Where do you go for parts?

I'm recently retired from the GM Parts business and am now on my own when it comes to working on my car. I've been having my GM cars and trucks serviced at my dealership using GM parts - at discounted rates. No more..

Now I'm interested in what parts stores, or other suppliers, people use for their vehicles. I used NAPA for my new back-up bulbs a couple weeks ago - online research showed them having the lowest prices on bulbs in my area.

A friend uses any store that has the type of mechanical part he needs for his 70 Judge. He'* concerned with availability - not price.

If its a project that requires parts but no hurry, I'll use Amazon/Prime. If I need it now, its Autozone, Advance, Napa then the junkyard.

I've been getting a lot of stuff from RockAuto for about 10 years now. Prices are great and just as importantly the selection is huge. While a regular store might have 2 or 3 choices for a particular part they often have a dozen and often they've got AC Delco as a choice.

John

My preference is Amazon Prime. On popular parts they often price less than RockAuto when shipping is included and deliver quicker than RockAuto. For less popular parts I use RockAuto- the prices are much cheaper on Rockauto for less popular parts. I also use Rockauto'* search engine to quickly find part numbers.

I try to avoid the big retail auto parts stores.

If I am doing a job where a bunch of 20 year old parts are being replaced in the same area, I usually go rockauto. If the part is a known weak area I may go with local parts stores for the warranty and ease of replacement

My three favorite parts stores are RockAuto, RockAuto and RockAuto. Do a search and you can always come up with a discount code worth 5%. It normally takes 2 days for delivery but I've ordered stuff and had it delivered the next day.

But is the shipping worth the 5%?

Depends on the part, and how picky you are on brands. If you use the 'choose for me based on cost' it does try and do that very thing, and most things can ship from 1 or 2 locations. If it'* just one part, it may not always be the most viable option.

I haven't compared rockauto to amazon however. Like I mentioned though, I mainly use rockauto for volleys of parts, which is where it pays in my instance.

I just used Amazon for some new screw-on lug nut covers. Other places had them, but only in black or very dark gray. I needed the argent/silver ones to match my OEM alloy wheels - Amazon was the only place I could find them, outside of my dealer. I ordered a box of 5 by Dorman.. ordered Friday (snail mail), got them Monday - they look real good, so I'm going to spring for 15 more.

I've also been looking at RockAuto'* rear window regulators and motors for my 2001 LeSabre. Shame they don't come together, but the prices are great.. even for the Delco metal housing motors.

Can someone tell me if I can bolt those motors and regulators together, or do I have to go out and buy me a rivet gun. I've always used rivets, but I no longer have a gun and would rather just bolt them together. I can't remember if there'* a problem with clearance using nuts & bolts.

Some of them do have clearance issues. Best way to know is to install bolts/nuts and see what happens.