BuickFarm or Aftermarket Parts?

[Guest]

While I have the A/C out of the way, with the brakes off and etc, I have easy access to the valve covers which need new gaskets. Since the access is easy, and I'm presuming there is no need for glues or caulking, I want to replace them. My question is, do I get a set from BuickFarm, or do I head to a mag or store for them? If you say mag or store, which ones, rubber or cork? From where is also appreciated. Other items which have the same question are: Major Carb Kit, Carb Base Gasket, A/C Fan Clutch, and Temp Switch (thats the one on the manifold right?).<P>Many Wonderful Thanks to Everyone!<P>Scott.<P>p.s. I'll have those pictures posted later tonight for anyone who would like to see what I'm up against.

[BUICK RACER]

Go to the parts store and get FELPRO cork, don't use any sealer or silicone either, if using steel valve covers, make sure they are straight where the bolts go, as overtightening may have bent them and then you have leaks! If they are bend get the little hammer out and straighten. <P>------------------<BR>Roberta<BR>BCA TREASURER 2000-2001<BR>BCA PRESIDENT 1998-2000<BR>BCA VICE PRESIDENT 1997-1998<BR>WEBMASTER<BR>1956 Special 2 door Sedan<BR>1966 Wildcats<BR>1968 GS-400 Convertible 4-speed<BR>1970 GSX Stage 1<BR>1970 Skylark Racecar - 11.26, 118 MPH, 7/22/00<BR>1986 GN, 4800 miles

[Guest]

I got the rubber valve cover gaskets (FelPro I think) for my 350 from Kragen and I have had no leaks. I did not use a sealer.<P>I recently ordered a carb rebuild kit from Wrenchead.com for pretty cheap. I have not used it yet though, but I am fairly certain it came with the base gasket. I know the last rebuild kit had one.<P>Not sure on the other items, but I would try the local auto parts store as well.<P>Ron*<BR><P>------------------<BR>'69 Skylark Covertible <BR>350-4

[YellowLark]

Regarding Buick Farm, I called them about 4 years ago when I inherited my '66 Skylark. Had a surprisingly insulting conversation with a mature-sounding lady who derided my intentions to restore a Skylark. Even laughed at me.<P>Since then, I've spent well over $20,000 on my car, making sure that not one dime went to Buick Farm.<P><P>------------------<BR>

[Guest COMPACTBC]

message to yellowlark--sorry you had a bad experience with the buickfarm, I have used them several times and have been very pleased. Maybe the lady you talked to was having a bad day or it was her time of the month.<P><P>------------------<BR>

[Guest]

PMS, ain't it a [censored]! ugh...<BR>

[Guest]

I purchased a NOS hood ornament for my '80 LeSabre from the Buickfarm that was listed on Ebay (fireballV8). I didn't need another one, but the price was good, so I bought it. When it arrived it was badly discolored (green instead of silver!). I realize that NOS parts aren't perfect, but this was rediculous. I call to see if anything could possibly be done. When I said it was green, the reposnse (from the owner) was "I know, they're all that way". I was dumbfounded that he knew it was this way and still sold it. Well the two NOS ones I already have aren't green and 20+ used ones I have seen were never green. The following conversation was the silliest I have ever had. One excuse was "That's why I described it as 'GOOD', not excellent". I don't expect a 'GOOD NOS' part to be junk. Another was "You can see in the picture it is green". Well I don't have the world's greatest monitor and the blurry image was only about an inch high. And another good one was "Since it was green I started the bid at a low price. What did you expect for $30" Well the bidding could have gone much higher. Besides even if it was perfect, I wouldn't have paid much more than $30 for it. I was willing to pay $30 for a typical NOS part, not junk. Then "Those 1980's parts are crap, just like the cars GM made. That's why I usally don't sell parts for cars after 1976" That's when he told me that he uses Ebay to unload parts like this one. I wanted to hang up on him when he began to curse at me, but I figured I would let him know what I thought of his bussiness practices. Finally he says "Tell you what, I have another one here that isn't green. I'll send it to you if you promise to never buy anything here again" <P>My reply was "Do you really think I would?" <P>------------------<BR>Rich George - b4black@flash.net <BR><B>BEFORE BLACK Website</B> - <A HREF="http://home.flash.net/~rjgeorge" TARGET=_blank>http://home.flash.net/~rjgeorge</A>

