michael.warshaw Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 Andrew bernbaum has sold out, its owned by a nice gent named chris now. A new era has started.
TodFitch Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 Jee. I clicked on this thread thinking you'd been burned and weren't going to buy from Andy again. It will be interesting to see how this new owner deals with customers.
Dodgeb4ya Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) OH my Gawd! Andy sold out? That makes me happy! Edited January 18, 2012 by Dodgeb4ya
Roadkingcoupe Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 I look forward to the continuation of all/any parts sources for our old 1930's and 1940's MoPaR's. Although AndyB had a polarizing effect on some forum members I never heard anyone complaining of his lack of knowledge. Although slightly jaded he knows his Mopars. I hope that Chris has a knowledge base that covers the products that are for sale (and the huge inventory not listed in the catalogues) . How many people have the experience and knowledge that AndyB possessed. We will find out. Giving the new owner the benefit of doubt, as I have no reason to doubt his knowledge. I look forward to another enthusiastic proprieter of old Mopar parts. However in reality retail has been changing and the question it does make me wonder? which is better? Knowledge vs. Customer service? Of course both are not mutually exclusive....they are becoming rare in existing in the same time/space.
Rodney Bullock Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) Oh, sad to see Andy go. I have delt with him for many years and liked him. My plymouth is in storage now and I hope I will not need anything for a while. I will miss him. He taught me alot about my car and how to get the right parts for it. He is also a fellow collector. He knew parts because he worked on his own cars. I hope he is in good health and enjoys his collection ...thank you Andy for all your hard work:) Edited January 18, 2012 by Rodney Bullock
Andydodge Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 Rodney, I fully agree with your sentiments, Andy Bernbaum may not have had the most congenial bedside manner but in dealing with him for over 20yrs from here in Australia he was always prompt in sending the goods, knew what he was talking about and was always professional in my dealings over the phone. I would have liked to wish him well had I known of this, oh well, I trust he enjoys his retirement or whatever he intends to do. No doubt others may not feel this way.........anyway I trust the new owner will carry on the business to everyones satisfaction.......Andy Douglas
Uncle-Pekka Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 I also agree with Andy, Rodney & roadkingcpe: I appreciate Bernbaum's knowledge and dedication to old mopars. He was my 1st choice source for parts. He is very straightforward, no small talk, maybe even a bit rude sometimes, but HEY, anyway we got personal service and expertise! Compare to RockAuto where you deal with a robot most of the times. I buy parts for my '77 New Yorker from RockAuto. Dirty cheap, may be, but 50% stuff are wrong spec... Poor show considering you cannot get refund due long distance freight to Scandinavia. My hat off to Andy B. - I wish him relaxing retirement days.
Dan Hiebert Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 Andy Bernbaum was the very first place I found parts for my D24 waaay back when. Whether you like his bedside manner or not (I never had any issues with attitude, service, or knowledge - except maybe that I've had a trunk lock cylinder on "back-order" there for about 18 years ) he and his business are an old MoPar institution that will be missed. If for nothing else but the service and knowledge he provided me - I wish him well in whatever endeavor he takes up. Given his demeanor I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't turn his business over to just anyone, and I eagerly anticipate what comes next.
faucet47custom Posted January 19, 2012 Report Posted January 19, 2012 He was the only person that could tell me why I couldn't find the right king pin kit for my D24. Very knowledgable
dezeldoc Posted January 19, 2012 Report Posted January 19, 2012 Another one here that never had a problem with Andy, I kinda like his demeanor, a lot like me!
T120 Posted January 19, 2012 Report Posted January 19, 2012 Also bought parts from the guy...no complaints
Rodney Bullock Posted January 19, 2012 Report Posted January 19, 2012 Side bar here, I went on his site. There is no mention of the change. Is it printed anywhere? How did the news break?
michael.warshaw Posted January 19, 2012 Author Report Posted January 19, 2012 i ordered something from this man chris, never spoke to him before asked who he was, he responded i am the new owner, i bought andy out and am now runnning bbaum auto parts hes keeping the name for good will, as he said.
Jim Saraceno Posted January 19, 2012 Report Posted January 19, 2012 Andy has always had parts for my '35 that I couldn't find anywhere else however, more than once, he sent me the wrong parts and then told me they should be correct even though my manuals told me they weren't. Maybe his vast knowledge started to wane on the older models. I for one will be happy to deal with someone new. I bought parts from him but only as a last resort because it was a total crap shoot as to whether I'd get the right parts or not. He always replaced them or refunded the money but the cost in shipping made for expensive mistakes.
captden29 Posted January 19, 2012 Report Posted January 19, 2012 my experience with andy was hot and cold. some good parts, but brake parts are so inferior in quality as to be dangerous. i know that from experience. i did actually buy a car from him, a 1954 chrysler windsor deluxe convertible. he was one of the few people i have dealt with who gave an accurate and honest description of the car on the phone. i did pay a little too much for it, but it has been a good car, i still have it, and i am glad i bought it. he was pleasant enough in person when i went to his place to buy it. capt den
fstfish66 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 what will be the new name of the busniess ??? location ?? and number to reach him or web site ?? thanks in advance
BobT-47P15 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 I think it was stated earlier that the business name will remain the same.... so he will probably carry on with the same web page and phone.
