parts ordering from the US

[stu]

I'm starting on the restoration of a 1965 car. Inevitably there are a hundred plus small items I need, from rubber seals to various trim items that will doubtless cost a number followed by three zeros (!).

The US/GBP exchange rate isn't too bad so I've been looking at ordering from the US.

Without necessarily mentioning names here, has anyone had any recent experience of parts ordering from the US? It would seem that, even paying the shipping charges and 20% VAT on imported goods after January, the savings from European prices are worthwhile? Am I missing something here?...

Stuart

[ajwans]

I have bought from Pelican Parts, Auto Atlanta and EBS, who have
all been pretty good shipped to Australia. Most people seem to have
good experiences with PP but mine was a bit more mixed.

PP sent me a part which I didn't order then when I returned the
item it got lost somewhere and it took quite a while for them to make the
refund, never mind that I paid for shipping both ways which was not
refunded.

Auto Atlanta were good for me although others have reported difficulty
communicating with them. One advantage they have over PP is they
are much cheaper for special order parts since PP want a 20% surcharge
if the item is non-stocked.

I also bought some more common components from one of the big-box
types who supply all makes but their website is down so often I couldn't
recommend them.

There's a couple of German sites which supply parts at comparable prices
although I haven't used them myself.

andy

[911hillclimber]

I have bought quite recently from the States, Smart and Elephant racing, PMO etc.

With the $ = £ where it is now, about 1.6 to the £ if you take the parts cost in $ and call those £ you will be close to the cost on your Credit Card.

In my experience the delivery service, the service in general, is fantastic and can put the UK specialists to shame.

I doubt you will have any grief, but be clear how you want the parts delivering.

[cdrik915]

Beware of the customs : if you exceed 300 Us Dollars , you could have to pay taxes when you'll receive your order.

You should use usps and no other way.

Just my experience with Pelican's since 7 years.

[Greg]

From Japan, I have used Pelican Parts too, but have found them better with the 964 than the earlier models.

In my view, it is pretty hard to go past Stoddards, and especially if you deal there with Paul Domitrovic.

"Paul Domitrovic" <pdomitrovic@stoddard.com>

Paul is their early 911 specialist. He owns a '68 911 and is a genuine hands-on source of parts and information. Also has a 356, but not sure what model.

Stoddards tends to be slightly more expensive than Pelican at first sight, but with the 10% discount they offer after you have ordered once or twice, they end up marginally cheaper.

And definitely, only use USPS. They have been really fast as well as best priced.

Greg

[911hillclimber]

That's why i said be sure of your delivery method/shipper.
I got caught with the US 'Royal Mail', what a game.

[NAB]

Having bought over £10k worth of parts for my 911E restoration my experience is that you really need to get US and UK quotes for each part, especially the bigger ticket items. On some occasions the UK main dealer has actually turned out to be no more expensive than PP or Stoddard.

The major problem with US purchases is (a) the customs duties which can be a nasty surprise (and can delay delivery) and (b) making returns which is obviously a pain.

Finally I'd sound a note of caution about some of the US and Canadian "breakers" selling second hand parts. My experience of these companies has been pretty depressing with many parts described as v.good turning out to be basically scrap (having cost a packet to ship to the UK) ... "buy cheap, buy twice" as my gran used to say !

[domtoni]

Couple of points:
- I have used Parts Heaven in California and their stuff has always been good.
- I tried DC Auto?? for some wheels and these were not delivered as quoted.
- When sending anything from the states, as that the parts be sent as a gift. For example, I sent myself some carpets from Chicago (bought when I was there) to me here in the UK and declared as a gift.
No hassels.

[Jasper]

I have used Vertex automotive in Florida, and are good for most German cars. What I do is group my needs together over $1500 of value, leave your order until last week of the month, ring up and they will do a deal, inc free shipping. MotorMeister are good for engine parts/rebuild kits.

I am sorry to say that I have not had anywhere near the same level of service and pricing in Europe. Its a Take it or Leave it mentality particularly in Germany, not a can do ! Its Frustrating.
With the exception for 356, Peter Hofmann @ classicporsche Germany is excellent.

The UK is the best source for ease and service having used many of the specialists.



Rds

[ajwans]

MotorMeister are good for engine parts/rebuild kits.

Please search on MotorMeister, many people have had very bad
experiences with them. I'm glad you had good luck with them.

andy

[Jasper]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you had problems with MM, Consumer rights are v strong in the US I threaten them with it,know your legal standing, the law is strong when dealing with a Inc or Co.
I have done lots of car business in the US and recently ventured into buying privately cars and parts, you have to use the v expensive Escrow system with your shipper, this cut's thru the waffle & BS**T
Cert of title or engine #surrender the goods and the shipper pay's out on your behalf it costs $200 a transaction so its for car /engine purchases.

As I have said only for the UK, I would be forced to do all transactions in USA they understand $ & service, I find Europe difficult to get parts in particular.

Rds

[higs356]

Unless it is big find a mate who is on a trip to the US ...or maybe go there for a Xmas shopping trip and stuff it in a bag of clothes.
Done it so many times I cant remember how many ...never been stopped.

Of course ...this is more difficult with a windscreen or a wheel arch or an engine case. In that case theres some very good advise above in the thread.