Topic: What did you do to your car today?

[EV Dan]

Filters, batteries, light bulbs, struts ....



Dent drops a diff:



 

[tortoise]

Same here. Opened the hatch at minus 30 a couple weeks ago and heard the seal blow and all the gas escape.

Driver’s side on mine, but figured I’d replace both. $51 from Rockauto. Still haven’t installed them, but I’ve been out of town and the car’s been parked.

I thought about doing both but the car is only a 2015 and I was feeling cheap. I went with the Stabilus brand since they're the OEM manufacturer.

Probably should have ordered a set for the Highlander too, but again feeling cheap.

I'll use a pair of vise grips to hold it until they come in.

[Blueprint]

Filters, batteries, light bulbs, struts ....



Dent drops a diff:



 

  Read my mind! Mmmm...Lever shocks... Has to be a LBC of some kind. Or the RF is getting a solid axle swap in preparation for the LS in its drag car conversion.

My TR6 has a std shock conversion kit on it.

[Dante]

The radiator on the Outlander started leaking again... I had some bad luck with aftermarket radiators, one of the very few non-OEM parts I used on the car.... The original lasted  just over 12.5 years but the aftermarket ones seem to be good for about 13-14 months - just enough to pass the warranty LOL...

First one was still replaced under warranty although technically was out of warranty by a months or two when it started leaking, but I'm on the hook to replace the second one which is again few months out of warranty and no more goodwill from the supplier or dealer...

For now, I blame the non-name aftermarket rad used by the shop (dealer) - I let them replace it with whatever they use from their supplier without any due diligence on my side just because of warranty and at the time I was thinking I will not keep the car for much longer anyway.  Anyhow, this time around I bought my own and they will put it in (will get a break on labor but will still pay some).

I ordered a Denso from Rockauto but while Denso is a trusted brand and OEM supplier for most Japanese, including Mitsubishi, this is their aftermarket line called "First Time Fit". Although I don't expect it to last as long as the original one and despite being made in China, I hope it will still be more reliable than the crappy non-name....

Any first hand experience with Denso aftermarket rads?

[blur911]

The radiator on the Outlander started leaking again... I had some bad luck with aftermarket radiators, one of the very few non-OEM parts I used on the car.... The original lasted  just over 12.5 years but the aftermarket ones seem to be good for about 13-14 months - just enough to pass the warranty LOL...

First one was still replaced under warranty although technically was out of warranty by a months or two when it started leaking, but I'm on the hook to replace the second one which is again few months out of warranty and no more goodwill from the supplier or dealer...

For now, I blame the non-name aftermarket rad used by the shop (dealer) - I let them replace it with whatever they use from their supplier without any due diligence on my side just because of warranty and at the time I was thinking I will not keep the car for much longer anyway.  Anyhow, this time around I bought my own and they will put it in (will get a break on labor but will still pay some).

I ordered a Denso from Rockauto but while Denso is a trusted brand and OEM supplier for most Japanese, including Mitsubishi, this is their aftermarket line called "First Time Fit". Although I don't expect it to last as long as the original one and despite being made in China, I hope it will still be more reliable than the crappy non-name....

Any first hand experience with Denso aftermarket rads?

If it's not old, why not just try some "stop leak"? 
Prestone stuff is only about $9

[Dante]

The radiator on the Outlander started leaking again... I had some bad luck with aftermarket radiators, one of the very few non-OEM parts I used on the car.... The original lasted  just over 12.5 years but the aftermarket ones seem to be good for about 13-14 months - just enough to pass the warranty LOL...

First one was still replaced under warranty although technically was out of warranty by a months or two when it started leaking, but I'm on the hook to replace the second one which is again few months out of warranty and no more goodwill from the supplier or dealer...

For now, I blame the non-name aftermarket rad used by the shop (dealer) - I let them replace it with whatever they use from their supplier without any due diligence on my side just because of warranty and at the time I was thinking I will not keep the car for much longer anyway.  Anyhow, this time around I bought my own and they will put it in (will get a break on labor but will still pay some).

I ordered a Denso from Rockauto but while Denso is a trusted brand and OEM supplier for most Japanese, including Mitsubishi, this is their aftermarket line called "First Time Fit". Although I don't expect it to last as long as the original one and despite being made in China, I hope it will still be more reliable than the crappy non-name....

Any first hand experience with Denso aftermarket rads?

If it's not old, why not just try some "stop leak"? 
Prestone stuff is only about $9

It's not old - about 14 months, but didn't think to try the "stop leak" thing. To be honest I'm not a big fan of these temporary patches but maybe I will do an experiment before I replace it next week and see what happens. The new rad is on its way anyway...

[Firm]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

[Blueprint]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

Spectra Premium's plant is in a business park right here in Boucherville QC. Thank-you sir for encouraging our local businesses 

[Firm]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

Spectra Premium's plant is in a business park right here in Boucherville QC. Thank-you sir for encouraging our local businesses 

One of the few Canadian companies that is legitimately competitive in the North American aftermarket....somewhat, they did file bankruptcy in 2020 and were acquired by a New York private equity firm in Sept 2021 - but operations have continued as normal out of Boucherville.

[Dante]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

[TheHire]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

[Triple Bob]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

LOL, I was thinking the exact same thing. Just take it to someone else and do something more productive/enjoyable. 

[EV Dan]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I think it's a solid choice. I've had great experience buying parts from Denso and Bosch. They are OE manufacturers with seemingly high quality control standards while a whole bunch of other "brands" are re-badges of one cheap supplier or another.

[rrocket]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

LOL, I was thinking the exact same thing. Just take it to someone else and do something more productive/enjoyable. 

Or maybe "the chase" is enjoyable to him and part of the fun?

I know for me, when I'm modding a car/bike and I want a VERY specific part, especially one that's been discontinued, the chase can be fun.