Steve's 36 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 It's funny to hear the "sugar coating" of this guy. I say good riddance. I am looking forward to better manners and a better web site. I hope the new guy can bring this company into the 21st century.
Rodney Bullock Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 (edited) Sugar coating! I don't sugar coat no one. I know who he was, I go back alot of years with the guy. If you need someone to tell you how wonderful you are and oh having a mopar is such a wonderful thing that's you. People who are worth knowing are worth dealing with . They are not usually good natured, let's go skiping down the block. I have met people in my life that are hard shell on the outside but have great wisdom knowlege and understanding inside. My kickboxing instructor, My machinist, My Bodyman. They all were high intelligent idea men that did not have people skills. Because I was persistant They accepted me. One thing my father told me as a kid. He said everbody that you meet or want to meet are not your friend. They must earn your trust. If you meet someone you want as a friend you must earn their trust. This cat earned my trust along time ago. Edited January 21, 2012 by Rodney Bullock
Steve's 36 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 Mr. Bullock, I am glad you knew Andy, and enjoyed a positive relationship with the man. I'm sure I speak for many , especially those who were treated brusquely on the phone while trying to spend they money with the guy. I was warned, but went ahead ahead anyway, with predictable results. After one encounter I used what my dad taught me, "Vote with your wallet." Respectably, Steve.
Roadkingcoupe Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 Since there are wildly diverse experiences on this forum in regards to the "bedside manner" that customers received while dealing with AndyB, a couple of thoughts comes to mind. #1- It appears that the more knowledgeable and direct a customer was in speaking with AndyB......the higher the chances of a positive experience as the outcome. (I know that AndyB isnt much for long "chats" about you and your car). #2- The expectation that an old time Mopar vendor has to give "big box" service....might be a little out of touch. #3- Any rejoicing of the shrinking availability of Old Mopar parts is a loss for our hobby. #4- Since there are no "supermarket style" stores for our old parts and they are not reproduced like the Ford and Chevy crowd.....it behooves me that any one would rejoice the departure of another knowledgeable parts vendor. #5- I believe it is difficult to impossible for a small time operation to be profitable selling vintage Mopar parts. Even with a cost base of ZERO (which it isnt) the time and effort to fill orders (and get the parts right) is not only time consuming but tireless when the caller is unaware of the 1952 motor in his 1938 Plymouth. #6- Although everything goes better with a smile and an optimistic outlook. Some of the most interesting people I have ever met are of the other "persuasion". I for one appreciate the years of service, hospitality and the knowledge that AndyB shared with me. If anyone knows of a store that has the inventory of AndyB and the service of a fine vintage antique shop...Please share this magical parts destination wiith the rest of us.
michael.warshaw Posted January 20, 2012 Author Report Posted January 20, 2012 what i learn from this is to call neil riddle (seaplym on ebay) for your parts needs, he is nice, knowledgeable, and faily priced, and doesnt sell the repop china garbage that roberts and andy sell alot of. 206 285 6534
Tom Skinner Posted January 21, 2012 Report Posted January 21, 2012 Andy was a real Character - thats for sure. As stated most people were pretty polorized about the man, but one thing is for sure - change. I'm sure Chris will do fine in his stead. But for the other places others may seek (and they aren't as rare as Brigadoon) V.P.W. (Vintage Power Wagon) comes to mind. There are others - Terrill Machine in Texas. The Walter Percy Chrysler Club web site offers more still. Bill Hirsch in Newark, NJ and Kanters in Booton NJ and Moores Salvage in S.D. have been helpful also. The Plymouth Doctor, The Old Parts Cellar in MA. The list goes on. I will probably just as soon look to Chris at A.B's first out of sheer habit though. Good Luck Andy! Have a Happy Retirement!
Chester Brzostowski Posted January 21, 2012 Report Posted January 21, 2012 Change is not only good but inevitable. Andy is probably heading for Boca Raton and a great retirement saying to himself “No more fricken telephone calls” Free at last dear God.., I’m free at last. In 24 months or less, I hope to do the same. Chet…
busycoupe Posted January 21, 2012 Report Posted January 21, 2012 I bought parts from Berbaum's a couple of years ago and was helped by someone named Chris. I wonder if the Chris who bought out Andy worked for him for a while. Dave
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