Page 1 of 1
Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:00 pm
by fireheadman
Tried searching for this....
I didn't really find anything, so thought I would ask. (apologies if I missed it too)
Aside from the classifieds section, I'm getting to know the places to buy parts for my T.
Is there a sticky note on this somewhere that helps on which place to shop at? I prefer NOS, then rebuilds, then reman, then needs work...
I know of:
Langs - has a good selection, but the site could use some revamping
Synders - also good selection and site is nice to navigate
Texas T (Birdhaven) - good select, little better than Langs site, but could use some updating too.
I'm sure there are more out there.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:14 pm
by Tadpole
Chaffins! Good folks.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:55 pm
by Will
I think all three are great at keeping the hobby going, Langs over the last 20 years has just about rebuilt my car. Iv bought a lot of model A parts from Snyder's and there live support is great. I haven't done much business with Texas T's only because I do most of my shopping from Langs. They all have great support and Steve from langs has guided me through a ton help.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 4:41 pm
by NealW
I try to shop the different suppliers, to help spread my $ support around. However, I really, really, really, really like that when shopping Snyder's you KNOW if a part is in stock. If not in stock, it says so.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:11 pm
by Steve Jelf
Like Neal, I try to spread the wealth among several. We are lucky to have Lang's, Birdhaven, Chaffin's, Snyder's, etc. I've bought parts from all of them.
Stopping to shop at Birdhaven.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:24 pm
by ModelTWoods
Tadpole wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:14 pm
Chaffins! Good folks.
Yep, you missed Chaffins, or you didn't know about them. I have bought from all of them and the service has always been great. I, even, had two occasions when I had to contact a vendor about something I wasn't satisfied with. I have never been dissatisfied with the results they provided.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:24 pm
by TRDxB2
Preview: Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Each of the suppliers vary on shipping costs - and there are differences I've ordered from all these except the "new" Ecklers
Depending on what your buying it pays to check prices. I recently purchased an item from Chaffins that others claimed either out-of-stock or "no longer available".
All suppliers have a free catalog. Some to have mailed to you on request others to download
Lang's site allows to list up to 100 line items per display page within a category but lacks a wish list
https://www.modeltford.com/
Snyder's only shows 8 line items per display page within a category causing a lot of scrolling to see all the parts. They have a wish list & often included instructions for an item when applicable. Also carries Model A parts
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/
Texas T site is very limited on parts that they actually have in stock. Birdhaven is the parent company and purchased Texas T, Fun Projects & Bob's Antique Autoparts, Those suppliers sourced some very desirable modernized parts that seem to have gone into obscurity. Parts not listed on the site can be ordered by phone (9am to 5pm central time, Monday thru Friday)
https://www.texastparts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc
Chaffin's (Garage) has an extremely nice on-line catalog, photographed parts, for down load. Takes orders by phone call or email orders
https://www.chaffinsgarage.com/
Ecklers (bought out MAC's Antique Auto Parts in 2012 & Turn 5 bought Eckelrs in 2024) MAC's prices & shipping were to high, the old Ecklers too slow. The new web site looks promising. Ecklers also sells many other classic & vintage car parts
https://www.ecklers.com/search?keywords=model+t
Smith & Jones - on-line site & ordering. Located on the East Coast could save shipping. Competitive pricing. Has Model A parts too
https://www.snjparts.com/
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:45 pm
by John kuehn
Lang’s has a good selection of NOS besides good used parts. You have to ask to see if they have what you might need.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:36 pm
by Will_Vanderburg
Birdhaven’s catalog, which I have, does not tell you which products come from the sources they bought out. No identifying catalog marker to designate the original company.
I have looked for specific items from those original companies and cannot find them in the Birdhaven catalog.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 6:28 am
by Brent Mize
All of the companies listed are top notch in my opinion.
They are all there to serve the hobby and without them we would be in a world of hurt.
While parts may vary from vendor to vendor, they still do the job.
I have had great experiences with all of the vendors.
Being a vendor myself, I rely heavily on this great group of guys and gals!
At a time when parts are disappearing on a daily basis, we all must be grateful for these vendors and the products that they provide.
If you are able, step up to produce an obsolete or unobtainable part.
It’s all about these vendors and a small group of manufacturers for these obscure parts.
Thanks to all of these vendors!
Brent
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:33 pm
by KeithG
Well said, Brent! I agree completely especially the part that without these vendors and their suppliers our hobby would be in a world of hurt.
Keith
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 3:32 pm
by Original Smith
I prefer to deal with Lang's, because it is a family owned business, and I personally know each member of the family.
Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2025 4:17 pm
by fireheadman
TRDxB2 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:24 pm
Preview: Re: Langs vs Synders vs Texas T vs ??
Each of the suppliers vary on shipping costs - and there are differences I've ordered from all these except the "new" Ecklers
Depending on what your buying it pays to check prices. I recently purchased an item from Chaffins that others claimed either out-of-stock or "no longer available".
All suppliers have a free catalog. Some to have mailed to you on request others to download
Lang's site allows to list up to 100 line items per display page within a category but lacks a wish list
https://www.modeltford.com/
Snyder's only shows 8 line items per display page within a category causing a lot of scrolling to see all the parts. They have a wish list & often included instructions for an item when applicable. Also carries Model A parts
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/
Texas T site is very limited on parts that they actually have in stock. Birdhaven is the parent company and purchased Texas T, Fun Projects & Bob's Antique Autoparts, Those suppliers sourced some very desirable modernized parts that seem to have gone into obscurity. Parts not listed on the site can be ordered by phone (9am to 5pm central time, Monday thru Friday)
https://www.texastparts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc
Chaffin's (Garage) has an extremely nice on-line catalog, photographed parts, for down load. Takes orders by phone call or email orders
https://www.chaffinsgarage.com/
Ecklers (bought out MAC's Antique Auto Parts in 2012 & Turn 5 bought Eckelrs in 2024) MAC's prices & shipping were to high, the old Ecklers too slow. The new web site looks promising. Ecklers also sells many other classic & vintage car parts
https://www.ecklers.com/search?keywords=model+t
Smith & Jones - on-line site & ordering. Located on the East Coast could save shipping. Competitive pricing. Has Model A parts too
https://www.snjparts.com/
Thanks everyone for the replies!
I ended up doing my first order through Langs, Steve was amazing through the ordering process, stories and knowledge!
Getting excited for when it arrives!