I just got back from Advance Auto Parts where I just ordered a wheel
cylinder, brake shoes and front brake pads for my 74 Midget. They will be
in tomorrow and are substantially cheaper than most of the mail order
catalogs. I'm living in Florida now, but when I was in Virginia, I also
used Advance to keep my MGs running. The alternator I'm currently running
is from them, with a life time warranty (just keep the receipt). Last night
I found a leaking wheel cylinder. To order through the catalog would have
taken at least a week to get the parts, and I'd of paid shipping. If I
wanted it shipped overnight, the shipping costs more than the parts. As it
is I'll have my brake cylinder tomorrow and can install it on Saturday. I
depend on the Midget to get my son back and forth to college every day so I
can't afford to have it off the road very long. No financial interest in
Advance, just appreciate good prices and service.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great mail order companies which I
support and spend LOTS of dollars with, but some of the more common things I
get locally when available. Last weekend I was changing the gearbox on the
Midget and broke a motor mount taking the engine out. A motor mount isn't
available locally, but Moss sure took great care of me. I called them
Saturday afternoon and ordered the part. It was delivered to me Tuesday
morning. That is great service, I paid a lot for the shipping, but Moss
ensured it was sent out first thing Monday morning so I would get it
Tuesday.
I've had LBCs for quite a while now and we would be lost without the mail
order companies. Over the years I've ordered from Moss, VB, TRF, Seven,
Rimmer, Little British Car Co., Motor Head, Special Interest, and many more.
All the companies have strong points and weak points, but without them we
wouldn't be able to support our cars the way we do.
If in a hurry I'll order locally, if time isn't a factor, I'll normally get
the parts from a mail order company. I try to make a list of the parts I
need, then order a bunch at one time to save shipping.
Just my .02
Ken Waringa
71 TR6 (almost ready)
74 Midget (daily driver)
74 MGB (next project)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of Mike Lishego
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2000 12:17 PM
To: Ajhsys@aol.com; dersk@usa.net; mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Difficulty of replacing starter?
>Check out www.carparts.com for cheep stuff like starters, and make
sure you
>click the link and "Join Us Free" to get a big discount on your
first order.
>
>If you don't know anything about starters, pay the extra bucks and
order one
>from Ed at Just Brits, Peter C. at Worldwide Imports, or George
Merryweather.
> Tech help from these guys is WELL worth the extra cost. Let me
know if you
>don't know these guys, and I'll get you in touch.
I'd personally suggest getting your starter from a national auto
parts store. Any of the big ones will be cheaper than moss and
these places offer a lifetime warranty on starters, alternators,
etc. It's really worth it if you plan on keeping the car. The tech
support you get from Moss is invaluable, but I think that the list
can probably walk you through the process if you get hung up
anywhere.
Keep in mind that many larger auto parts stores do have parts for
our cars. Even if you don't do the work on your car, you can still
probably get away with buying your own parts and having your shop
install then.
Anyway, best of luck with the starter. It's a good first-time
project, and the information offered up by the list is always
excellent. Have fun!
Mike Lishego
http://www.mgb.bc.ca/virtualgarage/
1991 Mazda Miata
1986 Plymouth Turismo T1
1986 Chrysler LeBaron GTS
1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE
1974 MGB
Asheboro, North Carolina
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