Parts vendors rant

[pfarber]

Here's an e-mail exchange I had with Army Jeep parts. The mirror is an NOS item that they even state that they have a limited quantity. So I e-mail asking about it:

> Dear AJP..
>
> Do you have the following parts in stock? I am planning to be in the area
> this Thursday and would like to pick them up:
>
> A-4592 Trailer plug housing cover $15
> A-7643 Kit, horn button repair $18.00
>
> NOS rear view Mirror $78 (advertised on your site)
>
> Thank you.
>
> Paul Farber

Pretty straightforward.. here's the reply:

> Dear Paul,
>
> All parts should be in stock.
>
> Tx,
>
> George

So even though a specifically ask for the status of parts IN STOCK.. I should just drive on over and see because even they don't have a clue. Of course if they are wrong, oh well.

Guess the jeep parts business is so good that customers are a hindrance to some.

[WWII TRUCK]

Looks like you are running out of reputable vendors. Sure is hard to restore a truck when you can't buy parts.
AJP does have quality parts and service, bee n a favorite of mine for 25 years. Bought my NOS King Bee mirror from AJP.

[pfarber]

You are SO correct. It is VERY HARD to find REPUTABLE vendors.

I tell them I am going to be traveling, and ask specifically for a very short and concise list of parts, and if they have them.

Would a REPUTABLE vendors say 'gee, your time is not valuable to me.. drive over and if I have the parts I'll try and find them'.

Their web site listed the mirrors as NOS LIMITED quantity. So as a smart consumer I ask to make sure their web site was up to date, and that they actually HAD the part I would have to drive about an hour to get (each way).

As for 'reputable' AJP will charge you more for an f stamped part... ok, they take a CJ2 or MD-Juan part, walk back to the bench, wack it with an F stamp and bammo... f-script parts. They did that RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. Then charge you more. I still have the bracket... not on the jeep.

Add that to the windshield debacle with Bensinger... yes, I completely agree REPUTABLE vendors are hard to find.

I've had better results dealing with ordinary people and take off parts than I did with the 'pros'.

[pfarber]

I would like to say the TM9 Ordnance was the exact, complete opposite. I asked if they had blue drab spray paint, and if I could stop by and pick it up to save shipping (I thought the paint would have a HAZ-MAT charge).

His reply was that he was not available that day, but would mail me the paint and could remit payment upon receipt. I agreed, thanked him for the time to write back and in a few days I got the paint. I immediately sent the payment and will have hood numbers on my jeep in a few days.

A very pleasant and professional transaction.

I also have nothing but praise for MV Spares. Excellent products.

Brent Mullins, Ron Fitzpatrick, Bob Mueller (sp?) are also at the top of my list of very knowledgeable and helpful vendors.

[WWII TRUCK]

No such thing as a reputable vendor? Wow!

[pfarber]

No, I just said that they are not as common as they should be. I bet just about anyone who ever bought a part from a vendor has a tale of woe.

[WWII TRUCK]

CCKW will be 70 soon, sources for vendors are shrinking, if they are watching this site they might not like what is said about them.