First of all let me say that if not for the various Pantera vendors many of us probably would find it difficult to maintain our cars. They have done a great job of sourcing parts and fabricating parts no longer available.
However in 12 + years owning my second Pantera I have found a large difference in pricing and customer support. Most vendors no longer show pricing and require direct calls. I needed a small rubber bushing that connects the power window motor to the regulator gear. I used an old pricing guide from one vendor to establish a base and get the factory part #. In the 4 Qtr. of 1999 this part was $ 4.95. A call to this vendor was the price was now $34.00. The attitude coming across the phone was pretty much take it or leave it. Another call to a large vendor and forum supporter told me he was pretty sure that he did not have the part and was not at his computer to check. He did not offer to call me back or have me call him later. Maybe this small sale did not interest him.
There is one vendor who has an excellent web site with pricing. Wilkinson's price was $17.00 for the same part. Still pricey but at least I knew ahead of time. While I was ordering from them I found several other parts I wanted. The prices were well under the others I had previously checked. Bill, at Wilkinson spent a great deal of time answering a lot of my questions. As an FYI Steve Wilkinson was apparently just back from the factory which is still open and selling parts.
My point of this long and boring story is that we need to be prudent with our purchases. I will support the vendors who are willing to but forth the effort to answer my questions and at least act like they care about my business.
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