of these trucks, I'll go to them again without a moment's hesitation...they're not the cheapest necessarily, but they're the best for the suspension stuff. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

08-15-2002, 11:08 AM	#6
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	Get one of there credit cards and you get free shipping when you use it. __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters

08-15-2002, 11:28 AM	#7
LowSeventy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 67	I just bought my entire kit from them and nobody said a word about a credit card. What are you referring to?

08-15-2002, 01:08 PM	#8
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Yeah! No kidding. Usually they'll mention that, but I heard nothing about a card. Oh well. It's not like I need another card. I could always call them back. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-15-2002, 01:20 PM	#9
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Oh, on a related note I thought PST (Performace Suspension Technology ) was NOT impressive. I was going to order from them, but they didn't have a complete kit (and they mostly carried stuff for cars). I needed inner tie rods, a pitman and idler, and full kits for the control arms upper and lower. They also didn't have adjustment sleeves for the tie rods, just the outer ends. They did have these parts sold separately from the kit, but it was getting expensive. I was able to piece together a kit for $408 a few weeks ago, but when I called them back to order it the sales people were less than enthused to help, and plus they said that extras I was trying to add to the kit weren't in fact available for my truck in the first place. All they had was the basic kit for $209. They also wouldn't tell me who manufactured their parts: "Oh, there's a lot of manufacturers, and it changes so I can't tell you...". Not good business. Napa had Dana parts, which is pretty good, but they wanted top dollar for them, and they didn't have kits and they wouldn't budge on price. $89.50-$87.50 for just the ball joints! The total bill would have been close to $900, and they couldn't guarantee hardware. That would have been easily another $50. Early Classic Enterprises offered a complete kit + hardware for $650, and they're Moog parts. That's for a 1969 3/4 ton 2wd with power steering (stock height and brakes). Good deal. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-15-2002, 02:09 PM	#10
stmoore Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 129	I recently bought a disc brake kit, front end rebuild kit, and rear axles from Early Classic. I've talked with Stan and Dave a few times, and they are always helpful. One of my calipers in the kit was bad (leaked) which was no fault of theirs. I called and Dave sent me another one overnite across the country. However if you wanted to shop around, I found Moog parts cheaper online after I had bought from ECE. I'm very satisfied with their parts and service. __________________ steve moore

08-15-2002, 04:56 PM	#11
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Like I said earlier the relationship with those guys is probably the best part. By the way there is no credit card that will get me free shipping. I called Stan and asked him, and he just laughed and said he's heard that rumor too. He has no knowledge of any credit card. Sorry guys. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-15-2002, 05:18 PM	#12
67_SS396 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Blue Ridge, Tx Posts: 1,172	I bought my drop kit from ECE and am very happy. They are top notch people and know thier stuff. If the need comes up, I would buy from them again in a heart beat. __________________ Fawker Fab three seater rock crawler buggy 498 BBC/SM465/203/205 doubler, propane, 5.13's, 42" PB Rockers '66 C10 - The new hot rod '77 3+3 Dually - 12 valve 4wd conversion tow rig project '28 Ford 2 door sedan street rod RevLimit Offroad "Hang on beer, we can do this."

08-15-2002, 09:49 PM	#13
Dandeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: st.louis mo. Posts: 717	its the only way to go you did good!!!! early classic all the way dude Attached Images __________________ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th . DANNY C . ["]FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE F@RD$!! 1969 cst swb corvette hugger orange with 400 hp sbc I started out with nothing and i held on to it

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