I contacted everyone I spoke of in the "parts" post, and told them what I was up to strictly in the interest of fairness and honesty.
One person replied. ONE. that was Jim Carter himself, who took time from his busy day to talk to the likes of me.
This is my impression of our conversation. Jim takes his business seriously and personally. The guy is as easy to talk to as any guy who hangs out in a garage and is perfectly content to do so. He expressed his support for my project and told me he if I ever needed help or got stumped on anything, to give him a call. I think this guy KNOWS old trucks, and hasn't forgotten the values of personal service and commitment to the customer. In short, he's one of us.
So,let's see.
- has parts
- has knowledge (doesn't need a computer to tell him what to do)
- honest
- personal involvement.
- commitment to make it right.
I hung up the phone and sort of wondered what year it was. This is the part store of my younger years where, when I was learning about cars, people were patient, honest, and provided excellent service. In those days, it was more than just a job to the guys who worked there, and the owner was never far away. Needless to say, I was impressed by Jim, and now, his store is my first choice. I'll probably buy my grill there when the time is right.(which means after I save up enough money and the wife agrees).
OH YEAH! YOU HAVE GOT TO GET ONE OF HIS CATALOGS! Instead of a flashy catalog, Carter's have used more plain paper and added old advertising, and tech info. I have that catalog in one of my most coveted places where I do most of my research. (you figure out where that is).
Jim,
I just wanted to drop a note to say how pleased I am with your company. I did quite a bit of research, and the front bezel I got for my truck was the best deal I could find. Your customer service was great. Thank you again for the great deal, I will be sure to shop with you again, if the need arises! A++++.
Vince M.
Mr. Jim Carter
A while back I ordered parts and received them promptly. Among them, a replacement radiator for my 1950 GMC 1/2 ton. Later, while changing them out, I noticed the new one had no lower petcock as did the original. Not really checking any closer I bolted in the new one.
New radiator,, hoses, clamps in place, I started filling with anti-freeze. That promptly ran out of the bottom tank. Knowing I had a defective unit, I called Jim Carter's and talked with Jimmy on it.
Without any fuss he said a new one would be on the way and when it arrived, simply box up the defective one and he could send UPS right to the shop to pick it up, at no cost to me.
Needless to say, I was very impressed with the ease in which Jimmy handled it.
No B.S., no hassle. Pulling out the defective unit, low and behold, it did have a petcock. Only, on the front side rather than the rear. That can happen when a welder tries to play with wrenches. I called Jimmy back and told him what the deal was so he could cancel the replacement.
I have been a customer for some time and quite satisfied. But the way Jimmy handled this deal more than impressed me. He sold me on being a "Forever" customer of Jim Carter Truck Parts.
I just wanted to write a thank you and let you know about the P. R. that Jimmy sent out that day.
Thank You
Ray Cassel
To: Jim Carter Truck Parts
1948 GMC 1 1/2 ton Wrecker Restoration Photos
Here are some pictures of the restoration project we have completed! All the new parts that were used were purchased from Jim Carters. We purchased everything from patch panels to repair rust, weather stripping, headlight bezels to interior. Thank you for your service you have provided and hope you enjoy the pictures!
Thanks
Stan Garland
Garland and Sons Body Shop
Nashville,TN 37209
To: Jim Carter Truck Parts
Re: Return of parts
Thank you for your excellent customer support group. I find it refreshing to work with people that are pleasant over the phone and helpful at the same time. Please use the refund from these returned parts towards the outstanding balance I still have with Jim Carter. The amount that should be refunded is $49.60 I look forward to doing business with Jim Carter Antique Truck Parts in the future.
Sincerely,
Rick Hensley, Spokane, WA
To: Jim Carter Truck Parts
I just want to say thank you for an outstanding job on my recent order from you. My order number was 260841 and I found a problem with it. However, after a short e-mail to you a few days later the part was replaced with the correct one. You never asked for anything, just sent a new one. This is GREAT service. I wish every business was like yours. Enclosed you will find the part that came with my order. It has not be used or installed. It was shipped in the original container. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Ottensmeier, Marion, KS
Jim Carter Truck Parts
I am writing you letting you and your parts sales manager know how much I appreciate your customer service. I recently emailed your parts department about a problem I was having with a couple of parts I purchased. They immediately replaced the parts free of charge. The new parts worked out great. I just wanted to let you know that the only reason I haven't purchased anymore parts for my 1971 Chevy pickup is because I am deployed to Iraq. I have recommended your company to many of my fellow soldiers and friends. I am looking forward to returning home to finish my project truck. I will definitely be using many more of your products.
Thank you once again.
Sgt. Hall, Christopher D.
U.S. Army
Hey…Jim Carter
My name is George E. Coe. I thought you would like to see the finished 54 GMC Cab Over. I want to thank you for your great service and the quality of your parts and your courteous sales people.
The 54 GMC Cab is on a '79 1 ton Chevrolet frame and running gears. 350 Chevy engine, Turbo 400 transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, A/C, tilt wheel, and Red Red.
Thanking you in advance
George Coe
Jim and crew,
I just wanted to let you know that I've been using your company for over two years now and I love it!! I hope you stay in the market for years to come. I'm the proud owner of a '72 C-10 Custom. I think I looked for her all my life. She's my baby. I've been restoring her for some time and your company makes it easy to keep her true. I'm enclosing a picture of her taken from last summer. She's a bit further along than that now. Once again, thanks for being there and keep up the good work. Chevy to the end! Tommy
Thomas G. Hutfles
Subject: you guys are the best!!!,
I am attempting to restore a 1940 1/2 ton Chevy truck and have ordered several parts from your company. Everyone that has helped me has been very helpful and knowledgeable. I would like to extend a personal THANK YOU to Julie who helped me sort out my latest order and to say THANK YOU to Steve back in used parts. Steve enthusiastically answered all of my questions and helped me sort out a very confusing order for a 235 short block and all the fixins. I can't wait for the shipment to arrive. Rarely does a company find employees that exhibit this level of knowledge and friendly support.
Being a newbie, this is my 1st attempt at a restoration, I find it confusing and have lots of questions and concerns. So I am taking it one step at a time. But I am confident that with assistance from Jim Carter and all the employees, all things will come together and this will be a pleasurable experience. I am sure that I do not need to tell you what a valuable asset employees like Julie and Steve are. Thanks Rick Folker.
