Is the Early Ford Store actually operating? I placed an order online on Feb 28 and my credit card has been charged but order says "unfulfilled". I have tried multiple times to call and get phone message that message box is full, call again later. Dave
I've had pretty poor service from them lately. Charged but not shipping because of back orders. Wrong parts sent. Poor communication. Not sure what is up.
Well, it seems like email might be the answer! My account on Early Ford Store shows "Fulfilled" and I got a reply email that says the same and that the order is on its way. We will see what happens and report back. Dave
Its basically a 1 person family operation since Bill (the orig owner) p***ed away.Averaging 200 emails a day plus walk ins is tough to keep up with.Know them well. He needs help but good dependable knowledgeable people - hard to find these days.
I visited them Sept 2022 and they were very busy BUT did stop to help me out Great store but since Dad died they are BUSY
Mike is the only one dealing with the store and he can't do it by himself he tries hard. In sometimes when I go he tells if you see anything you need get it and pay for it that is how busy he gets
A one man show is a tough gig. You have to play catch up all the time and you have to work when you're sick and never get time away-unless it's at the cost of of closing the shop for a day. Like it or not, it sounds as though he needs to hire some help even if it's a part time EE. Otherwise he may find the workload situation will "self correct" which wouldn't be good for anyone. Somewhere in the greater area there's a young enthusiastic kid that REALLY likes old cars. He's the Son or Daughter of a regular customer (car family) or works at Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and knows the ins and outs of the auto parts business but would really like to be involved with cl***ic stuff. The other possibility is a local, long time (trustworthy) regular customer. They speak Early V8 Ford & Flathead, etc. Perhaps they're retired, would like to offset their income a bit (or just get out of the house) and would work a day or two per week as needed. They'd be right at home on the other side of the counter, handling phone calls or picking internet parts orders. If he's building a project at home he may take some of his pay in parts ("will work for parts"). He just has to find that person and bring them on...
Sadly, a similar fate has taken place with Baxter Ford in Lawrence Ks. a top notch father son team & extremely difficult for a one-man operation to continue at the same level of service when losing 50% of the knowledge & work ethic that has endured for years, while dealing with your own heart break & I'm certain now a huge void in a business/hobby you love.
Thanks for all the replies guys! I actually got a call from Tory this morning before business hours and left a message to call him on his cell phone. I called him right back and he apologized for the delay and silence and a second email confirming my delivery scheduled for tomorrow. He was very nice to talk with. My faith has been restored and I will buy from them again if the need arises. Dave
I work for them part time (shipping heavy), Mike and Tore are working their ***es off to keep up. He only has part time help and his sister comes in on weekends to do paperwork. They have more in stock than most any early ford parts store on the west coast. Since the pandemic, parts have been harder to stock do to manufacturing and some have become obsolete. Mike is constantly buying up parts so he can have those rare parts in stock that you need. PLEASE BE PATIENT, this is a viable business that is very valuable to the hobby. They do not steal, they will eventually fill your order and get it to you. Thank you for understanding.
I've knew Michaels dad, Bill, since he had a store next to CW Moss Auto Parts in Orange. Always saw and talked to Bill at all the local events, he is missed. Bill was a stand up guy and Michael is the same. They are a very valuable supply source for our old Fords and I will always call them for any early parts.
Michaels a straight shooter, just that demand outweighs the service, please be patient, it will be worth your time..
Just got off of the phone with him, called him just before I found this post, was a great guy to talk to, pretty knowledgeable about my order without even pulling it up. I'm looking forward to getting the items.
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