This is likely the place to find that "certain part" for your older automobile restoration. Please read further...
I had made contact by phone with Mr. Carswell about 10 years ago in my search for old stock auto parts. I specialize in carburetors. He told me that he had 10 rebuilt old stock carburetors on one of his shelves that he was willing to sell. I am in New Jersey and he is in New Hampshire. I do travel distances to buy inventories of carburetors that have 200 to 300 pieces in them. His tiny inventory was something I would look at if I ever was in his neighborhood. My wife and I decided on a long weekend in Ogunquit, Maine for the last weekend in July of 2022. I made a phone call to Mr. Carswell saying that I would like to stop in on Friday, July 29th, around 1PM, to look at his small carburetor inventory, and browse around his store for other items. He agreed to my visit with a tone of disinterest.
My wife and I did show up at the date and time mentioned. We met Mr. Carswell upon entering the dusty and dark car parts museum that is his parts store. We introduced ourselves. We discovered instantly that Mr. Carswell is a rude and condescending curmudgeon. Our being from New Jersey seemed to work against any chance of being accepted by him. He showed me his carburetor inventory that was now at 9 units. I asked what he expected to sell the small lot for. He responded in asking what I pay. Well, I pay pennies on the dollar to buy out hundreds of units at a time...not the correct answer for Mister Carswell. And, he would not give an answer to what his expectations were for his minuscule carburetor inventory. At this point, the dim lighting over the 9 carburetors was turned off. The negotiation was over. Mr. Carswell will own them till his passing day. The carburetors, and the mass amount of inventory in the four stories of this old stock auto parts trove will likely end up in a bunch of dumpsters.
Now, I am going to give this old school auto parts store the highest rating on this forum. Based on my experience of visiting car parts stores for the past 20 years, I have a gut feeling that there is likely any type of vintage part that may be needed for American cars from the 1940s through the 1970s. This is a store that a restorer may be able to walk into and find that certain part being sought for a restoration of a 40s, 50s or 60s automobile.
Lesson learned...do not let "Mr. C" know that you are from anywhere but New England. And, do not have a New York or New Jersey metropolitan accent.
Good old customer service. From a great locally owned company. Like walking back in time when business treated customers like family. Great place to find new old stock. A true gem. Take a trip back in time. You will not be sorry. Tell them Myles sent you.
I have an 1970s car that I like to tinker with. The large retailers like Auto Zone can not understand old cars and really don't want to bother with you. This gentleman not only made sure I got the right part, he made sure I knew what it was that I needed. Great old school service. THANK YOU
Excellent customer service! This is why you should shop local!! I needed a battery charger/maintainer for a car that was going to be sitting for some time. Gave them a quick call to see if they had one in stock, owner answered and gave me a quick affirmative and rough price. I came by about 20 minutes later and he had it out on the counter ready to go! No hassle, easy purchase and a great help! Thanks so much!
We love this little shop! It’s a great place for your car needs and I love that I can shop local and support local businesses. Owner is friendly and helpful :)
This is a great place for parts with convenient parking. The owner was very helpful & friendly. He even put my new wiper blades on for me. It's rare to find that kind of customer service these days. I also got a referral to have some bodywork done on my car. I will absolutely go back!
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