Restoration-Mini

Technical Forums => Maintenance and Modifications => Topic started by: bahoffe on April 27, 2009, 07:54:52 PM

Title: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: bahoffe on April 27, 2009, 07:54:52 PM
Hey everyone, I thought I would start a thread to discuss which classic mini supply companies are the best. 
Let me know where you go to buy parts and your overall satisfaction with the company.

Here are the two sites I have been looking at so far and what I have noticed. 

www.minimania.com  has a very robust catalog however prices are a higher

www.gbcarparts.com lower prices but the website is not as user friendly


Appreciate any feedback
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: 94touring on April 27, 2009, 08:10:12 PM
I like 7ent.com and minisport.  Plus if you're buying from minisport right now the dollar is strong.  They ship pretty quick from my experiences with them too. 
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: weirdeh on April 28, 2009, 05:58:32 AM
I use www.mrmini.ca but he has claimed that he may be closing soon - prices are good will ship by mail if your not in a hurry and looking to save a bit.
and www.bmc.on.ca again good prices on some stuff others are kind of higher the web site is old and kind of outdated but they will be more then happy to chat with you when you call.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: xcc_rider on April 28, 2009, 12:43:29 PM
GBCars when it's something they carry and Heritage Garage. GBCars ships really cheap and saves me money. Heritage has the same or maybe a little higher prices than MM but the shipping is cheap and I can get it the next day when I need it.  I haven't tried 7ent yet and am considering Minisport for a larger purchase. I just need to check out the shipping costs to me from there.  dan
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: scottb6058 on April 28, 2009, 07:10:42 PM
Seven Enterprises AAAA+++++
I would avoid Minimania at any expense.
The owner Don should just retire.
Silly forum.
Maybe its just me
Scott
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: towjoe on October 16, 2016, 02:35:00 PM
Found a new supplier....................
     minimine.co.uk
Take a look at the themostat side engine steady.
Regards
towjoe 77.gif
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: John Gervais on October 16, 2016, 04:47:55 PM
I use MiniSpares (http://minispares.com/shop/classic.aspx?c) almost exclusively for parts, but have occasionally purchased from:

https://www.minisport.com/ (https://www.minisport.com/)
http://www.calverst.com/ (http://www.calverst.com/)
http://www.kentautodevelopments.com/ (http://www.kentautodevelopments.com/)
https://www.med-engineering.co.uk/ (https://www.med-engineering.co.uk/)
http://www.dsnclassics.co.uk/ (http://www.dsnclassics.co.uk/)
http://www.somerford-mini.co.uk/ (http://www.somerford-mini.co.uk/)
http://www.minimail.co.uk/ (http://www.minimail.co.uk/) 
https://www.holden.co.uk/ (https://www.holden.co.uk/)  For Lucas components, igniton lead components, APEM switches and other stuff
https://burlen.co.uk/ (https://burlen.co.uk/)  For SU Carb and Fuel System components
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/ (http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/)  For Electrical System and Wiring supplies

I would also avoid http://www.minimania.com/ (http://www.minimania.com/), for many reasons...
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: BruceK on October 16, 2016, 07:56:51 PM
I recently posted this Mini parts supplier in another thread, just adding them here as a convenience.   I have not used them, but I do note they focus on parts for the early Minis.

http://www.retrominisltd.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: jeff10049 on October 16, 2016, 08:52:05 PM
Jack at seven ent. has been great to me, I also buy from heritage garage, mini spares, and gb.
I think Dan the site owner can get us body panels.

I have had more than one bad experience with mini mania.

Jeff

Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: roadhouse on October 17, 2016, 05:49:30 AM
I've purchased almost all my parts from minispares. Never had an issue with them and they ship quickly to US.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: BruceK on October 17, 2016, 02:41:33 PM
Quote from: roadhouse on October 17, 2016, 05:49:30 AM
I've purchased almost all my parts from minispares. Never had an issue with them and they ship quickly to US.

