I am amazed at the praise heaped upon many T parts suppliers but so few remarks about Snyder's. I have only bought T parts from Snyder's over the past fifteen or so years and despite the cost of US postage & our failing Aussie dollar have seen no reason to change suppliers. Am I missing something? Personally it's simple if it ain't broke don't fix it, I find the Snyder's catalogue much simpler to follow (both online & the printed variety), we antipodean's do prefer the simple life.I have found them Snyder's very reliable & easy to do business with & despite a kerfuffel recently over 62 cents have no reason to change suppliers. As I said am I missing something?
Snyder's is great too. Snyder's I believe only sells repo parts which is irrelevant to this post. I use them most of the time for repo parts and langs for original parts. I only have good things to say about Snyder's, from customer service to quality of parts to speed of delivery and so on.
No you are not missing anything! I use them both and I also deal with Chaffin's Garage. Part of it may be that Lang's are T people only, Snyder's are T and A. While Snyders carries a full line of T parts I think they are more A then T.
I know there are a number of other parts houses selling T parts. We do have a guy that sells T parts but time and gas (it's a 50 to 60 mile round trip) to get there would still be more then shipping. Like us at the shop he has to charge retail plus shipping so no real savings there. Why do I deal all most exclusive with these 3, I have their printed catalogs.
Doug, i use both Snyders and Langs and have found them both equally friendly to deal with. I choose Langs because they are in the state in which i live, and their shipping is super fast...The only drawback i have is having to pay my dreaded state a tax for this convenience.
Mark Gregush: Ford and more is closer to you. You might save some postage by using them. They carry both new and original Parts. And NO ONE knows T any better than them.
their phone number is 800-327-1469 (they have a catalog also).
Doug:
Snyder's has been my vendor of choice the past 10 years. First class operation and they know how to keep customers.......
I've ordered elsewhere and had to put up with exorbitant shipping fees and bs excuses, won't name names.
I also only use Snyders. I have only had 100% great service. We are a long way away and like Doug I have no reason what so ever to change supplier.
I deal equally with Lang's, Mac's and Snyder's for different reasons depending on my needs that day. I like Mac's catalog and can drive there in an hour and a half. I like Lang's website and the fact that they are T only. I also like Snyder's website. The thing I liked best about Snyder's is the fact that they are the only supplier who stocks tires. Mountains of tires, more than a tire store and factory fresh ones too. I went there in person and found all the right kind of people working there.
I have found Snyders to be very good and short delivery time always. Chris.
My original parts are in my shed or Bob Trevans shed only need new stuff from vendors. Bob's parts are super original rust dirt & genuine old grease though it will be around 90 degrees in the shade of Bobs shed in Lismore today * the grease might melt. We might hit 95 too hot for restoring in Allora & it's not summer for 5 weeks yet.
KIND of off the topic but I ordered some Model headlight sockets from another vendor......who while I was ordering said "We all get our parts from the same places"........NOT.
I got some chintzy sockets that were crap and ordered replacements from Snyder's.
There was no comparison.
Snyder's stock, shipping AND prices are all in line with others.
They too are top notch vendors......
In past years I have dealt with Snyders, but most of my purchases have been from either Chaffins or Langs.
The reason for this is that I am not loaded, I do my sums very carefully and I find that quite often, the same part is available from other vendors at a cheaper price. This is taking into account the vendors quotes for shipping down-under. I will say that I too find their catalogues, both on line and printed, to be very easy to navigate and a pleasure to look through.
I have to admit that I had not used Snyder's until last year when I bought a Model A. They are great folks and I would recommend them to anyone who is infected with T&A sickness.
As with Langs, Snyder's has given me great over the phone help and service. I've spoken with the Snyder's and "Tom" (if memory serves) and they are great with technical support. I probably lean toward Lang's because I've met several of them in person at events. Both provide great parts and service, and i think we're fortunate to have them (and other vendors, from the sound of it).
Mac's, Snyder's and Langs. I have tried to mix it up as much as possible. I firmly believe in supporting as many as possible. If you don't you will soon have no choice who you deal with. The price's vary but it is worth it to me to give them all some business. Model T Haven included, they always helped out when they could. Spread it around if you want to keep them competing...
Doug,
I don't purchase as many parts as I once did. But I have been extremely pleased with Snyder's and several other vendors for many years. And I would recommend them highly to anyone looking for Model T or A parts.
