MTFCA Forum

Now that I'm starting to get into this thing, I know I'll need parts. For certain I need a driver's window and hoses/clamps for the rad.

Which company is best for which parts?
I'd rather have good quality, service and availability over price.

I've seen these on a quick Google search:
Chaffin's
Lang's
Mac's (have their paper catalog)
Snyder's

I also see there is a full list here:
https://www.mtfca.com/model-t-ford-suppliers/

Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been covered in the archives.

I agree with the above. For your window glass, If the mechanism is OK, you can visit any glass shop which has Auto Safety glass. In fact if any of your other windows are not safety glass, they should be replaced with safety glass because the old plate glass in the Model T's shatters when broken and many people have been severely injured or killed by being cut by the shattered glass when even a small accident they hit the window or windshield.
Norm

PO installed all new laminated glass. Not sure how the drivers side front was damaged.

Taking it to an auto glass place is a good idea. Hopefully it's cheaper than a catalog. Long Island be an expensive place to live.

Typically when replacing the old plate glass, only the windshield is laminated safety glass. The other windows are tempered glass, which disintegrates into a zillion small pieces on impact.

I've not seen any suppliers selling window glass cut to size. Better to borrow or buy the window glass book publication T-11, and take it to a glass supplier.

Call the suppliers and get their parts catalogs.
They are an excellent source for needed information about which parts fit for your car. The illustrations are helpful and parts descriptions are definitely a help. And of course the Ford service manual for model T’s is a must!

For the most parts there is one manufacturer who sells to all of the parts vendors. Who has the best they all do. Who has the worst, they all do.

I have the Macs paper catalog and ordered a few more from Lang's and Snyder.

I need hoses/clamps and a carb gasket kit so I have those in my Lang's cart ATM.

Do not throw the Macs catalog away, but put it on the bottom of the pile and only use as a last resort. I prefer Langs but all the others you mention are good.

They all have the same parts. Buy from the one closest to you to save on shipping.

All are good, Except Macs. My primary are Lang’s & Snyder’s for the convenience of on line ordering. Chaffins is first class and has found me some fantastic original, used parts. They have also been instrumental in helping me find parts for my Rocky Mt Brakes.

Be very careful and do your research before you order from Macs, or anything within the Eklers chain. Car forums across the spectrum are full of stories of dissatisfied customers, this forum included. Buyer Beware.

Chris Haynes wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 30, 2023 10:45 pm

They all have the same parts. Buy from the one closest to you to save on shipping.

Best idea yet! Shipping is out of control.

If you are on the west coast, order from Chaffin's. Your stated location of "Farmingdale" doesn't tell us anything. If not on the left coast, you'll find the best customer service at Lang's. I agree with VinTin23 about avoiding Mac's.

try being over here... I had a Winfield shipped here, the shipping was $100 and the "Duty" I had to pay was an additional $175 (€160) which is fine, as Winfields are hens teeth here, but still, it's like stupid crazy to ship stuff now, figure the price PLUS 18% shipping PLUS 26 1/2% for the government for old vehicle parts,

Farmingdale is NY on Long Island and yes shipping as well as many other costs are over the top post COVID. Ordering more local seems to be a smart idea.

I will say I've had a recent experience with shipping that was positive... Not T related

I needed to add some handrails to my stairs. (Still working on my house after 35 years!!) Anyway, the profile wasn't available locally anymore. Internet research found me a place in Oregon and the cost of shipping, (4) - 7 foot pieces of red oak handrail to NY was $56. I think that's amazing for the length and weight of everything. Even the price per foot of the handrail was reasonable.

dobro1956 wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 30, 2023 9:46 pm

Do not throw the Macs catalog away, but put it on the bottom of the pile and only use as a last resort. I prefer Langs but all the others you mention are good.

I agree. ANYONE but MAC's. Mac's used to be good before they got bought out by Eckler's. Then every customer started having complaints.

Since most parts are common to all the suppliers at relatively the same price: who you order from depends on potential shipping cost and the method by which you place the order. Some suppliers are phone or email only, while others have on-line ordering. Things like their return policy or how they handle back orders are also key criteria. Realize that some parts are not stocked by any supplier but they in-turn order from the manufacturer and then have it dropped shipped to you (RM or disk brakes for example).
https://www.mtfca.com/model-t-ford-suppliers/
Chaffin's <no on-line yet, great catalogue pictures etc can down load it
Lang's <on-line ordering with back-order options, A1 return policy, email Q&A
Mac's <VG catalogue, shipping$??, they were bought out by Ecklers few years back & now Eckelrs has been bought out; so need to re-evaluate
Snyder's <on-line ordering, they include installation instructions on the site for viewing/download when available
Smith&Jones <on-line ordering, often have what others are out of stock
Texas Model T & A Parts (BIRDHAVEN) <limited on-line products but stock most everything, need to call open 1 day a week)
--
MTFCA Classifieds Parts - post a WTB (want to buy) members usually have it at a better price, no tax & good shipping
--
Restoration Supply Company <no-online ordering, best to download their catalogue to understand what they have https://restorationstuff.com/
--
Voltage Regulators, Starter & Generator Repair
www.modeltregulators.com
www.modeltstarters.com

I agree. ANYONE but MAC's. Mac's used to be good before they got bought out by Eckler's. Then every customer started having complaints

Mac’s / Ecklers had been sold off over a year ago to Turn 5 company
A lot of suppliers stopped supplying them because of the BS they want them to do business with them

If you're on the West side of the country call Chaffin's Garage and talk to Dave. You may have to make a couple calls to get through as Dave doesn't answer the phone when he is with another customer. Top of the line parts. Over the top service. They don't just sell parts. They manufacture them.(951) 226-7331

That list mentioned at the top is way out of real and evidently has not been updated for several years.

Click on Fun Projects to see what I'm saying.