Buying Used Chevy Parts… eBay Style

By Robert Snowden

If you're a Chevy enthusiast with gray hair, (or no hair at all), I'm sure you can relate to trudging around swap meets looking for that last needed part for your Chevy restoration. Why was it always raining, or snowing with the wind blowing, or the worst; 102 degrees, with no shade? If you can relate to this scenario, then you and I are about the same age. Although the weather was often unbearable, there were good days as well, good weather or bad, these trips to the swap meet always left us with great memories. The best memories were from the days when we found that one treasure so desperately needed! Have you noticed the recent swap meet trend - fewer and fewer vendors and parts? Well old guys like you and I need to face the fact that most used Chevrolet parts today are purchased or traded electronically on eBay! I this months View I'll be discussing a few things to take into consideration when buying your Chevy parts off the web.

For an old guy like me the next step is nothing short of amazing; go to eBay and search for example, (1961-1962 Chevrolet Super Sport grab bar). There it is, not one but perhaps several grab bars to choose from. Best of all, in most cases there will be a photo and a detailed description of the bar. Some of the bars might be purchased by bidding on the part, sometimes you may find a "buy it now", with no bidding on the part. The down side to this great adventure is simple - at the swap meet you can reach out and touch the grab bar, you can closely examine every aspect of the part, and then you can barter with the sell over price. With the electronic transaction you have to rely heavily on the photo, and the part description.
For old guys like me, or first time buyers, there are some safe guards and things to be aware of when buying parts off the web, look for the following:

eBay History Report - Anyone actively selling parts on eBay will have a history report; look for any negative entries in this history report.

Returns Policy - Be sure you are certain what the sellers' returns policy is.

Ask Additional Questions - If you see a grab bar that peeks your interest, don't be afraid to make contact with the seller for additional information.

Satisfaction - You've received your grab bar and you find it's not as nice as it looked in the photo, or not exactly as described. If you are clear on the returns policy, send the part back to the seller.

I have not had a great deal of experience with buying used Chevy parts on eBay, but the reports from those who regularly use it, say the experience is generally good. Let's face it; this is the new way of finding used restoration parts for your Chevy! No more walking endless miles up and down swap meet rows. But, if you're like me I'll still find my way to the swap meets. The one thing eBay can't provide is that Italian Sausage smothered in fried onions and green peppers, (a gastronomical delight)! Good hunting those Chevy parts, at the swap meet or on the web!