Is it harder to buy used parts these days or is it just me?

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1MeanA

1MeanA

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I think I am pretty easy to get along with and I usually don't even barter on local parts but this year has been frustrating finding used parts from the local Mopar crowd. This is a bit of an old man rant :mad:but I've had 3 local guys offer to look in their stash for parts that I need to finish my car (just Dart trim mostly) and none of them could bother to do it after offering to. One guy even told me he would look 'that night' multiple times over a 2 month period. I've given him money before. If you're too busy how about not offering the parts? Even the long distance guys take a couple of weeks to have a look and send a pic. Perhaps a couple hundred bucks isn't enough to motivate people these days. I did manage to get a couple vendors 2000 miles away to take my money in the end. The last part I need is from Jegs....should have just bought it direct from the mfg. So far I'm looking at 3 weeks to get the part they supposedly had in stock. :rolleyes:
 
I've quoted prices and pain in tha *** oversized shipping for members only to never hear a peep in return from the buyer.
 
I haven't noticed it being harder, there are still a lot of parts available out there, but prices are still way up and shipping in some cases is ridiculous.
 
I didn't think I would have to pay shipping for a few common parts for a Dart but I did. I would have gladly paid up for some local stuff.
 
4spdragtop said:
What trim? Ill admit i can be slow too at times(my bad)
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At least you didn't give me the run around :lol: I was looking for roof rail trim and drip rail trim and a few small parts. I ran an ad in the wanted area....trying to buy in Canada as shipping on big items would be killer.
 
I have 5 cars that I have parts for plus a whole lot of other parts. I've had people ask me for certain parts but I don't know what all I'll need or if I have extras so I don't sell anything.
 
1MeanA said:
I think I am pretty easy to get along with and I usually don't even barter on local parts but this year has been frustrating finding used parts from the local Mopar crowd. This is a bit of an old man rant :mad:but I've had 3 local guys offer to look in their stash for parts that I need to finish my car (just Dart trim mostly) and none of them could bother to do it after offering to. One guy even told me he would look 'that night' multiple times over a 2 month period. I've given him money before. If you're too busy how about not offering the parts? Even the long distance guys take a couple of weeks to have a look and send a pic. Perhaps a couple hundred bucks isn't enough to motivate people these days. I did manage to get a couple vendors 2000 miles away to take my money in the end. The last part I need is from Jegs....should have just bought it direct from the mfg. So far I'm looking at 3 weeks to get the part they supposedly had in stock. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Trim is a big pain in the azz. Unless you have it all marked and taped together as to what it came off of it is tough to find and sell. Many sellers at big shows like The Nats, just stuff 50 pieces in a plastic barrel and you are free to look through and see if you can find what you want. The buyers always want near perfect trim and many sellers aren't into perfect. "Does this come with the clips?" Rarely to never.
 
I try to also sell parts off the local Craigslist, but let me tell you my honest opinion about that.
For me, anyway, it seems that everyone is just a shopper, tire kicker, look-e-loo, or picture collector.
I have local folks say i want it, i want it, i gotta have it, and then never follow through.
One guy even lived on the west side of a major city street probably 3/4 of a mile away from me.
And even these A, B, C, E, body sites have slowed down quite a bit, in selling parts.
But that's just the way that it is, and what ya gonna do?

EDIT:
For me anyway, it certainly seems that my local Craigslist is nothing but a big joke in trying to advertise parts, and then try selling them.
Now yesterday a guy was telling me he would definitely be here in town, and would buy two Holley carburetors from me.
The day before, told him how to get here, gave him the directions, and after that, still a no show.
I just can't seem to figure people out, that say they need the part(s) want the part, and then don't show up, or give any communication as to why.
Ya i know, it was too good to be true wanting more than one part.
 
Last edited:
Clue us in on the trim you are looking for and maybe someone else can assist
 
I am still waiting on a FABO member in Texas that's been going to look at some transmissions he told me he would almost a year ago, so I feel your pain.

Rarely do I buy used on any engine parts, except intake manifolds, valve covers, but I have bought some used heads in the past.

Since the Jeg's family sold out the business I've never bought from Jeg's since. I think Summit Racing does a much better job and you can get a 10% coupon if you ask around.

I've bought and sold parts for 45-years and I've never seen such a drop in items for sale as in the past several years. You know they are out there.

The only thing I can figure is when the older guys pass on their family members are loading dumpsters for the long boat ride to China.

Tom
 
ch1ll said:
Increased shipping costs have left a lot of hobbiesest less than enthused, buyers and sellers alike.
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No kidding. A member here responded to an ad of mine for a rear view mirror. This is a ten dollar part. Shipping is seventeen bucks for a 1 lb small box.
toolmanmike said:
Trim is a big pain in the azz. Unless you have it all marked and taped together as to what it came off of it is tough to find and sell. Many sellers at big shows like The Nats, just stuff 50 pieces in a plastic barrel and you are free to look through and see if you can find what you want. The buyers always want near perfect trim and many sellers aren't into perfect. "Does this come with the clips?" Rarely to never.
Click to expand...

Trim is a pisser.
The barrels you mention are convenient for the seller but as a buyer, without labels….i often can’t tell what each piece fits. Many parts look the same but are just different enough to not work.
Then there is this….
I’d love to replace the quarter panel trim on my 67 Dart GT but they are 88” long and really delicate. To ship, you’d need an ABS pipe. The USPS won’t ship anything that long so you’re tied to UPS or FedEx.
 
340sport said:
Clue us in on the trim you are looking for and maybe someone else can assist
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1MeanA said:
As per my first post I got it all now.
Click to expand...
Our parts wanted forums are tops for things like trim. I have bought some nice pieces here.. Place a wanted ad and watch for responses. Also, we don't ask for parts in threads like these.
 

toolmanmike said:
Our parts wanted forums are tops for things like trim. I have bought some nice pieces here.. Place a wanted ad and watch for responses. Also, we don't ask for parts in threads like these.
Click to expand...
I've had great luck with the Wanted forum. As said, the only drawback now is high shipping prices.
 
Some people say things just to hear themselves talk...I don't know how many people offer to help then can't or offer to help after I've done it myself or "you shoulda called I had one of those would have sold it to you for a can of beans..." etc. most of the time its usually a full out crock of bs from do nothing people. Now as far as this forum and parts I've had pretty good encounters. :thumbsup:
 
I've had parts laying around did not feel like listing for sale. But when I see Wanted ads on this site I decide hey someone can put the parts to use instead of me leaving them sit for decades.

And I put Wanted ads up on this site and had one person want to give parts to me shipping only. Then when I sent an extra $20 as a thank you they were mad about getting extra money.
 
One thing good about our sale and want ads forums is that you are requesting the specific part you need. I can drive 12 hours to Carlisle and probably find that molding or specific date code part I need after wandering around all weekend, or I can pop an ad here and I have a pretty good chance someone has what I need. He sells a part which pads his pocketbook and I don't have to hike around the country looking for that part. Car shows and swap meets are fun events but you are rolling the dice as to whether that part is out there.
 
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