[Guest]

Years back I purchased a bunch of stuff from the Buick farm. One of the items was a used fender that he had located for me. When it showed up damaged he told me that it was too big to ship UPS and that he shouldn't have done it, but nobody wants to pay for the proper shipping so that's why he did it.(not that any of this was mentioned first). One of the other items was a front fender extension ordered through his regular catalog of NOS parts. You know the one that says no used parts all over it. Well the part was a used one off of a car that the hood had rubbed a deep gouge into it. His reply to it not being NOS was, "what's the difference, it's just pot metal" Even if it wasn't for this, for gaskets you should go to your local auto parts store.

[Guest]

Wow! And I thought BuickFarm was a descent place to go. The days of many, help the few. I will NOT shop with BF. Highly glad that you jumped in and spoke about the horrid service. I am sorry to all those who got jacked by this guy, I hate schmucks like that. I probably would have purchased from him, not knowing what I do now. A hint tho was no reply to an email in 4 days. He sure does make it fairly blatant that he's a jerk and a half. (using nice language) I guess I'll stick with the local places, PepBoys, Kragen, AutoZone and the local ACDelco Wharehouse. I know many of you say NAPA is a good place, but there is only one here, bad 'hood and grungy type place. Will say one thing tho, (knock on wood), the guy there is fairly nice.<P>In response to the Valve Cover, I went yesterday and ordered one from Kragen, picked up today, will install in the morning. To damn hot here during the day and into the night. Not the CA I used to know and love. Any tips on how to clean up the seal area and mess I predict it's going to make? For photos of what they look like, head to the new and finally finished site, listed below.<P>Many Thanks to Everyone!<P>Peace, Love & Buicks!<P>Scott.<P>----<BR>1971 Skylark Custom<BR>[ <A HREF="http://www.minimall.net/buick" TARGET=_blank>http://www.minimall.net/buick</A> ]<BR><p>[This message has been edited by CyberBuick (edited 09-17-2000).]

[Bill Stoneberg]

I have had nothing but good luck wih BuickFarm. I have bought connecting rods and a NEW NOS windshield from him.<BR>No problems and no insults.<BR>BTW you may want to try Buick Specialists up in Washington State. That is where I spend most of my money.<BR>Bill

[Guest scott mich bca # 6619]

I have direct deposit with Buick Specialists.<BR>They are good people and if you have a problem, they take care of it. They are sometimes slow, but they are good and honest.<BR> Another good source is Bob's Automobilia in CA. They both have catalogs.<P>Good Luck , Scott

[Guest]

