IAP vs. Di Fatta Brothers vs. alfapartscatalog.com vs.Centerline

[AlfaAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowmileage I never even heard of them. Time to take a look

[lowmileage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaAddict It shows this heatwave is getting to me . http://www.highwoodalfa.com/about1.htm

[Joe Papa Sr]

Vick's will go out of their way for personal service....once, when I needed a 10 cent O ring, I asked them to put in the mail, the old fashioned way, with a stamp, and they did it!!! nO UPS fee, and no minimum charge!! They also seem to be more engaging in a conversation to help solve a problem than IAP.

But IAP DOES have its advantages......

[kunzman]

I have used IAP, Centerline and Re-Originals. I would put IAP and Centerline above Re-Originals in terms of customer service. IAP ships quickly and has knowledgeable people. Centerline also has knowledgeable people and proactively calls if something is on backorder to see if you still want it.

[GuyC]

I've spread my purchasing around and have to say , I have been happy with the service recieved. IAP = good website and close, usually receive items in 2 day. Centerline, Alfa Import Center and Highwood have all provided me with personalized service and seem to take a real interest in your needs. We are truly blessed to have so many good vendors. I recall waiting for weeks for parts with two Alfa dealerships in town.

Guy

[peglegtom]

Sounds like my old Corvairs.

[paulbinct]

Don't want to "beat a dead horse" as I agree with most of the above cooments. have used Vicks, IAP and Centerline and no complaints about any of them. Being on the East Coast, IAP ships amazingly fast, as long as it is in stock. Have found Vicks to be very friendly and sometimes have parts in stock and a better selection than IAP. Prices seem generally comparable, and I usually go with who has the majority of what I need in stock so I do not have to use multiple vendors, and thus can save on shipping. Centerline seems to have some items the others do not, mainly some nice accessories and upgrade type parts. On bigger ticket itmes it can pay to shop around to compare prices, but for most wear and tear type replacement parts, the price and in my experience quality seem pretty comparable. If you really want OEM, however, or for instance Bosch rather than aftermarket, be sure to ask when ordering, as some people do not like the "Facet" and other aftermarket brand quality. Have no experience with DiFatta.

[lgbalfa]

pics of my tail lights from alfissimo.

[WopJob]

don't forget about Bruce Parts Bin here in NJ.

[msiert]

I agree with all the comments above right up to the point when none of them have what your looking for...............like an OEM bottom raditor hose for a S-4 Spider with A/C.

All the aftermarket ones are either too big or have the wrong twist to them and end up getting sliced by the a/c pulley or the crank pulley......ask me how I know.

Trail Auto was the only place I found one. Trail Auto

[AlfaTango1]

I have used almost all of the above mentioned dealers and I have had mixed results with IAP, Di Fatta has some things you cannot find elsewhere and they are less expensive than IAP. Centerline has been good. A.P.E. are a small operation but very nice, though to get a call back sometimes, never bought from Vick so no opinion. For replacement stuff like plugs, filters and even water pumps Rock Auto has the best prices so never count them out. Of course they won't have lenses and body parts but other than that they are a great source.

[GV27]

Don't forget Vick's. They're very good as well.

I've dealt with Vick's, Centerline and IAP and have found them all equally easy and pleasurable to deal with. I usually deal with Centerline because they're pretty close to me and in the same town I grew up in. So I send my Pop up there to get parts - he loves it. But I have dealt with the others. Sometimes you have to call around to find your part in stock - but they all have a particular part in stock with about the same frequency: most of the time.

We're pretty darn lucky on the parts scene. A lot of old cars are really difficult to find parts for.

Chris

[Giovanni2000]

I too have dealt with A.P.E ,IAP and Centerline and try to spread the wealth. I was very happy with IAP and Centerline. APE had a rare part for me, but I thought he was very rude. I talked to him right before and after lunch, my advice; call and conclude all business before lunch, less rudeness...

[Bob Sacamano]

Any and all of the vendors mention can do a good job and usually do. be very careful, however, of getting sub-standard replacement parts; off-brand hydraulics, water/oil pumps, electrical parts, fuel pumps/bearings sourced in China, etc. Ask before you buy, and make it clear that quality isn't acceptable for your Alfa. I (and you) would rather spend a few $ more for a quality part (oh, I don't know, let's say a clutch cylinder) which will last more than a year, to avoid making intermittent service into regular maintenance. Unfortunately, in my experience, IAP is by a wide margin the worst offender in this area, and as a result, my last choice as a vendor.

Murray's example of the S4 lower radiator hose is a prime example, one I've experienced myself, and it's just not worth the trouble. if it's not the right part, vote with your feet and wallet. and move on. There are vendors who simply don't get involved with the low-end crap; Trail Auto, Alfa Parts in Berkeley, Highwood Motors in the UK, to name several. They deserve our support more than maybe some others, IMHO, because they make the extra effort, and they'll make no excuses about "OEM-Quality" (which I've come to accept as an IAP term for junk) being what we want/need.