I appreciate all of our many great vendors. Some of them have specialties that the other vendor may not have readily available. For example while Snyder's offers both T & A parts, Lang’s is the only vendor that I know that also stocks some of the 1906-08 N, R, S, and SR Ford reproduction parts. And Lang's includes information about the few Model T parts that also fit and function on the early N, R, S, and SR Fords (such as the rear brake shoes, front wheel bearings etc.)
And while folks can order the Ruckstell rear axle components from most of the vendors, I'm relatively sure that it was Chaffin's Garage that went to the trouble to have most of the reproduction parts made. And if I had lot's of extra change, I would have purchased one of Chaffin's overheads they reproduced.
If you look, there are well established vendors in several different locations. I normally recommend folks try the vendor that is within easy driving distance if they have one. Not that it is cheaper to pick the parts up, as noted above with gas prices that often isn't the case. But so you can get to know the folks better. For many people they don't live close enough for that to be practical. But for some who are lucky enough to be within easy driving distance, I would encourage them to use and support that vendor. It might even be a little extra cost -- but I've found that the advice and friendship was worth it.
Of course from Australia -- it will be mail (e-mail etc.) order to any vendor in the USA.
We are very fortunate to have so many great vendors. It is one of the many reasons the T is so popular -- it is relatively easy to obtain the parts to restore and/or to keep them running.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
I use Snyder's and I think they are great. I call in my order and hop in my truck and 40 minutes later when I arrive my order is waiting for me. Friendly folks who are always willing to help. A great showroom to browse in too!
When I mentioned Snyder's has tires in stock, I forgot to mention they also stock lots of radiators too which means they will be getting another visit from me before spring arrives. Keeping these big items in stock involves time, money, warehouse space and risk but, it makes a difference when you need something quick and want to save shipping costs by picking them up yourself. Thank you Snyder's for your efforts.
I have used Snyders for over 10years and have been completely satisfied. I really like their quick service--usually the next day. Great service and will gladly talk to me on questions. I use others too but always seem to turn to Snyders first. Joe
Snyders does a great job. I always use standard mailing or shipping no matter which vendor I use. Nothing overnight or anything like that.
Snyders always gets the parts quicker than any other.
I don't know why but they do. Great service and always satisfied. Overall I use them more than any other.
I mostly use Snyders and some times Smith and Jones ,which I hardly ever see mentioned.
Mac's, unless something changed,I had trouble years ago with quality of rubber parts I got from them and have not done business with them since.
I call Snyders before 2:00 and my parts arrive the next day--fastest shippers in the business! Not too happy to pay our Ohio sales tax but worth it for excellent service, parts and shipping. Paul
I would like to thank ALL of the suppliers for keeping our old cars running! Without them it we would be in trouble.
How about some hurrahs for Bob's Antique Auto
Parts, Rockford, IL. They are good folks too!
There are a great many "great vendors" out there.
Accolades to you all!
(I still like my local guy the best)
I've used most of the sources mentioned above and some not mentioned, as well as specialists like Berg's, Fun Projects, and R.V. Anderson. I've had unhappy experience with only one (I bet you can guess who) and crossed them off my list, but I keep their catalogue for the pictures. I like to support all the folks who provide the parts and service we need.
Snyders has given me great service as have Lang's and Bob's. I think we expect that and take it for granted, They don't hear "thank-yous" often enough.
However in the 70's when I was restoring a Model A the quality of the parts were not always what they should be from a lot of the vendors. These folks have always made good any problems that occurred.
Rich
I use Snyder's for my Model A parts. Lang's and only Lang's for my T parts.
I do not have a Snyder's catalogue, Lang's sends me a new one every year.
I too use Snyder's, Lang's and other suppliers. All are great in my opinion. I really like Snyder's web site and the wish list feature. That way I can build my list, and when I need or can afford the parts make the order easily.
Don't forget about Birdhaven Model T and A parts in Colfax, Iowa. Great small town supplier. 515-674-3949. Give em a call.
I just ordered a Snyder's catalog.
We have great Model T parts suppliers. Why not support all equally and keep them in business?
All of the Vendors should be listed on the MTFCA site. I have not used Snyders, since Lang's have always had what I needed. I would consider using
Snyders if need be.
John