I have to respond to the list of stores you mentioned cyberbuick, I have been in or around the auto business ALL my life I cut my teeth on a NEW '58 Buick's seat piping (my dad sold Buicks from 1957 till '77) and my sister owned a detail shop for about twenty years , Brother has had a repair shop for over 20 and I have been in the body and paint business since 1979 and had a body shop for 13 years. I don't tell you this for the BS factor, but just to let you know that I am very familiar with the auto business. The chains that you have mentioned are nice, clean, well lit, and prices aren't bad but they are for buying "seat covers and air freshiners" as we say in the business. Be very wary of the big chains, they are not REAL parts stores. That NAPA may be a "grungy type place" but it is a REAL parts store and if you open a phone book you will probably find a few other REAL parts stores, the ones that the pros go to. I worked for NAPA a few years ago at the counter (I now work "with" NAPA as a factory rep, NAPA being my only customer) while at that job I was entertained by the fact that everyone who came in who was not a pro mentioned that they had been to all those chain stores or they would be going if NAPA didn't have the part. Yet NEVER mentioned the REAL parts stores in town, many right around the corner. All the pros that came in or called NEVER mentioned the chains stores but only the other REAL parts stores in town! The chains are for "seat covers and air freshiners". That NAPA store is an independent store that simply gets most it's parts and supplies from NAPA GPC. He runs it the way he wants to and knows more about the parts business than the whole crew of pimplie faced kids and former GAP employees at the chain parts stores. There is nothing that will make a person give up on an old car more than not being able to get parts, going to the chains will guarentee that! Between the counter Person not knowing diddly and them just not having the part available, your old Buick will surely sit unused. If you get the right parts guy, he will get you tons of parts that you only thought were available at the BuickFarm and the like. Most undercar and underhood maintenance items are available through the REAL parts stores. I just got a Radiator for my '65 Skylark from NAPA, they didn't have it in stock, but I had it the next morning, a beautiful Modine, built in the USA radiator. The master cylinder showed out of production in the book, the experienced counterman knew that the book was wrong and pulled a '66 Skylark replacement off the shelf and there it was. The computer systems in most of these stores only go back to the early 70's, NAPA's goes back to '72. You have to know how to research the books and most of these people DON'T HAVE A CLUE at the chain stores. While working at the counter at the NAPA store I remember going back and pulling off the shelf parts for old flathead Chrysler powered fork lifts, brake parts for a '60 VW even a master cylinder for an old Harley trike! There were flathead Ford head gaskets in stock, try that at Kragen! I am sorry for being so long winded but I am a BUICK fan from the word go and I have seen so many Buicks get engine swaps or sold, just because the owner got frustrated over parts. You know, the first words out of the mouth of an admirer of your old car "Where do you get parts for it" I always tell them, "I can get parts for this car just as easy as for your new car, and if it isn't avalible in town I can get ANYTHING over-nighted from across the country, you just need to know where to look" And please all you guys, don't call me names because your buddy works at Pep boys and he is a brilliant parts technician, I am sure that there are a few, I am talking in general here. All I can say is the chains MARKETING people did their homework. <P>------------------<BR>buickfam@aol.com<BR>Life long Buick Fan.<BR>1965 Skylark H/T<BR>1965 Gran Sport Convertible<BR>1948 Chevy Pickup with 401 Buick.

[Guest]

It's funny... I spent my Saturday in a workshop meant to develop excellent customer service skills. My job does not require loads of customer contact; I am more involved in the technical aspects of my discipline. But reading this thread, several stories and principles I learned from the workshop apply.<P>True story: Somewhere in Southern California is a stretch of beach with a parking lot up the bluff. The lot has coin operated parking meters and the only store for at least 1000 yards is across the street, a "convenience store". In big bold letters on a hand-made sign in the window of the store: No Change Given For Parking Meters - DON'T EVEN ASK! The story teller went into the store (couldn't resist) to check it out and found it empty of customers. This owner didn't have to be rude in person... he accomplished that with his hand printed sign!<P>When it comes to a specialty business like the Buick Farm, the available customers are a narrow niche market. Thanks to the internet, we are all getting to know one another. Many of us are diehard Buick guys, and will spend thousands of dollars over the course of our lifetime on our passion: restoring and maintaining old Buicks. If the owner of the Buick Farm makes a $50.00 sale to me next week, and it goes well, how much value does my future business have? $1000.00? $10,000.00? $50,000.00? If the sale goes poorly, with disappointment on my end and rudeness on his, how much is my future business worth? Zero. However, if I choose to tell people about my experience, as some of our friends have in this thread, my future business may actually be worth a NEGATIVE amount of money because my friends will steer clear of the bad business!<P>I can't believe that the owner of the Buick Farm actually told the gentleman with the hood ornament "I'll send you a good one if you promise never to shop here again." Obviously this man does not want our business. And I can guarantee that he'll get none of my business.<P>Thanks for the warning!<P>Matthew<P>p.s. - good post Martin, about NAPA and other professional parts stores... while growing up I purchased all my parts from a store that had a full machine shop in the same building. All the guys there knew automotive parts and machine work and were happy to help a high school kid with his '64 Wildcat. Of course back then (1973) that was still a fairly new car!

[Guest]

Reading all these posts about the Buickfarm, I decided to go the website and take a look at it. Well, there is a notice upon entering the site now stateing that the guy who runs it is retiring. He is only doing online transactions now until his backstock is gone. Just thought I'd let people know in case they didn't already.

[Guest]

These two posts from MARTINSR and 67GSCalifornia are two of the best posts I've read. Now I know why I tend to like MARTINSR's posts in general, we have something in common, as I work for CARQUEST Auto Parts, who runs there business extremely similiar to NAPA. I've spent many years when I was still in a store finding that difficult part as well. My professional customers demanded alot from me and maybe that's why I expect a little more customer service than some places are willing to give. 67GSCalifornia hit the nail on the head with future business. Just look at the internet, you'd be amazed at how much companies will pay just for our "eyeballs". Just being a potential customer is valuable as they know how much it could bring in the long run. Some business already spent the money to get us as customers and throw it away so quickly.

