The next best source for TS parts

[Meridivs]

Last year I ordered some Pontiac TS rear control arm bushings from rockauto.com

Meantime I aquired another Pontiac TS that needs this job done and surprise there's no more rear control arms bushings available on rockauto.com, not even for 2007 or newer Pontiacs.

From your experience, what's the next best online source for parts besides rockauto.com? I really need this since ordering the parts from the local European auto store costs 17 times more and takes about the same time to deliver as getting the part directly from USA.

Thank you all!

['97ventureowner]

Just a suggestion: Did you contact Rock Auto to inquire as to why they stopped carrying these parts? There are some reasons such as the supplier stopped, or they no longer use that supplier, slow selling item, etc. Sometimes if a company gets requests or inquiries about a certain product, they might make the effort to find a new source for these. I've parts from them for years, and get their monthly newsletters. They seem to be a company that goes out of the way in an attempt to satisfy their customers. Sometimes all it takes is a bunch of requests for a company to make a move, if no one takes any action by contacting them , then nothing would be accomplished.. I find their prices and service to be a lot better than other companies that sell online.Also if you sign up for their emails, they contact you based on your past purchases to let you know of sales, or deals on parts passed on from the manufacturer, and if certain parts will be discontinued, and are on clearance for your vehicles. Good luck in your search for a new source.

[Meridivs]

I've contacted them already. Now I'm waiting for an answer.

I'm also satisfied with their service (bought from them almost everything for my car even if I live in Europe) but sometimes you need an alternative.

From your experience what would be the next best online source to rockauto.com?

[LMP]

Verify this: www.cars-stripes.com
..this is in Germany. Many European forum members mentioned it was very convenient.

[Meridivs]

Thank you LMP

I will have a german-speaking friend check that site for me.

Shopping online in USA was, thanks to rockauto.com, very convenient for me. Unfortunately there's a great deal of parts that are missing from rock's catalog lately

I'm looking for two rear suspension control arm bushings that are nowhere to be found now even if I bought the last pair from rockauto.com last year.

I wonder where else do you look for Pontiac TS parts?

[Jeffrv]

Here is a site I found, althogh I have never dealt directly with them
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=215130
As you are finding out, GM has discontinued supporting the "dustbusters"
A GM dealer out in eastern Canada did locate some rear spring insulators that GM didn't have, and I think he may have used this or some other site dealing in classic GM parts..anyways, he got them for me
Jeff

[Meridivs]

Thank you for the site, I've added it to my Favorites. Unfortunately they don't carry rear control arm bushings either.

The dealer/auto parts store is not an option since they're selling GM parts at 17 times more their online price

[Jeffrv]

Just poking around on the net found another place for you to try ESPO.com. They have a listing for Silhoutte, but not sure what parts they have. E mail them and see what happens.
Jeff

[Meridivs]

It seems that they have a problem:

Can not deliver the message you sent. Will not retry.

The following addresses had delivery problems
<[email protected]> Reply from 64.12.138.57[64.12.138.57]: 554- (RTR:CH) http://postmaster.info.aol.com/errors/554rtrch.html

I'm afraid that this is not a rockauto.com issue, it might be related to the american auto industry problem. Some parts/providers are simply dissapearing fast from the catalogs or are selling parts for bargain prices

I surely hope that the american auto industry will have a chance to learn it's lessons and move on instead of capsizing now... I had a lot of european cars (including Mercedes, VW and other brands) but never liked the cramped feeling (except older Mercedes) and hard ride they come up with.

[96tsport]

Originally Posted by Meridivs

I will have a german-speaking friend check that site for me.

Babelfish can help translate. Others too but I haven't tried them.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Meridivs

I'm afraid that this is not a rockauto.com issue, it might be related to the american auto industry problem. Some parts/providers are simply dissapearing fast from the catalogs or are selling parts for bargain prices
.

Sounds like an age old dilemma we Americans have faced fr many years, "planned obsolescence" : I know Ford is well known for this as I remember we needed to get parts for a truck we we're doing the brakes on and the dealership looked them up and said they were no longer available and the vehicle was only 6 years old
In a way I can understand the need to "pare down" inventory as the number of new vehicles and parts increases every year while the supply of older vehicles continues to go down. there is only so much space and money to keep spare parts on hand but come on there are still plenty of these vehicles around, warranting the need for replacement parts. In some cases , an aftermarket company will come in and obtain the rights to reproduce these items for sale, or I've seen companies come in and buy out the remaining supply of these parts, then offer them up for sale through ads in publications that cater to owners of older vehicles.
Speaking of that, if you can get your hands on a copy of Hemmings Motor News, you might be able to locate a company that has these parts you need. If you aren't familiar with Hemmings, they are a monthly publication that caters to classic, antique and older vehicle owners. It contains both private sale and commercial ads for parts and supplies for practically every make and model of vehicle. maybe you might find a company that carries the parts and ships to your location. Here is a link to their site www.hemmings.com

[nicke66]

[quote=Meridivs;5954476]Thank you LMP

I will have a german-speaking friend check that site for me.

Cars and Strips have the rear control arm bushing, part no 12-2010 (91-96). The price is 64.5 Euro for one bushing!

[Meridivs]

I've found the real control arm bushing on AutoZone with 27$

For body panels and other parts I think I'll "plant" another Pontiac TS in my aunt's orchard.

Thank you for the Hemmings!