I've been doing that too, and I am quite satisfied with MiniSpares as a supplier.  However, I recently visited MiniSport's UK site and saw some interesting things there that I've never seen MiniSpares offer.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: John Gervais on October 17, 2016, 03:05:55 PM
I recently took Hyacinth into a local supermarket, an environment she hadn't been in years.  As she marveled at all of the exciting products and unfamiliar people milling about, I gave lessons regarding comparing sale items based on cost-per-kilogram, not to mention the sense in buying 2, 3 or even 4 items when the accrued savings per item would yield an additional essentially 'free' item.

She then called me a 'mansumer'.  Yes, I'm a mansumer (http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/76795.html), and proud of it.

My mansumer approach to shopping applies also to mini parts, and my shrinking garage bears testimony to my addiction to buying extra everything every time I order something.  For a rainy day perhaps, maybe just a maintenance item, but if it's on sale, buy two, three or four...
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: MiniDave on October 17, 2016, 04:10:41 PM
Ran across this today, interesting concept.....

http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/fasteners-and-fittings/imperial-range-of-hardware/assortment-sets/classic-car-restoration-sets/bmc-classic-mini-1959-2000-all-models-in-a-box-the-ultimate-bolt-fastener-set-3000-pieces/ (http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/fasteners-and-fittings/imperial-range-of-hardware/assortment-sets/classic-car-restoration-sets/bmc-classic-mini-1959-2000-all-models-in-a-box-the-ultimate-bolt-fastener-set-3000-pieces/)

(http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/p-5762-Classic-Mini-All-Years-420x420.jpg)(http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mini-set-2-420x420.jpg)
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: 94touring on October 17, 2016, 04:15:36 PM
My mini hardware aisle in my shop is definitely handy. 
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: BruceK on October 17, 2016, 05:01:57 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on October 17, 2016, 04:10:41 PM
Ran across this today, interesting concept.....

http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/fasteners-and-fittings/imperial-range-of-hardware/assortment-sets/classic-car-restoration-sets/bmc-classic-mini-1959-2000-all-models-in-a-box-the-ultimate-bolt-fastener-set-3000-pieces/ (http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/fasteners-and-fittings/imperial-range-of-hardware/assortment-sets/classic-car-restoration-sets/bmc-classic-mini-1959-2000-all-models-in-a-box-the-ultimate-bolt-fastener-set-3000-pieces/)

(http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/p-5762-Classic-Mini-All-Years-420x420.jpg)(http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mini-set-2-420x420.jpg)

Very, very cool concept.  The price of £215 is about $US260.  That seems like a bargain.  It would be so nice to a replace all the nuts, bolts, washer, etc. with new stuff.   Assuming the fasteners are all of good quality, that is.   


Did you see they also offer complete rebuilt engines? 

http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/engines/engine-units/bmc-series-998cc-uprated-block-1275-cylinder-head-classic-mini/
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: 94touring on October 17, 2016, 05:58:38 PM
My only thing is for $260 you can go to boltdepot.com and buy loads of mini specific hardware to do 3 cars.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: John Gervais on October 17, 2016, 06:03:38 PM
Years ago, I purchased:

GMS114 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Fasteners/Bolts/GMS114.aspx?2101&ReturnUrl=/shop/classic/Fasteners/Bolts.aspx%7CBack%20to%20shop)
GMS116 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Fasteners/Nuts/GMS116.aspx?2103&ReturnUrl=/shop/classic/Fasteners/Nuts.aspx%7CBack%20to%20shop)
GMS115 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Fasteners/Nuts/GMS115.aspx?2103&ReturnUrl=/shop/classic/Fasteners/Nuts.aspx%7CBack%20to%20shop)
GMS126 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Fasteners/Washers/GMS126.aspx?2104&ReturnUrl=/shop/classic/Fasteners/Washers.aspx%7CBack%20to%20shop)