[Guest]

Well well well, I have had more Buicks than any other make car in my 30 years of life(over 1/3 have been Buicks). I have had as "new" a car as a 73 and as old as a 55. I have dealt with all of the Buick parts places mentioned here and a few others not(namely CARS in NJ)Buick Farm....I got nothing but good pieces from him that arrived in great shape after being carfully packed to survive the cross country trek ...I have bought everything from trim to books, to gaskets from him, most in GM packaging in as good a shape as when our beloved General packaged it himself(or herself)...Im going to miss his quality parts service....<BR> Classic Buicks in Ca....same here....good, good, good...he was the first Buick part source I used when I got my first Buick more than 10 years ago and have spent thousands of my "play" money on his goods..I only wish they would get into exhaust and revive the NOS moldings...I just dropped a lot of change on engine parts there and had to swap some out as I found some local at cheaper prices...He was and continues to be very very fair a guy as I have dealt with...<BR> CARS....I got some NOS valves for my 55 from him....55 only I might add at 12 bucks a pop...arrived in Buick wrapper and box in great shape....what more can I say....good prices on NOS stuff, good service....no problem here...<BR> Buick Specialist....he is the closest to me and I have learned a few things about DF trannys from one of his guys....58&9's to be specific...He referred me to the guy who does his trannys.....I took in a sludgy,rusty beast and got back something I can eat off of...at a cheaper price than I paid another local trans shop to redo my 67 TH400....considerably less!!!!!<BR> The chain stores...my personal favorite....aside from NAPA & Carquest who I have used alot....they must have an elementary class for the guys about older cars(pre-66)...."The computer doesn't go back that far".....GRRRRRRRRRRR...Thank God we know our interchangability on our cars or many of us would be up the creek w/o a paddle!!!!!<BR> I get oil,filters,vacuum line hose and hose clamps there and those throw away fuel filters for we who have old cars with more crud in some of our tanks and fuel lines than many of them kids left in their diapers for their folks!!!!!...I have educated alot of counter kids....show them, they are all too happy to learn and help us....We were all that young once lest we not forget....The buick master cyl. story above...thats me to a T....it will fit this this and this years of......many parts books dont list Wildcat as a model of the 60's....my favorite one is to tell them its for an Electra...then they find it right off the bat...hmmmmmmmmm.....catalog publishers take note....HINT HINT!!!!!<P><BR> Im all outa steam....most of you know me....drop me an email sometime....<P> don55

[Guest]

Wow! I love threads like this, always so much info, stories and suggestions! BuickFarm has been blacklisted as of right now. I will not goto the 'preppie' joints no longer for "parts", just seat covers (never seen any that would fit tho) and air freshners. I hit Costco for Oil, get a case of Castrol GTX 20W50 for like $12 I think. I'll start going to that 'grungy lookin' NAPA more often as they are a 'real parts store', and I can make the ACDelco house at the same time. Ha! Like two blocks away. haha.<P>67GS, I with ya on that one on BF, boy what a Ass****.<P>I've always enjoyed everyone's thoughts and replies. Thats what make the net so great, no matter where the hell you are, you can either help or get help from anyone, anywhere, and anytime. I love it!<P>So much info I can't reply to it, mind-blowing.<P>With regards to the 'acceptable' stores, NAPA I know of one, CarQuest, they have any in SoCal? Another local place, I don't know if it passes the test or not, but AutoParts Unlimited.?. A hole in the wall type place like NAPA, wonder if it's as good.<P>A lil off-topic, but questioned originally, how tight is to tight when you bolt the valve cover back on? I had to use a open ended 3/16(i think) wrench on all six of 'em. One down, one to go. Anyone recommend a cleaner to get the grime off the top w/o harming the paint?<P>Many Many Thanks to Everyone!!<P>Best Buick Wishes,<P>Scott.<BR><P>------------------<BR>1971 Skylark Custom<BR>[ <A HREF="http://www.minimall.net/buick" TARGET=_blank>http://www.minimall.net/buick</A> ]

