Used Parts Information

Read it Now if you don't want to be surprised, possibly unpleasantly, later...

Before Ordering Used Parts, Email and
Request a Stock Check

At that time if the part is listed with varying conditions please let us know if you will take parts other than your requested condition.

Used parts seem to be going in and out much quicker than in the past. You will need to email for a definite availability answer, the person on the phone will not be able to access this information. Used parts are not in the "normal" inventory system and even sourcing the part can take time as most are not even at this location. We also have to compare the item you want against any outstanding orders already here.

Used items, even those that have a specific part number for a specific example (DUxx-xx) may or may not be available. They may not get taken down off the website until some time after the part is sold. We try to "gray it out" but may not have time.

The general USED parts list items are not taken down when we are out of an item. If we did that we would have no time to do anything else.

Searching for and pulling a used part can EASILY delay an order 1-3 weeks.

I wish we had the slack time to get the used parts all put away on the shelves in advance like the new parts are! It's a SLOOOOOW process. Prices for general condition Used Parts that don't have their own unique part number are listed almost all of the time even though availability fluctuates wildly . A used part listing does not indicate available stock. If we remove and replace used parts listing everytime we go in or out of stock we would not have any time to process orders... Thanks

I would suggest when inquiring or ordering used parts to let us know whether or not you want to substitute a new part if necessary to fill the order or a used part in a condition other than you have requested. Some items have more than one condition listed. (And no we won't substitute a new part or one in another condition without your requesting such. We are just as happy to sell a used part as a new one.

Selling used parts can be difficult at times. Everyone has different perspectives on what a "good" or "bad" part is. I've noticed some of the British suppliers have abandoned selling used parts altogether. We are continuing because a lot of you at times have wanted a more economical solution to a parts search. Sometimes it's used or nothing, as the new parts supply dwindles down. Our solution is to do our best to describe parts as to their physical and mechanical condition. We try to be as accurate as possible or to "underestimate" the condition. Some parts need a liability waiver sent to us before we will ship. Without such measures many items we would just scrap, regardless of condition.

You may see an item and a description that makes you think "Why are they bothering to sell THAT used part?" Almost everytime we used to scrap something, someone would ask later for the same condition part! Not everyone is doing a 25K restoration, some are trying to keep roadstering on a tight budget, doing as much labor and "fixin-it-up-themselves" as possible. Sadly, as time goes by, more of these marginal parts end up being converted to tuna cans as our storage areas fill up.

In this email age you many times have the option of seeing the item beforehand. On most items where physical condition of the part is important, we can add digital pictures to the website. Depending on our workload at the time, this may however delay things as on some days our time is filled with answering the phone and processing more typical orders. As time permits, more pictures of used items will be available on this website. If there is some other aspect of the part you have questions about please ask; we will do our best to provide answers.

Condition of Used Parts:
Used parts, unless condition is specifically described as deficient in some way (and ordered as such) are guaranteed to be serviceable and/or functional at the time of shipment. With the exception of fenders, doors, hoods, floor pans etc., this guarantee is limited to exchanging the shipped part or refunding the 80% of the part's cost exclusive of shipping/packing charges if another part is not available.

Mechanical parts carry no warranty of any kind, it is solely up to your mechanic and yourself to decide if you want to use the part or not. The risk is YOURS. We'd scrap this stuff in a second before we'd assume liability for it's condition. Some items have a specific waiver be must have returned to us before part can even be shipped. Working on and driving an old car carrys risks; even in normal operation and use. Risks of INJURY and/or DEATH.

Used parts are just that...USED PARTS, usually just as they were pulled off the car, dirty, ugly, whatever. We're just too backed up most of the time doing orders to be able to stop and spend anymore time then it takes to pull a part off a car. I keep thinking things will slow down enough for us to get ahead of the game, but it's been like this for almost 35 years. I could hire someone to clean parts and spruce everything up, but you'd be paying the price.

Used Sheet Metal

For many years we did not ship used sheet metal; it HAD to be picked up. Descriptions can be faulty (but not with bad intent). Photos can help greatly but still do not always tell the complete story. Eventually I began lessening my resistance to the so many of you that complained that making a 1000 2000 3000 mile drive here was a bit difficult... For the most part shipping this stuff has worked out but the potential for problems and unhappiness are still there. This isn't a one time deal for us; I WANT this to work out as I want you coming back over time for other things. This motivation has kept us going from before the dawn of "Rallye" into my Datsun hobby days 38 years ago.

Since larger parts are expensive to ship and are not returnable; I strongly suggest you have a knowledgeable friend or body shop arrange to look at items before purchase. I have no desire to sell ANYTHING that someone isn't happy with. All I can do is take pictures and to the best of my ability describe what I see. I can't be held responsible for what is under the paint. Sometimes the work of a frustrated sculptor is easy to spot; sometimes not.

Used sheet metal parts we photograph in as many angles as we can think of to show the overall condition. This is only part of the story though. Other than tell-tale sloppy work there isn't a way to really know what is underneath the paint; or under any filler. I've had perfectly nice looking parts make a body man cringe and also have handed them what appears to me as rusted bent up junk and had them say "no problem". As to body filler; when properly put on a previously damaged part it may last a lifetime. Put it on improperly and it can ruin a new paint job. There is no way to easily discern if there is filler or not unless you take every part down to metal you just don't know; and doing that can make an expensive repair. There will ALWAYS be filler on some areas as with say front fenders; the original part is made up from pieces; it isn't a one piece stamping. It takes a certain amount of filler to prepare a NEW fender for installation.

Shipping Estimates: Parts of this size are expensive to pack and can be expensive to ship. A used part may have 3 costs associated with it. Part Cost, Delivery Cost, and on some parts, Packing Costs. Packing costs are usually for larger size items and will be listed with item, or you will be advised before your order is processed. Delivery costs vary depending on what you order, where you are and the shipping method. Any delivery/shipping estimate shown is for the 48 contiguous United States. Please inquire for other areas. Some things we do not ship out of the '48 states.

Payment: Parts of a certain size/weight require prepayment with a check or money order prior to shipment.

Parts that are cut to order are CONSIDERED FINAL SALES AND ARE NOT RETURNABLE

Large Parts are considered final sales and are not returnable. (fenders, hoods, frame sections, sheet metal sections, doors, floors, used glass, top frames etc, ) Electrical items are checked for operational ability before shipment and are not returnable if you see the "checked OK". If your previous electrical item was damaged due to a problem with your car, a new or used item will suffer the same fate.

Used Returns:
With the exception of large items; when you receive a used part, take a look at it. If within 72 hours you decide you don't like the looks of it, you can return it for 85% of the PARTS COST if it was an item we shipped by UPS. The delivery and packing costs are not refundable. Item would have to be shipped prepaid back to us on the 4th day.

Large Parts: Local Delivery Possible
On large items it is sometimes possible to skip the delivery and packing costs if you would like to have a driver meet you locally. There is a $20 charge to do this. Please inquire in advance of order. Also good for getting a real look at the item or if you are wanting to choose between 2 parts.

Feel free to contact us as many times as you want, with as many questions as you have about any part. Our goal is, as always, no unhappy customers.