MTFCA Forum

I did not ask for it. It just showed up. Does that mean I have to go shopping since I know Sears is not going to send me a Wish List?

Wouldn't hurt to browse through the new catalog, they do have some new items

I think you are obligated now.

I've heard people talk about receiving "signs" that you need to take certain actions to appease the Gods...

I would assume this is such a sign, and yes, to appease the Gods, you should peruse the holy writings of Snyders, and make a monetary donation for goodies.

Lest fate befall you, and your radiator mysteriously starts to poil over in the winter...

Me too… we have moved twice since i got the last catalog.
Snyders has moved to the top of my purchase list.

I also got my Snyder’s catalog. They have always given good service.

Received mine yesterday.

I got mine yesterday. It was interesting reading the message up front about inflation and the loss of some suppliers. Compared to their last catalog, it had 4 fewer pages of Model T parts. I didn't even want to compare prices on some of the items...

I have bought from many of the major T parts suppliers over the years, and appreciate their effort in supporting the hobby. What I like about Snyder's is that you can tell if they have items in stock when ordering online. That's not the case with the others in my experience. It is frustrating when you try to order something, only to find out that it's out of stock and are told that they have no idea when it will be available.

I also appreciate that Snyder's is willing to stock expensive items. I needed a new brass radiator this month, and they had them in stock. A couple of days later it was installed on our T.

DHort wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 26, 2024 12:47 pm

I did not ask for it. It just showed up. Does that mean I have to go shopping since I know Sears is not going to send me a Wish List?

Nice surprise, I didn't ask either but a great weekend treat!

Mine came today. I enjoy pages through it

I got my Snyder's catalog yesterday. They got the prices on their parts, I asked and received a parts catalog for Model A's and they didn't have the prices for their parts.

I got mine Friday and called Monday about never-out license plate racket. The catalog showed it so I asked and they didn't have it in stock and don't know if or when it will be.

Craig

The mailman dropped mine off today !

Well shoot, I didn't get one.

Off to order one, the last one (pre Covid dated) got used to start the smoker.

I wonder how much longer the vendors will issue paper catalogs. I'm sure there is data showing a jump in orders after a new catalog goes out, but will it be enough in the future to justify the printing costs?

Yes. It is very likely paper catalogs will be obsolete soon for several reasons. Newspaper catalogs (inexpensive) are no longer being offered by many publisher. Instead, you have to use gloss paper (expensive). Our last catalog cost $5.00 each and the minimum quantity was 2,000. Add another $7.00 to ship. It adds up quickly.

Another issue is sourcing manufacturing and inflation. Since COVID, we have lost alot of small manufacturing businesses, foundries, etc. Those still willing to do the work also have increased their minimums. We all remember the copper head gasket delimma. Additionally, labor and material costs in the U.S. have skyrocketed. Some manufacturing has gone overseas to provide some relief.

The cost of manufacturing anything changes dramatically from day to day. As such, so do the retail prices. A catalog published today is obsolete only weeks later.

Lastly, over the past few years, we have lost alot of talent and more will likely follow. Unfortunately for the hobby, no one if filling the void and we are losing access to some great products. Because of this reality, I fear the volume and variety of parts being manufactured will become less and less with each passing day. A catalog, if published, reduced to a few pages.

The handwriting is written on the walls for all to see, as much as we try to ignore the signs.
Evolution of catalogs is a minor issue.
The realities of more critical import is the gradual loss of manufacturing and parts availability, not to mention affordability.
Add to that loss of old world expertise, heck, not many left who even have good fabrication skills. Add to that restrictive laws seeking to limit rights to drive antiques, forces seeking to wholly eliminate such, and an insurance environment that will also become more expensive and restrictive...it all simply adds up to we need to feel honored and blessed to be so fortunate to own these cars and be able to enjoy them now while we can.
Cuz who really knows how much longer we can.

So...support our economy and buy those parts!!!
Go hug your T & A's!!