I restock them as necessary.  Special fasteners, like those used in the clutch assembly, caliper and trunion bolts,  I look up the part numbers buy separately from MiniSpares.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: MPlayle on October 17, 2016, 08:00:34 PM
I've been using 7Ent and MiniSportUSA lately.  MiniSportUSA is basically a US website and contact for MiniSportUK.  Most parts ship out from the UK and their website pricing is tied to the current exchange rate.  With a login, the site knows you are in the USA and automatically gives the USD price (ex VAT).  It has made for a big difference in some bigger cost items - 7.5" front disk brake kit (assembled even) for $507 plus shipping!  Same order has 5 tires (145/80/10) at $42 each).

Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: BruceK on October 18, 2016, 07:32:04 AM
Quote from: 94touring on October 17, 2016, 05:58:38 PM
My only thing is for $260 you can go to boltdepot.com and buy loads of mini specific hardware to do 3 cars.

Good point.  I guess I was thinking if you tend to buy the nuts and bolts individually from one of the Mini parts suppliers they really start adding up.  Not the wisest way to get fasteners.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: 94touring on October 18, 2016, 08:35:00 AM
It's also nice having extras so if you drop one or lose one, you just grab another from the bin and it's no big deal.
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: Flyinace2000 on November 03, 2016, 12:31:56 PM
I've also used Moss Motors.  2 warehouses in the US for quick shipping and great pricing. 
Title: Re: Who are the best part suppliers
Post by: aseriesspares on November 03, 2016, 12:56:03 PM
Quote from: BruceK on October 17, 2016, 05:01:57 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on October 17, 2016, 04:10:41 PM
Ran across this today, interesting concept.....

http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/fasteners-and-fittings/imperial-range-of-hardware/assortment-sets/classic-car-restoration-sets/bmc-classic-mini-1959-2000-all-models-in-a-box-the-ultimate-bolt-fastener-set-3000-pieces/ (http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/fasteners-and-fittings/imperial-range-of-hardware/assortment-sets/classic-car-restoration-sets/bmc-classic-mini-1959-2000-all-models-in-a-box-the-ultimate-bolt-fastener-set-3000-pieces/)

(http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/p-5762-Classic-Mini-All-Years-420x420.jpg)(http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mini-set-2-420x420.jpg)

Hi Guys,
We noticed quite a bit of traffic from this forum to our website today, so i thought i would just head over and see if there were any questions that needed answering.

A couple of quick answers for you...

1. Quality, All of our hardware comes certified from Western Factories and is a minimum of SAE Grade 5, We also include SAE Grade 8, Grade 12.9 Cap Heads and A2 304 Stainless for door hinges, some engine compartment and interior parts. Our platings are all CR+3 as standard to meet the latest EU regs however we do offer CR+6 for rest of the world applications still. The sets include fasteners for variants throughout the years and we have rounded up, we supply all over the world and the reviews are superb, many people purchase the sets to working on multiple cars at once :)

2. We offer amazing bulk savings for anyone needing lots of any particular sizes.

3. We have specialist workshops for Classic Car services (welding, electrical, re-finishing, engines and more)

There is a one-time-use discount code available which is get your a further 10% OFF online orders. Use discount code IMNEWHERE at the checkout.

If you have any questions about parts or services that we offer, please ask. We will not be posting offers on the forum but you can join our mailing list if you wish and we have LIVE CHAT on the website for anyone needing assistance when on the website.

Have a great evening all.

Rob

Very, very cool concept.  The price of £215 is about $US260.  That seems like a bargain.  It would be so nice to a replace all the nuts, bolts, washer, etc. with new stuff.   Assuming the fasteners are all of good quality, that is.   


Did you see they also offer complete rebuilt engines? 

http://shop.aseriesspares.co.uk/shop/engines/engine-units/bmc-series-998cc-uprated-block-1275-cylinder-head-classic-mini/