OK, ok... while this may be a GREAT idea, it could be counterproductive with respect to this site's ad-generated revenue. I've done a great deal of reading and have been turned on to different vendors here and there. We all know that 60's era Caddy Parts can be hard to find. I was just thinking it would be great to have a sticky of recommended parts vendors, especially for the hard to find items. Also, some vendors seem to be more of a definitive choice.
If this is OK, I will start; Following are some of the vendors I've found helpful for those hard to find specific parts;
GENERAL
caddydaddy.com/
I've was referred to them for a dashpot originally. I've looked at items like the Trunk Lock Crest/Badge/Cover and found them to be a bit pricy. And I've been disappointed at the limited inventory. BUT, they are a very reputable supplier and may have JUST what you need when you need it so I always check with them.
GENERAL - EXTENSIVE INVENTORY
usapartssupply.com/
What I like about this vendor's catalog is that they use Cadillac's original part numbers. This makes it easy to cross reference. I confirm the name and part number of the item I'm looking for by first finding it's likeness according to location/function on the blown up images from Cadillac's Original Parts Catalog available here (Parts Catalog thru 1970). The http://www.usapartssupply.com/ catalog uses the same parts numbers so you KNOW you are getting the item you've just verified...
If nothing else, even if you go to another vendor, I've found it helpful to cross reference their catalog for verification prior to throwing money at a problem. The catalog can be downloaded in pdf format.
WEATHERSTRIPPING
rubbertherightway.com
These guys are the indisputable definitive choice for weatherstripping. I've searched the blogs and over and over and over I've found references to them. I won a part on eBay from them before realizing it was the same place. They sent me a paper catalog and it was extensive - all parts in the paper catalog were also online.
OF COURSE THERE ARE SEVERAL VENDORS
who carry the common GM parts (like Starters, Voltage Regulators, Motor Mounts, etc)...
Autozone (often have what I am looking for at an economical price)
O'Reily (a little more expensive than Autozone I have found)
RockAuto (better know what you are getting, have to wait for shipping, etc)
JC Whitney (got something from them, but can't remember what! - LOL)
If this topic is OK to post, please, anyone with good leads on vendors and parts resources, please post... Somewhere I have links to a Salvage Yard Inventory Search Engine. If I can find that I will post that as well.
If this is OK, I will start; Following are some of the vendors I've found helpful for those hard to find specific parts;
GENERAL
caddydaddy.com/
I've was referred to them for a dashpot originally. I've looked at items like the Trunk Lock Crest/Badge/Cover and found them to be a bit pricy. And I've been disappointed at the limited inventory. BUT, they are a very reputable supplier and may have JUST what you need when you need it so I always check with them.
GENERAL - EXTENSIVE INVENTORY
usapartssupply.com/
What I like about this vendor's catalog is that they use Cadillac's original part numbers. This makes it easy to cross reference. I confirm the name and part number of the item I'm looking for by first finding it's likeness according to location/function on the blown up images from Cadillac's Original Parts Catalog available here (Parts Catalog thru 1970). The http://www.usapartssupply.com/ catalog uses the same parts numbers so you KNOW you are getting the item you've just verified...
If nothing else, even if you go to another vendor, I've found it helpful to cross reference their catalog for verification prior to throwing money at a problem. The catalog can be downloaded in pdf format.
WEATHERSTRIPPING
rubbertherightway.com
These guys are the indisputable definitive choice for weatherstripping. I've searched the blogs and over and over and over I've found references to them. I won a part on eBay from them before realizing it was the same place. They sent me a paper catalog and it was extensive - all parts in the paper catalog were also online.
OF COURSE THERE ARE SEVERAL VENDORS
who carry the common GM parts (like Starters, Voltage Regulators, Motor Mounts, etc)...
Autozone (often have what I am looking for at an economical price)
O'Reily (a little more expensive than Autozone I have found)
RockAuto (better know what you are getting, have to wait for shipping, etc)
JC Whitney (got something from them, but can't remember what! - LOL)
If this topic is OK to post, please, anyone with good leads on vendors and parts resources, please post... Somewhere I have links to a Salvage Yard Inventory Search Engine. If I can find that I will post that as well.