My father in-law gave me a 1946 Ford Tudor Sedan three years ago while giving him a hard time because he was not working on his 1937 Ford. He said that he did not have enough time for all the projects that he had. Messing with him I said, "I would love to work on a project" Thinking that he would get the hint that I wanted to see his '37 on the road, he said "How does a '46 Ford sound?" I did not even know that he had a '46 so I said "...Good?" In the last few years I have done a lot of tearing down, rust fixing, cleaning and rebuilding (not ready for build thread yet...soon) Oh, and did I mention buying parts. I have purchased parts from the big three (Macs, Carpenter, Drake) and VanPelt is just around the corner from me. Swap meets are fun but have the guys who think they have the only part for sale this side of the Mississippi. With that said, who has the best of both worlds? Price vs Quality and am I missing a lot of guys that are smaller in scale and you can actually have a conversation with? I have searched this question multiple ways before asking it. Since I am a FNG, I did not want to ask the same question that someone has answered 150x already. If I have overlooked the search criteria, please just point me in the cheapest best quality direction and I will keep quiet for now Thanks, Rich
try early ford store in MIDWEST EARLY FORD STORE 2141 WEST MAIN SPRINGFIELD, OH 45504 TEL:937-325-2408 FAX:937-325-1900
Cheapest and best quality do not belong in the same sentence. C&G Ford Parts are very cool guys who give great service.
If your looking for a smaller place where you can actually call up, and place an order with the owner try Joe's: http://joesantiqueauto.com/ A couple early Ford restorers/hot rodders recommended him, so I gave him a try. One of the best dealers I've had an experience with... Charges you actual shipping, and if you order before 1 PM, he'll ship it out that day! Try getting that service from Mac's! Joe's prices seem to be right in line with the bigger guys, and sometimes even better.
I've used the 3 you mentioned in addition to Speedway Motors and Yogi's. I shop them for the best price for each part I buy....
x2 for Joe's. Everything I've got from him has been top notch reasonable and yes actual shipping charges. Give him a try - you won't be disappointed.
That's good to see and I'll be one who checks him out. I hate getting nailed XX$$ on an item that will fit in a medium priority mail box and weighs a pound and a half because it costs 200 bucks.
Tolo, All the venders mentioned will probably have the parts you will need. You will find out however some parts will fit and others won't. The repo business has changed drastically in the past few years. Guys like Drake, Carpenter and others now have to use offshore venders to cut costs. I see you are from Ohio so why don't you plan a trip to Hershey, and try to score NOS parts. This has been discussed in depth on other blogs but I have been playing with old fords since 1962 and It's a great hobby!
Also get a catalog from www.usapartssupply.com For rubber parts go with Steele Rubber all USA made, a little more in cost but worth it.
I do alot of business with Mac's antique auto parts, always had real good luck with them. 877-230-9680
Thanks woodiewagon46, My father-in law has been every year since the early '80's and says he wants me to go with him. So I look forward to that trip as my first time to Hershey with a cool Ford lover. We will just have to see when that year comes. Patiently waiting, Rich
If you are looking for mechanical rebuild parts, Yogi's doesn't sell that sort of stuff for old Fords. They are mostly street rod parts. I've bought plenty of stuff from Mac's, but lots (most?) of it is offshore made. For rubber parts I really like the stuff I got from Carpenter. Drake has good body and trim stuff. I think Dick Spadaro (one of our own HAMBers) could get you all of that and any mechanical part you need as well. He is always giving good advice on the HAMB, and was helpful when I met him once in person. Give him a try next time.
Well, can't wait to see the 46 ford! As far as parts go, 90% of my parts in the past have come from Brian and Andrew at Midwest Early Ford, they are great to deal with, and almost local to you. They deal with all the big suppliers, I think you will be happy. Good luck!
Stacy Brown at Antique Auto Supply in Arlington, Texas is good to deal with. He has a decent collection of NOS parts and knows early Fords.
Ill second that. Great guys and somewhat local to me (22 miles but an hour or more with traffic and then there's the tolls...) but very reasonable prices and great service.
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