ShadowsPapa
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Bill
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2019
- Threads
- 178
- Messages
- 29,091
- Reaction score
- 34,572
- Location
- Runnells, Iowa
- Vehicle(s)
- '22 JTO, '23 JLU, '82 SX4, '73 P. Cardin Javelin
- Occupation
- Retired auto mechanic, frmr gov't ntwrk security admin
- Vehicle Showcase
- 3
- Thread starter
- #16
Last I knew they don't stock much of anything. They have things drop-shipped. For example, when I ordered the bushings - it took multiple suppliers for RA to get them for me. They came from 3 different places. RA simply finds sources for the parts and when you need something, they place the order and have it shipped to you. They only actually stock very popular fast moving parts, the majority are shipped from other sources.Ouch. I like RA because they stock everything, even if it's not organized in the right spot. Case in point was that they were the only ones to carry a brass heater core without swivel connections when I needed one for the dodge. They also carry lots of good NOS parts just in general.
But sure, RA can be a lot like eBay - you gotta be willing to eat the cost if it doesn't work out.
They didn't have your part, they found a source for it and listed it.
One of the multiple parts I had an argument with RA over was a steering dampener - name brand, figured it would be ok. Ordered it and it was way too big, even collapsed completely it was too long to go into place, and the diameter was way too large. It wouldn't fit between the cross member and drag link. I sent them photos of the original and of me trying to get the one bought from them to fit into place, and of the two parts laying side by side - my original factory part and their replacement. They contacted their supplier and were told it's the right part. Even with pictures they said sorry, the seller says that's the correct part. If they stocked the part, they'd have taken it back.
The guy literally started RA in his home
Here's one source a business/financial news site -
RockAuto sometimes ships from its own warehouses, but it also often ships directly from the manufacturers of certain auto parts. Some RockAuto customers have shared the locations from which their parts were shipped, as disclosed on the shipping documents.
They ARE a great source for NEW brake parts, name brand stuff, that AMC people can't otherwise find. I've found wheel cylinders, USA made, Bendix, Wagoner, etc. when no one else could get them. I have bought 2 NEW master cylinders from them for my various cars and they are still in service years later. They were correct. Local stores said sorry, can't get them. Otherwise - I'm very wary.
The last car I restored the suspension on - about 2 years ago, I found everything on Amazon cheaper, free shipping. and figured I saved 30-40 bucks. Tie rods, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and links, ball joints, all of it, Amazon, and cheaper than RA. I was shocked actually because RA had been cheaper than anyone else on MOOG parts and one of the only places that still listed MOOG parts for older AMC cars.
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