Repair Questions: Buying My Own Parts

[marcus]

Hello:

This is my first post at this community. I just bought a salvage Airstream at a good price and just had it hauled to Texas for repairs. When I got the list of parts that would be needed, I was shocked at the prices. The bottom line is it looks like I can source most of the parts myself and save several thousand dollars in doing so. However, the shop is not really wanting to let me do that.

Can anybody give me some advice regarding this subject? I am in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Thanks in advance.

[ventport]

Most shops mark up the parts they install 20 to 30%. The same as in the auto industry. Thats why they do not want to install your parts. Also if they order the wrong part it's on their dime, if you supply the wrong part a battle ensues over who pays for the time lost.

[68 TWind]

Best prices on non Airstream RV type parts that I have found is PPL in Houston.

[2airishuman]

hi marcus, welcome...

define parts.

as in WHAT is needed?

basic appliances or appliance bits can be sourced a lotta wayz.

some stream specific body pieces can be fabricated from basic stock.

but others are EXTREMELY specific to the brand or model.

salvage yards may have some of those pieces.

in general a/s will NOT sell parts directly to owners,

unless the owner is IN the factory store IN j/c ohio.

Originally Posted by marcus

... The bottom line is it looks like I can source most of the parts myself and save several thousand dollars in doing so...

this is highly doubtful.

but the majority of salvage repair COST is in the labor required to make the repairs properly.

cheers
2air'

[Aage]

It's sorta understandable, isn't it? I mean, we wouldn't dream of going into a restaurant with a ham under our arm, and ask them to make a sandwich. I know that's a silly analogy, but your shop may feel it's a valid one...

If you want to have the advantage of buying your own parts, you might have to either install them yourself, or hire a private mechanic to install them, not an RV repair place. Or find another shop.

[TG Twinkie]

I take it you don't want to do the repairs yourself.

[marcus]

just spoke to the shop again. they are going to shave $3000 off the parts. my parts and labor on this deal are going to be $16,000 in total. i am happy they negotiated a little. i will post a full report in 6 weeks when the work is complete.

thanks to all that replied. this is my first airstream.

[ventport]

Man that's a lot of repairs, what all are they fixing?

[Aage]

Oh, say, is this the one that was on ebaY with front and rear body panel damage?

Still winds up being not a bad price, I guess. Lotsa body work to do there!

[ASwifey]

I'm a service writer in a big rig and trailer repair shop, our policy is that if you bring you own parts, the warranty responsibility is solely on your shoulders. We don't discourage customer's from bringing their own, but we do loose out on the money generated by the mark up when they do, but it's good customer service.

[marcus]

Aage - yes, that is the one. I am anticipating a top-notch job.

* I have bought my own car parts for the last 10 years. Sometimes I do the work and sometimes I have mechanics do the work. I assumed it was the same for trailers..... live and learn.

* Sounds like a good idea to learn to do some of these smaller jobs yourself if you can.

[ASwifey]

If you have a good relationship with your repair facility, they should be really honest about your options. I am always nothing but honest when a customer asks about mark up, and providing their own parts.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by marcus

Aage - yes, that is the one.

So, if you paid $23K and put another $16K into it...sounds to me that you are still ahead of the game money-wise on a $70K+ trailer. The only thing you will be compromised on is that it will have a salvage title which isn't a problem until you decide to sell it. Good luck & enjoy ~

Shari

[utee94]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

So, if you paid $23K and put another $16K into it...sounds to me that you are still ahead of the game money-wise on a $70K+ trailer. The only thing you will be compromised on is that it will have a salvage title which isn't a problem until you decide to sell it. Good luck & enjoy ~

Shari

Not sure about that, Shari. Here in Texas I am not certain you can get it inspected and registered with a salvage title.


marcus (good name by the way)-- Before you spend any more money, be sure to check with your county tax assessor collector to determine what all is needed to register your trailer. Each state has different laws on these things (and even within Texas, each county seems to enforce them differently).

Good luck!
-Marcus

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by marcus

Aage - yes, that is the one. I am anticipating a top-notch job.

* I have bought my own car parts for the last 10 years. Sometimes I do the work and sometimes I have mechanics do the work. I assumed it was the same for trailers..... live and learn.

* Sounds like a good idea to learn to do some of these smaller jobs yourself if you can.

It also depends on the shop. Think of it this way. You wouldn't buy a bunch of Auto Zone parts and expect the Chevy dealer to put them on for you.

There are shops that will install your parts for you, but the dealerships are not in that business.

[Dwight]

Where are you having the work performed at?