Generic Restoration Parts

[Keith Tedford]

Ames Performance Engineering has a great restoration parts catalogue for Pontiacs. They point out the quality of any of their parts that are low in quality or generic. Some times these are all that are available. Do any of the Chevrolet resto catalogues do this? I run into too many high priced generic parts that I can buy at the local automotive parts store for a fraction of the price.

[Seattle Sam]

Keith,
Year One does this for their sheet metal and some other parts. (at least, they used to!)

Year One cat order link (http://www.yearone.com/live/singlepages/catalogs.asp?cat=8)

-Sam

[Rat_Pack]

Sam is right, they still do the sheetmetal rating and do list some of the differences in their catalogs. However, one thing Year One does that NONE of the other companies do is tell you if there is a problem with the part while you are on the phone. They have a computer system that alerts the salesperson to a better part, or other parts that may be needed to install the part you are ordering. Who else does that for you? /ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif It also alerts them to problems with the item and they will tell you up front so that you make the decision whether to buy it or not. I have seen some of my customers order a part from another supplier and get mad because it does not fit when they originally called Year One and were told up front "this part does not fit unless you do this to it." Also Year One has probably the best return policy in the industry. I have returned parts that did not fit, made wrong, or just did not need without any hassle at all. I still have a complete set of Dk.Green seat covers from two years ago that a customer bought from the wrong coast Camaro parts supplier. They did not even fit (were not PUI covers) and they refused to take them back because they had been installed. How else could you tell they wouldn't fit until after they were installed? I didn't argue, ordered a set from Year One who supplies PUI interior items and they fit like they were supposed to. I will pay a little more to get a lot more when it comes to service and satisfaction. /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif ....................RatPack...................

[Keith Tedford]

Thanks guys. I ordered a Year One catalogue over the internet a while back and it hasn't arrived yet. I'll be patient.

[Don_Lightfoot]

I know this doesn't help answer your question, but I used AMES almost exclusively in the past ten years when redoing the Firebird and GTO's I had. Very good service on top of the up front disclaimer.

BTW Keith, has son Dave been out of town for a while? Waiting for a couple of responses to emails. Talk to you soon.

[jbsides]

I live about ten minutes away from the "wrong coast camaro parts supplier," and I can assure you they have been horrible when it comes to returns, and even worse lately just getting the order correct! Virtually all of the "correct" hardware I have purchased from them at premium prices has sucked the past few years, usually un-useable. Their $20-a-can paint drips, and everything else is just junk! But, shame on me, I still go there, as it is very convenient. Half of the stuff I buy can be used, and I just eat the cost of what isn't rather than debate what is not with them. Stick with Year One and Ground Up... they stand by their products.

JB