For Canadian Members

[Maverick]

Hello fellow Canucks.

Where do you order your restoration parts from up here ? Any recommendation ? Who to stay away from ?

I've ordered from the US which is easy except most are shipeed UPS ground and UPS wants a $35 brokrage fee which I have a hard time choking down.

Brent

[Bunser]

Recommendation...Early Birds is quick and as a bonus, they send what you order.As for ones to stay away from...Ultimate Performance in Mallorytown.I ordered a rad cradle for a 70 W31 and they sent me a unit for a 68-69 GTO.When I called them (long distance, no 800 no.) they told me it was compatible and was the same as the one in a 70 Cutlass.Well, they both are "black!" That is the only thing they have in common.
It cost me $312. and they have refunded $255. so far. I am still trying to get the remainder back, but it's difficult as they won't return my calls. BTW, It cost me $115. to ship it back! Stay well away from them!
I also ordered a lower dash repair panel from the Parts Place near Chicago.For $72 plus $40 something in brokerage fees,taxes and whatever, I am now the proud owner of a dash repair panel for a 69 El Camino! (It probably fits a Camino...cause it sure as hell doesn't fit a Cutlass!)
Hope this helps a bit.
Bunser...burned in Ontario.

[Dynamite]

I have a65 Dynamic 88 convertible. I've gotten a few trim parts from NOS in Kamoka ON. No online catolog at www.nosreproductions.com but nice, helpfiull guys on the phone (1-800-667-6200).
I've also purchased parts from www.usapartssupply.com with no problem.
There are tons of outlets for Culass parts around.
Mike

[66olds]

Hello there, I have good Luck with fusicks those boys are great, USA parts supply has done good by me just about three weeks ago I weny down to Elburn Illinois and picked up a 442 bumper and the tips and a few other bits and pieces from the boys at the Parts Place they were very helpful and there stuff was very good quality... Sorry about the El Camino dashpad didn't they offer to do something... ??? Oh ya they boys there at the Parts place had all sorts of used centre consoles (4 Speed) for 66,67 442s and a bunch of other interesting parts...

[Bunser]

re Parts Place: I paid $79 +$48 shipping for a total of $127. I could've shipped it back (approx. $50) and gotten approx. $60 back,(25% handling charge deducted.) I would then be out approx. $117 versus $127. It just wasn't worth the time and effort.I'm sorry, but I just can't believe a place as big as Parts Place doesn't know the difference between a 70 Cutlass dash and a 69 El Camino dash.They're just not similar by any stretch of the imagination! Glad you had good luck with them! I will not be dealing with them again.(Fool me once, shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me!)

[Aussie67Delta88Custom]

Bunser,
That's a shocker... and you guys pay such huge $$ to ship stuff you'd think they gold plate it as part of the service.

I won an original 67 Olds workshop manual on ebay that turned out to be in Canada... for only US$18 ... I thought "What a bargain" ... then the shipping to Australia was nearly US$100 !

It actually turned out cheaper for me to get it sent to someone in the U.S.of A. and then sent from there to me here.

luckily the Canadian seller was just as shocked as me and let the whole thing go.

All the best from Down Under

[66olds]

It may have just been a mistake.... they happen all the time, however they should pick up the entire cost of return and to send you a new one... That is what fusicks has done for me in the past.. As a matter of fact they let keep the part that they sent, and sent me the new one free of charge.. Fusicks is #1 for part and service..

[Bunser]

Fusicks is pretty good, if you can cough up the price they want for their stuff! I've learned if you want the part and you're pressed for time, you just pay and bite the bullet.I went to Carlisle a couple of weeks ago looking for parts and came home with a few.Not many Olds parts vendors there.I tried for two days to buy a used rear axle rubber snubber,(don't ask!)I got skinned on an Olds clock!(never again though!)
Year One is not too bad, I just wish they would remove the parts that they no longer carry from their bloody online catalogue and update their prices! Apart from that, they are all right I guess.Happy shopping everybody!

[bulldog]

Hi Maverick,There is a good guy in London,Ont.He does'nt have a web site only a phone # or fax #.His phone# is 519-666-1430,His fax # is 519-666-0518.The name is
D.J. AUTOMOTIVE--THE OLDSMOBILE CONNECTION.

[66olds]

He is a buddy of mine.... nice fella...

[Allan R]

Hi Maverick,
I've got a 1972 Cutlass S. Believe it or not, it WAS my fathers Oldsmobile - bought new in 72. I've restored the body and fittings with NOS back in 1986. The interior is original and still cherry (honest to God) doesn't look like it's ever been sat in. Lucky me, everything's more than 2 or 3 times more now.
Anyway, about where to get parts....
Probably like everyone, I buy a lot from the states. Most of it comes from ebay because there's no apparent shortage of cars being dismantled; and there seems to be a lot of hidden treasures surfacing as NOS from bygone days. There are a few places in Canada that you can get parts, but shipping via Greyhound or Canada Post isn't really any cheaper.

As far as aftermarket suppliers, I've had real good results from Fusicks (dj442), Parts Place, Tamraz, Year One, and OPG. You really have to shop their catalogues though because they highball and lowball in the wierdest ways. One thing about some of the aftermarket plastic parts...they may look right, but may not fit exactly. I do not endorse BAP and have boycotted them for the past 3 years because they charged me $US45.00 for shipping on 2 separate purchases. It was supposed to go UPS expedited 4-5 day service (oversize). Got them 1 month later via USPS air parcel post for 17.55. When I called for an explanation or a refund, they refused and accused me of trying to extort money. Some of their prices are competitive, most are too high when compared to others. Anyway, you can choose for yourself.

About shipping...If you can get the seller to ship USPS that's great because they don't usually get hung up in customs. Some of the US shippers will declare the shipping value for less so it doesn't go to Canada customs; but that's between you and the seller. You run a risk if it gets lost or isn't registered. But some of the bigger stuff isn't practical to send any other way except courier. It doesn't matter which one, they ALL will charge you a brokerage in addition to customs. I don't like it either. I bought a used OEM Rallye pac gauge for 295 (great deal). Shipping, Customs and brokerage cost me over 100 bucks. Unfortunately that's just the cost of doing business and overall the part adds to the restoration because it's authentic. Considering the price of oil nowadays, I don't think it's going to get better.

Sorry to be such a windbag. If this info helps, good on ya!! If you're looking for something specific, I do a lot of web browsing. Drop me a line; I might know where to look.

Allan R