The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk small town FLAPS

Just got back from the parts store, stopped to get some u-bolts for my '67. Mike,the owner, says "whatta ya workin' on now?" I told him i'm working on my '67 shortbox. Mike says "you need cab corners for it?" "Of course I do" I replied. "Which side?"he asks. "Both"I tell him. "Wait here"he says. A minute later he comes back with a dusty box, "Merry Christmas" he says. Inside was a brand-new dr. side cab corner. "I'm trying to get the basement cleaned up, and I came across this, won't do me any good, get it outta here for me."

This is the place I got most of the parts for my '48, usually get all the parts for my daily drivers. It may help that I used work in his store, in the machine shop, about 14 yrs ago too.

My point is, as easy as it is to point and click your way through a restoration, I think it's still a good idea to show a little loyalty to your local FLAPS. The small time local guys might surprise you with the old parts they have access to.

Many replacement parts for older trucks are still available. If you're talking engine parts, brake parts, seals, bearings, these types of wear items, starters, generators, regulators, check downtown. I'd be lost without my local guy. Hope he stays in business for a long time.

I agree the "Mom & Pop" auto parts store is hard to find these days. I try to support them as much as possible.
Steve

I agree too. My local parts store sells just about everything that AMCT sells.
The best thing is that the parts aren't made over seas.(I think)

It,s a good idea to get to know your local parts guys, small town or large. They will work with you & help find the right parts. Also there are about 4-6 different price sheets on this stuff. You might get them to give you a better price structure.

That's why it's FLAPS and not LAPS

This past Friday, I stopped by the last FLAPS within 30 miles, just to see what they might have for the running gear of the'56 panel I'm working on. They stock or can get in 48 hours everything I am going to need! Their prices beat anything I have been able to find on line. Support these guys? HELL YES! They have computers, but they know how to use the books, too. Sometimes they say, "come back here and take a look." One guy on the counter said that he has a '37 pick up with a tube chassis and a 454. I told him about stovebolt.com. He said he'd have to get his son to look it up. I'll use these guys for everything I can.

Happy New Year!

I stoped the other day at the local FLAPS for some service parts for my 2006 Chev,while there I asked if he had a signal switch fo my 53 3100.He looked and came out with a OEM one.I asked the cost,he said do you know how hard these are to come by.I said no I don't,You are the first place I asked.and you had it.He gave me a great price.

The reason there are still engine parts available is because there are still a lot of old farm trucks in use that use this family of engines. I use my FLAPS often as well, not only to help them stay in business but because they are often much cheaper then the "restoration" vendors.