[Guest my3buicks]

I have been buying from Buick Farm for over 20 years, for a variety of Buicks including, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1961, and 1967. I have always received top notch parts or if there was a blemish I was told about it before the purchase. I would and will continue to buy from them as long as they are in business. They are very matter of fact people, but so am I so that must be why we have dealt well together for so long.<P>------------------<BR>Keith Bleakney BCA# 11475<BR><BR>1967 Technical Advisor<BR><BR>2 - 1967 (3517's) & 1 - 1953 (56R)

[GSMAG]

As far as the Buick Farm goes, I have made two purchases there for my Sportwagon for a tailgate skin and a 1/4 panel. I've been very happy with the quality of the patrs and the service received. I'd be hard pressed to find either of those parts elsewhere. I am diasappointed the Buick Farm is going away. I would not put them on your blacklist, especially if they have something you need. Regarding auto parts stores, if you are looking for waterpumps, alternators, suspension parts, etc, I agree, the quality is at NAPA. Gaskets and spark plugs? You can get FelPro gaskets and Champion spark plugs at a lot of "air freshener and seat cover stores" for less than NAPA. DSame goes for air and oil filters (WalMart works for these.) Get a good idea of what you should buy where and use the phone a lot. It's shocking how much money you can save.<P>Mike

[Guest]

Well, just tonight I bought a rebuild kit from NAPA for the 2 bbl Rochester gassing my '70 'Lark... $19.00. Gave them the model and seven digit build number... it'll be here tomorrow. Also got a set of wires (Belden) from them with a lifetime warranty for $33.00.<P>I don't know about the wires being less money than at Kragen or Pep Boys, but I'd rather spend my money at a NAPA store, even for those rather run-of-the-mill items, and keep them in business for when I need more obscure parts. The $19.00 for the carb kit is $2.50 less than what CARS wanted... and I'll have it tomorrow. When I paid for the items the counter person said "If the kit isn't right of course you can return it even though it is a special order... and we'll get the right rebuild kit in here for you." These people know how to get and keep business.<P>Just a thought...<P>Matthew<p>[This message has been edited by 67GSCalif (edited 09-18-2000).]

[Sled]

Sorry to hear some people have had trouble with the Buick Farm, but I can not complain.I bought some brake cables and other misc parts without any problem at all. Who knows maybe there are some yoyos working there, but I havent run in to anyone like that yet, and till I do Ill continue with them. But its good that folks tell us about any problems where they shop for parts. Thanks for the info guys.<BR>Jim

[Don Caithness]

Have had both positive and negative experience with The Buick Farm. Never a question about the quality but have received both incorrect and incomplete parts. After sales response was poor. I guess if you feel you have the market cornered for an NOS item you can display an attitute. I have a self of incorrect parts from them that I have offered for sale rather than go through the hassle of trying to return them!<P>------------------<BR>Don Caithness<BR>Technical Advisor<BR>1967&1974 "A" Body<P><BR>

[Dave@Moon]

Two vendors from my good pile: <P>1. I've have very good experience with Skip Boyer, he's been helpful, informed and very reasonable to deal with each time I've bought something from him.<P>2. This year at Carlisle I had the guy at Buicks Unlimited (I can't find his card right now and his name escapes me) actually talk me <I> out </I> of buying 2 brake drums off of him that he thought I really didn't need. He was right. How many times has that happened?<P>I think Martin is generally right about "real" parts stores, however... As for the chains, my brother is a manager for Advance. When he was training there I went in to his (brand new) store and asked for a temperature sending unit for my 1960 nailhead (and snickered). If I remember right this piece was only used through 1961. He had it on the shelf! Never discount (intensional pun ) any potential source.<P>I've only used Buick Farm once, but had no problems. They are my supplier of last resort, however, because of their prices.

[Guest]

I have purchased parts from Buickfarm on two separate occasions, and was completely satisfied both times. However, both of these were internet transactions, but I must say their computer did not curse or ridicule me in any way, and quickly and gladly accepted my credit card. <BR>

[Bill Stoneberg]

I just bought from Buick Farm again. Its not many places you can find a Brand New Windshield for a 1950 Estate Wagon any more.<BR>They had one and were willing to work with me on getting together to get it.<BR>Bill