Rocker trim 73 centurian

[Robert G. Smits]

^{Would somebody be so kind as to look up the part number.  I do not have a Buick master parts book and my Buick dealer gave me a blank stare when I asked the same question.  Thanks, Bob Smits}

[NTX5467]

The "blank stare" probably resulted from the parts person not knowing how to get to that model year in their current computerized parts "books", which probably don't go farther back then 1975, if that far.

 

With all that has transpired in GM parts (at the "factory level" and at the dealership level), finding the desired molding at a dealership would be worse than "hen's teeth", IF you could find one that was even worth having and had the correct GM part number still on it.

 

With your GM part number, contact Vintage Parts International in Beaver Falls, WI.  They have purchased obsolete inventory from the OEMs, over the years, and re-sell it.  No guarantees they'd have something that old, of that nature, though.

 

You mgiht as do a Google search for "1973 Buick body parts".  Sift through the websites which are for full-line auto parts vendors until you find one which has parts illustrations which are similar to either the Motor or Chilton Crash Parts Manual or illustrations which look like a GM parts book.  Find the part from the illustrations and contact them.  We used this method to find a NOS molding for a mid-80s Delta 88 for another forum poster several years ago.  And, it was shipped from Beaver Dam, WI.

 

Dealership sources just aren't there anymore, by observation, as they might have been 30 years ago.  In the many factory-required remodelings and changes of staff, finding a parts person who still has access to the old parts books is minimal at best.

 

With your GM part number, they can use their OEMConnection locator service to check if any other dealers might have the part.  Just be prepared for a "No" answer or the toll-free phone number to VPI.

 

I know this is probably not what you wanted to find, but after being in GM Parts for close to 40 years, that's the unfortunate reality as I have known it.

 

NTX5467

[Robert G. Smits]

NTX5467, Thank you for the reply.  Bob Smits