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

NOMLC4ME · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 06:15 AM

Good morning. I recently joined your ranks and purchased a lovely '91 Spider Veloce. I haven't yet taken my own pictures of it but this is exactly what it looks like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:A...ie4_closed.jpg

This is the first time I've seen another model with the exact color I have.
Would love to know how many were produced at the time with this color.

I need to do some preventative maintenance (belts, hoses, filters etc.) and know there are a number of retail places online where I can buy parts. I'm just trying to determine the best place to buy based upon price, quality, return policy etc.

I also want to immediately replace both rear tail lights.

I must say that I have been reading this board for several weeks and am very impressed with the level of knowledge and the amount of info that is so readily available out here. [My list of questions is coming trust me

]
Because of your insights, I feel I was far more informed about the purchase of this car, than any new car I've bought to date. I'm looking forward to joining the frey.

Thanks,
Michael

**lowmileage** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 06:23 AM

I think you'll find prices are all pretty similar. I tend to use IAP cause I get the stuff in 2 days.

**lgbalfa** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 06:24 AM

congratulations -

rare color - i havent seen that color in a while - actually only in pictures.

regarding the tailights i bought mine from alfissimo. ask for jason. cool guy, good prices.

they are aftermarket but the fit and finish are great.

i will try and post pics of them this weekend.

**Dolce86** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 06:27 AM

Michael -

Depending on what you are looking for, youmay need to source out your orders via multiple vendors. I have used IAP for many of my needs and must tell you that the service, shipping and great return policy do it for me.

I have utilized centerline as well with good results. For the basic belts, hoses etc... I would probably stick with IAP.

Good luck to you!!

Jeff

**lgbalfa** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 06:28 AM

i replaced my tail lights because one was the european model and the other was the american model with the white stripe. why do a lot of spiders have it this way?

**backfeeder** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 06:53 AM

Michael,
I've used IAP, Centerline and Di Fatta. I would not recomend Di Fatta. The others are excellent choices.
ARDEN

**ossodiseppia** · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 07:19 AM

I've had great luck with IAP and Alfa Parts. I don't shop Centerline for personal reasons. I have had bad luck with Difatta. One of my favorite places is:

A. W. IMPORTS
52 State Highway 35
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(800) 631-5589
(732) 542-5600
Fax (732) 542-6050

**Craig LNU** · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 07:38 AM

I have used all the above and have had good luck with all.

spidryell · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 07:48 AM

Michael,

I have had good luck with IAP, Centerline and Vick's as well as Alfa Parts Exchange. Prices do vary and often IAP is the highest but they have a very good site and have great selection. Vick's even found a very good used part saving me some $. I also used Paul Spruell for a new clutch kit.

Enjoy the new car

VELOCEMAG · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 08:00 AM

IAP offers the tail lamps in a matched set. All of the vendors mentioned can supply you with parts. IAP probably has the best return policy and fastest shipping to you. Sometimes the others have the harder to get parts but for a late car like yours you shouldn't have much trouble.

WopJob · #11 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 08:13 AM

I find IAP web shopping the best of them all - prices are about equal. I spread my shopping around, I WANT ALL OF THEM TO REMAIN IN BIZ.
Also add Bruce Parts Bin in NJ to the list.

John Gallagher · #12 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 08:21 AM

IAP and Centerline have been fine. Centerline has a $25 minimum order policy, whic sometimes rules them out.

the_sicilian · #13 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 08:38 AM

u know what else makes IAP work for me is that their shoppingcart is persistent and cookied. meaning that you can work on your shoppingcart for weeks until youre ready to buy. their stuff literally leaves the door within 24 hours of ordering...not even amazon can pull that off.

my only gripe was that when talking to them on the phone, they werent very informative.

then they give you 120days no-questions-asked returns without even restock fees! again, not even amazon pulls that off.

they really are remarkable for ANY online retailer.

**alfaparticle** · #14 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 09:08 AM

I am surprised by the negative feedback for DiFatta Brothers. I like dealing with them. They are extremely knowlegeable and they are more likely to supply OEM and less likely to sell aftermarket parts. I still use the UK suppliers, particularly Highwood Alfa, but the weak dollar has made them less competitive. I have never received a wrong part from a UK supplier.
Ed Prytherch
79 Spider Veloce
88 Milano Verde

**lowmileage** · #15 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 09:14 AM

I feel real lucky to have the selection of parts suppliers and the quick availability of parts. I remember back in 1972 when I was without the heater (defroster) hose for my Alfa and had to wait 3 weeks for the local "Foreign parts store" to get it. It of course was in February, the coldest month of the year and I had to scrape the inside of the windows to get the ice off.