YMMV

[Dante]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

You seem to constantly promote the wrong idea that I'm "price shopping".... I spend time shopping as necessary when I need something just like everyone else and of course I get to check out prices, make comparisons, etc...  Just because I acquire some info in the process, doesn't necessarily mean I spend a lot of time doing so. Not sure about you, but for me it only takes few min to check few sites I have bookmarked and get an idea of the parts available for what I need, stock, prices, P/Ns etc.... make a decision and place an order.

For us mortals, who don't have our own shop and people to delegate to this trivial nonsense called car maintenance and the associated costs.... well, we have to do it ourselves....

[Dante]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

LOL, I was thinking the exact same thing. Just take it to someone else and do something more productive/enjoyable. 

Or maybe "the chase" is enjoyable to him and part of the fun?

I know for me, when I'm modding a car/bike and I want a VERY specific part, especially one that's been discontinued, the chase can be fun.

YMMV

In this case "the chase" is for a better part that I don't have to replace again a month out of warranty... thus saving me time and money so I can do something else more productive and enjoyable as Bob thoughtfully suggested   

Anyway, the Denso rad is on its way so time will tell.
 

[Triple Bob]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

LOL, I was thinking the exact same thing. Just take it to someone else and do something more productive/enjoyable. 

Or maybe "the chase" is enjoyable to him and part of the fun?

I know for me, when I'm modding a car/bike and I want a VERY specific part, especially one that's been discontinued, the chase can be fun.

YMMV

In this case "the chase" is for a better part that I don't have to replace again a month out of warranty... thus saving me time and money so I can do something else more productive and enjoyable as Bob thoughtfully suggested   

Anyway, the Denso rad is on its way so time will tell.

Looking at your posts in here: https://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php?topic=112790.0

You have waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy more time than I do to think about cars.

But hey, if you enjoy it, fair play. 

[Dante]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

LOL, I was thinking the exact same thing. Just take it to someone else and do something more productive/enjoyable. 

Or maybe "the chase" is enjoyable to him and part of the fun?

I know for me, when I'm modding a car/bike and I want a VERY specific part, especially one that's been discontinued, the chase can be fun.

YMMV

In this case "the chase" is for a better part that I don't have to replace again a month out of warranty... thus saving me time and money so I can do something else more productive and enjoyable as Bob thoughtfully suggested   

Anyway, the Denso rad is on its way so time will tell.

Looking at your posts in here: https://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php?topic=112790.0

You have waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy more time than I do to think about cars.

But hey, if you enjoy it, fair play. 

Nah... that is a different car and a different story... that is hobby... this is necessity.

[TheHire]

I've had good luck with Spectra Premium rads and heater cores. I have done Spectra rads in my Sonoma, Trans Am & Camaro, great fit, and no issues...The Sonoma one has been in there 10+ years. I also have a Spectra heater core in the Trans Am, 6-7 years on it now with no issues. Plus, they're a Canadian company and readily available locally (PartSource) so no bulky shipping.

I'm all for supporting local companies in the sense that if I can buy the same part from a Canadian online retailer or local store rather than Rockauto, I would even if it's for a small premium.

However, when it comes to the part itself, I tend to trust the established brands for reasons no further than this particular case. I don't have enough experience to tell which brand is local or if the part is good quality, if it's a direct OEM fit, etc... I got burnt more than once so no more second guessing. You certainly have a different perspective from your position, the nature of your job and hands on experience.

And then it's the price - for example the Spectra Premium rad you mentioned is $292+tax at partsavatar.ca after 8% discount ($317 regular). I paid $277 CAD for the Denso shipped, tax in, despite shipping being unusually high for this particular transaction ($85 CAD). The rad itself was $160 CAD before tax and after my 5% discount. I just noticed that partsavatar.ca now has the same Denso P/N in stock selling for $276+tax....

I could've also bought Nissens for $222 CAD shipped, tax in, but decided to go with Denso option instead hoping for better quality and fit given Denso's status as OE manufacturer and a Toyota owned company.

I admire your tenacity, but I seriously wonder what you value your time at with the amount of price shopping that you do...

You seem to constantly promote the wrong idea that I'm "price shopping".... I spend time shopping as necessary when I need something just like everyone else and of course I get to check out prices, make comparisons, etc...  Just because I acquire some info in the process, doesn't necessarily mean I spend a lot of time doing so. Not sure about you, but for me it only takes few min to check few sites I have bookmarked and get an idea of the parts available for what I need, stock, prices, P/Ns etc.... make a decision and place an order.

For us mortals, who don't have our own shop and people to delegate to this trivial nonsense called car maintenance and the associated costs.... well, we have to do it ourselves....

I mean, I also do my own research, but you're one of the most particular people I've ever met. It's not a bad thing necessarily because it means your vehicles are always perfectly maintained - you're definitely the kind of person I'd buy a car from.

Let's not forget, when we did your first service when you got the car, which was effectively a brake job and fluids, there was a 68 email thread (not exaggerating) to ensure that the exact part numbers were used for all parts, the specific brands you're looking for because those are what you'd like, and that it's exactly what you'd be paying sourcing it yourself. Let's not kid ourselves though, it's 100% price shopping.

I get it that you don't want to be ripped off or overpay for something that you can source yourself online cheaper, and I'm not trying to insult you - I think it takes a lot of patience to be particular to the level that you are. I used to be this way when I had more time on my hands, though not to the same level, but I have an obsessive spreadsheet for all my cars' maintenance schedules and every little thing I do to them down to rust proofing / tire rotations. You're right - I now just delegate the actual labor, but I do shop around a couple places quickly and ensure I get the best price for the part(s) I want.

[Triple Bob]

LOL, I would have charged $100/hr just to read the emails!