How to find cheap parts
From Crankshaft Coalition Wiki
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==Be realistic there, speed racer== | ==Be realistic there, speed racer== | ||
| − | One of the first tricks to saving money on parts is only buying what you need. One of the most commonly messed-up parts choice is brake components. For example, people buy race-type brake pads and the cross-drilled rotors in order to get that last 2% more braking power for their SUV that is driven back and forth to work in rush hour traffic. Its a big mismatch. Buy parts that suit your actual driving style. Many times, buying upgraded parts will only be a benefit if you are doing ''upgraded'' driving. Other common money pits are engine oil, gasoline additives, wheels and tires, alternator amperage, and air filters. Sometimes you need the upgrade, sometimes you don't. | + | One of the first tricks to saving money on parts is only buying what you need. One of the most commonly messed-up parts choice is brake components. For example, people buy race-type brake pads and the cross-drilled rotors in order to get that last 2% more braking power for their SUV that is driven back and forth to work in rush hour traffic. Race-type brake composition can actually dramatically reduce your braking force since they are designed to only operate in a very high temperature range. Its a big mismatch. Buy parts that suit your actual driving style. Many times, buying upgraded parts will only be a benefit if you are doing ''upgraded'' driving. Other common money pits are engine oil, gasoline additives, wheels and tires, alternator amperage, and air filters. Sometimes you need the upgrade, sometimes you don't. |
==Know your quality brands, know your junk== | ==Know your quality brands, know your junk== | ||
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The added benefit for you is not only saving money, but the people who work at these wholesalers are in constant contact with hundreds of shops that do everything from exhaust, brakes, custom fabrication, restorations, paint and body. They spend 10 hours a day doing nothing but gaining experience with almost every facet of automotive repair and customization. As a rule they know their parts. | The added benefit for you is not only saving money, but the people who work at these wholesalers are in constant contact with hundreds of shops that do everything from exhaust, brakes, custom fabrication, restorations, paint and body. They spend 10 hours a day doing nothing but gaining experience with almost every facet of automotive repair and customization. As a rule they know their parts. | ||
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| + | Other wholesale parts "chains" to look for are WorldPac, Wholesale Parts Direct, and 1-800-radiator. | ||
==Head for the junkyard== | ==Head for the junkyard== | ||
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You can also often find great freebies at auto repair shops. While it's not often acceptable to use worn-out parts, some customers want their tires replaced even though there is still good tread on the old ones, or new shocks because the ones they put on last month are too stiff. You'd be surprised what gets tossed. If you make a relationship with the shop manager or owner, chances are they'll be very happy that you are carting off their trash because it saves on disposal costs. Larger dealership service departments are great for this. Most of the replacement parts that the manufacturer covers under warranty get sent back to the source for testing or proof that it was failing, but some less-specific parts like axles, engines, gas tanks, transmissions, and electronic parts don't get sent back. Most of this bonepile gets picked through by the techs in the shop, but many times there are very large piles of neat stuff. Make a friend in the department, and have fun digging. | You can also often find great freebies at auto repair shops. While it's not often acceptable to use worn-out parts, some customers want their tires replaced even though there is still good tread on the old ones, or new shocks because the ones they put on last month are too stiff. You'd be surprised what gets tossed. If you make a relationship with the shop manager or owner, chances are they'll be very happy that you are carting off their trash because it saves on disposal costs. Larger dealership service departments are great for this. Most of the replacement parts that the manufacturer covers under warranty get sent back to the source for testing or proof that it was failing, but some less-specific parts like axles, engines, gas tanks, transmissions, and electronic parts don't get sent back. Most of this bonepile gets picked through by the techs in the shop, but many times there are very large piles of neat stuff. Make a friend in the department, and have fun digging. | ||
| + | ==Use online sources like Craigslist and Ebay: Buy early, time is your friend== | ||
| + | If you know ahead of time what things typically break on your model of vehicle, or if you know you plan to upgrade in the future, its wise to have them ahead of time. Time is your friend when it comes to cheap parts. For instance, if you have a 7.3L Ford Powerstroke diesel, you know that you'll have to replace a glow plug relay and a cam position sensor at some point. Keep your eyes open for cheap deals on them and get them on your shelf so you're ready to fix it when it goes. If you plan on upgrading heads on your chevy 350 next month or next year, start shopping now. There is a good chance you'll find a real steal on parts instead of waiting until you're ready and having to pay full market value. Wait for the cheap deals, be ready by purchasing when it's cheap. When you ''need'' something, you usually pay full price for it. When you ''want'' something, you're more likely to pay less. | ||
| − | + | There are many online sellers who get a hold of a large lot of the same product and put them up for sale at really cheap prices. As long as you're dealing with a new-in-box product, you can be assured its the real deal. If it isn't the real deal, you are protected under Ebay's policy. | |
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| − | There are many online sellers who get | + | |
If you have some space in a garage or shed, stockpile some things. I have a search saved on Ebay that sends me an email everytime something gets listed that fits my criteria. For instance, I have one set up to email me any time parts come up that fit my cars that are under $10. You'd be surprised what comes up. | If you have some space in a garage or shed, stockpile some things. I have a search saved on Ebay that sends me an email everytime something gets listed that fits my criteria. For instance, I have one set up to email me any time parts come up that fit my cars that are under $10. You'd be surprised what comes up. | ||
| − | Anytime you have a few minutes, comb through your local paper and especially Craigslist. Good deals go fast on Craigslist, so its wise to be ready to jump. | + | Anytime you have a few minutes, comb through your local paper, and especially Craigslist. Good deals go fast on Craigslist, so its wise to be ready to jump. You can even score free engines and cars. |
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==Using online coupons== | ==Using online coupons== | ||
Have you ever bought something online and one of the optional boxes during checkout is a space for a ''coupon code'' or ''promotional code''? Do a google search for "coupon code." There are hundreds of sites that stockpile these passwords that you can input for discounts. Its all legal. They are just websites that allow you to search for published coupon codes. | Have you ever bought something online and one of the optional boxes during checkout is a space for a ''coupon code'' or ''promotional code''? Do a google search for "coupon code." There are hundreds of sites that stockpile these passwords that you can input for discounts. Its all legal. They are just websites that allow you to search for published coupon codes. | ||
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| + | ==Talk to your local scrapper== | ||
| + | I know that we all hate to see stuff get scrapped, but it's a fact of life. Get out and talk to the guys you see with "buying junk cars" signs on their trucks. They come across all kinds of vehicles, and those parts you need may be on one of them. He'll make a lot more for the parts than for the scrap, and you'll still get a great deal. | ||
[[Category:General hotrodding]] | [[Category:General hotrodding]] | ||
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