Topic: Buying Parts -- Bad Form??
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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I am ultimately planning a restoration that will include paint and interior.
I have started buying some of the bits and pieces now, though I don't expect to be able to have the paint work done for 12 - 18 months.
My thought was that by getting the emblems, lenses, trim, etc. I can feel like I am making some progress on the project. And I'll have prepaid hundreds of dollars of the total final cost.
But I plan to have the work done by a shop.
Are they going to be annoyed when I hand them a box of new parts I did not buy from them??
Thanks for any input. 
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I would think a resto shop would rather have the parts in hand before starting. It's quicker for them, and less headache. Just be sure to ask about this before picking the shop, or taking the car in. If they won't use your parts, then I wouldn't use the shop. My .02 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I agree 100 percent with Joel. They will be working for you. As long
as they know that you are providing some parts before you guys work a
deal then they should be fine with it. If not, look for another shop.
'
Scott
ranger3 2007-04-17 17:18:21
'
Scott
Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
[QUOTE=jayare]Remember.....
They are working for you. You tell them how it's going to be.
P.S.... Get "everything" in writing !!
[/QUOTE]
EVERYTHING!!! NO MATTER HOW INSIGNIFICANT IT MAY SEEM NOW...GIT IT IN WRITIN'!! Trust me on this one! Been there and done it too many times. Just when your sure everything is cool and everything is understood and will be done the way you expect....well, just get it writing. 
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas... 
Ditto on all of the above.
If they know ahead of time that they won't be able to screw you on the cost of parts, they'll make it up somewhere else.
And they may not tell you that until it is HALF finished.
"Sorry to tell you this Mr. Smith, but the cost of paint just jumped way up, so I'm gonna have to charge you a little more. If you would please bend over now, we can get this done real easy."
Bottom line is make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.
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Lifetime MemberLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
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Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
just another thought here. a lot of shops do not like using customer
supplied parts for a couple of reasons, one being as stated they can't
make anymore money on you. another is what is going to happen if
the part that you supply them is not quite right. for example, my
brother who restored a 66 mustang and does all his own work purchased
an after market power steering hose and could not get it to hook up. he
broke down and went to ford dealer and got one and went right in. he
said the difference was so small that it was hard as hell to tell but
it was just enough to cause a lot of grief. you will have to make it
clear to them that you will accept the responsibilty for something like
that . and just another thought would be about warranty issues on
some of the parts. just wanted to point what you may be in store for.
hope you find a shop that you can do this with and it works out for you.
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THE DYNAMIC DUO
THE DYNAMIC DUO
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Dave,( even though I've heard similar references before ) your description of the possible scenario is priceless.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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When I chose the shop to do my work, I looked for someone who not only does the work for me, but also does the work with me. If they can't work with you then find another shop. P.S. DAVE, YOU CRACK ME UP!!
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
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Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Have you talked to them about it? When I had mine done they were fine with it. It was one last thing they had to jack with. There were no quality issues because I bought it. They just wanted to make sure that I had stuff there when need be. If you haven't talked to them yet do so right away. You might be pleasantly surprised.
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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