CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: Axlman on October 19, 2014, 08:16:03 PM

Title: Parts Help
Post by: Axlman on October 19, 2014, 08:16:03 PM
Hello everyone.
Can you tell me the best place to buy 1967 Camaro rs/ss parts?
I have bought chrome that was beat to hell when the shop put it on, glass and hardware that fits terribly, door cranks that stripped out after a few uses.
Where do you get high quality parts?
I bought from Year 1 and Classic at various times. But the reproduction stuff seems very hit and miss.
Am I buying at the wrong places?

Any input is appreciated.


Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on October 19, 2014, 09:26:20 PM
Jim at Heartbeat City stands behind his merchandise...  http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/

Paul
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: x77-69z28 on October 19, 2014, 09:48:35 PM
X2. I have dealt with Jim since he was the only one answering the phone. He told me along time ago "if I wouldn't put it on my car, I wouldn't sell it!". His website will tell you if something is "technically correct" NOS, or 100% correct.
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: Axlman on October 20, 2014, 12:19:57 AM
I will try them for the parts.
Will have to buy a lot over and learn the lesson.
Take a look at the console picture, 8 months old and installed brand new.
I am having a shop paint the original and ill put that in instead I think.
But the same with the gauges, rear taillights, the front rs lights no longer open and close.
It is really disappointing to say the least.
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: KurtS on October 20, 2014, 05:13:41 AM
There's no magic solution. Search the archives here and on Team Camaro and you'll find recommendations for products.
Some low $ is good, some high $ is junk, gotta research first.
btw, Jim isn't cheap and some have had issues (though that's true of every vendor - can't please everyone).
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: sam81663 on October 20, 2014, 05:50:50 AM
Jim at Heartbeat has helped me with my restoration a lot. Ask him anything. He will be very accommodating.
 Bob at Camaro specialties is very up front about which parts are good and which parts need work
to fit. Both are very pleasant to deal with.
In my experience.
 And good luck with your project.
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: L78 steve on October 20, 2014, 12:34:55 PM
Heartbeat has done good by me also. As far as price the old rule applies. They have sales from time to time. Currently 10/19/14 its 20% off till the end of the month.
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: Stingr69 on October 20, 2014, 02:38:50 PM
Be careful with any long distance parts purchase.  Arms length transactions are strongly preferred when dealing with Camaro parts vendors.  Know what you are buying and ask lots of questions before handing over the credit card numbers.  We have been burned before by so-called
"reputable" vendors who should (and do) know the difference between "gold" and junk.  They are known to put lipstick on a pig then ship it to you in a box. Restocking fees and freight both ways deter you from returning what was described to be "original assembly line parts" but is actually some well used tired generic service replacement that would typically sell for a fraction of what you paid.  If you can't trust an "expert", who can you trust?  Sad.

-Mark.
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: 69Z28-RS on October 20, 2014, 02:50:23 PM
The quality of a part doesn't depend on 'who sells it', but who makes it (if you're talking reproduction parts)....  Ask others, go to shows and talk to the fellas about the parts they  bought..  inspect them..   find out the manufacturer, then find your best price.
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: firstgenaddict on October 20, 2014, 03:27:35 PM
It is always best to find nice assembly line parts, even if you must dye them or replace a know etc. Check that the crank fits securely with out much if any wobble or slack in the teeth. If you can move it more than 1/4 or it takes up a good deal of slack before the window begins to move then it will strip again,
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: 69Z28-RS on October 20, 2014, 03:43:04 PM
I agree with James... I strongly prefer restoring a factory original part over using repro (due to the above described problems)...
Title: Re: Parts Help
Post by: ko-lek-tor on October 20, 2014, 05:43:29 PM
I'll ad, I would network and find a guy that deals locally with swap meets. There is a guy near me that has tons of  Camaro only parts. He goes to several swaps and sets up. If I need a part, I can always use him as a "go to" for factory stuff. He usually is cheaper than ePay and lets you know if it is repro or not.  8)  Once you establish a relationship, it is easier to just call for your needs. Make sure the guy is not dishonest (ask around). He may even trade or buy your extras out right. The guy I know has found several desirable parts I can recall. He even bought an NOS endura bumper jack rest for $5 once. rosewood wheels for $25. Of course he knows their value, but original beats repro any day IMO.