Donor Car Videos Now On Line

We know that for some of you, it's very important to be able to see a car part before you purchase it.   With nearly one million parts, it would be impossible to photograph each one, but we're starting to take video of  our donor cars so that a number of parts are visible to potential buyers.  Engines are shown running and other parts can be seen as the video scans the vehicle.




We've added the videos to the ChuckandEddies.com website. Just click the "Resources" tab at the top of each page and then click "Donor Car Videos". This will bring you to the page that has all the videos categorized by stock number.


New videos are added nearly every day. We will attempt to eventually have every donor car represented with a video.


We hope you'll find this new features of ChuckandEddies.com helpful. As always, comments are invited.

Happy Holidays From All of Us to All of You!

The Chuck and Eddie's family would like to wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season with wishes for a wonderful new year. During this time of joy and giving, we hope that you're able to spend some quality time with family and friends, and to reflect on the important roles they play in your lives. We hope you'll join us in taking on the challenges ahead in 2012. The Chuck and Eddie's staff and management will continue to work toward providing quality parts at affordable prices. We'll also continue to use the latest technology in our recycling efforts to do our part in protecting the environment and preserving usable resources. Here at Chuck and Eddie's we're committed to you, our loyal customers. As you have already experienced this year, we have been working toward bringing you fast and efficient ways to search for and purchase auto parts on line with our new website, www.ChuckandEddies.com. We've also started to expand our online product line to include such things as quality safety work wear at bargain basement pricing. In the coming months, you'll see our product line branching out into new accessories for your vehicles and more items to help to preserve the appearance of your cars. Let's all work together to make 2012 a great year. We invite your comments and suggestions. Without them we wouldn't be able to bring you the quality products and unmatched service you are now enjoying. We're doing okay, but with your help, we can do even better! And of course, you can expect weekly deals from Gus, our resident bulldog. He has some pretty exciting stuff up his paws for the coming year. Make sure you open the weekly emails Gus sends your way. You don't wanna miss out on the super special offers that he's planning! Happy Holidays from all of us...To all of you! Great Deals On Work Apparel at ChuckStop.com ChuckandEddies.com Chuck and Eddie's on Facebook

From Car Parts to People Parts?

People parts?  Well, in a round about way maybe....
Check out our new website offering a line of high quality work apparel.  ChuckStop.com is the name and savings is the game.   

We've been able to make a deal with a major work wear manufacturer and we're passing our savings right on to you.  Select from high visibility jackets, vests, pants and shirts as well as some durable coveralls and overalls.   Of course we'll be adding more inventory as time goes on and as we come up with outstanding deals.   

Check out ChuckStop.com now and take advantage of some serious savings.  For a very limited time, we're offering FREE SHIPPING on anything purchased on the ChuckStop.com website.

Remember....it's gift-giving season.  ChuckStop.com work wear is ideal for the hard workers on your list!

WELCOME to the ALL NEW ChuckandEddies.com!

Well, it's been a long time in the making but we finally have our new, state of the art website online.  

Now you have access to our entire inventory of nearly one million parts!  The site has several ways to easily search for the part you need.  All the information is present for you to select the right part the first time.  Please take some time to look through the new site and test the features.   If you have any questions, we're standing by to assist you.  

Coming soon will be Phase two of our online ordering solutions.  We'll be adding a new mobile site that will allow you to purchase parts right from your cell phone.  We'll also be adding order tracking and other goodies to the website.  Stay tuned!

BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!!!   From now until December 25th, take a full 20% off your order on ChuckandEddies.com    Just enter:  GUS12  in the promo code box at checkout.  Our system will automatically deduct a full 20% from your entire order! 

Thank you for visiting ChuckandEddies.com.   We appreciate your business!

Help Us To Help You!

We're expanding in a big way here at Chuck and Eddie's.  You already know that we have the best selection and best prices when it comes to used auto parts, but we want to offer more.

We've already tested a line of warm hi-vis bomber jackets and based on the overwhelming response of our customers, we'll be adding an expanded line of work wear to our inventory.

We'd like to know what else our customers are interested in.  We're thinking of things like car car products (leather cleaners, air fresheners, etc).  We also though you might be interested in some cool LED lights to trick out your vehicles.


We want your input.  Please take a moment to let us know what products you'd like to see Chuck and Eddie's offer.   Please take a moment to send us some suggestions.   You can reach us at:  editor@chuckandeddies.com.

Thanks in advance for helping Chuck and Eddie's grow!

Happy Thanksgiving from Chuck, Eddie, Gus and the Rest of the Gang.

All of us here at Chuck and Eddie's with you a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.   We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your business and support.   We strive to offer each and every one of you the finest products available and the best possible price.   

As you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with your family and friends, take a moment to reflect on all the good that's come your way during this past year.   Even in these difficult economic times, there's still plenty to be thankful for.   


We're thankful for all of you.  Thank you for your loyal patronage.  We look forward to being of service to you in the next year and for years to come.

--Season's Greetings from the Chuck and Eddie's Family.

Are YOU Ready For Used Parts?

Chuck and Eddie's has been in business since the 1940's and during that time we've had hundreds of thousands of happy customers.  We've also had our share of unhappy buyers.  Most of the time, the consumers who've had problems with our parts are newcomers to the used auto parts market and don't fully understand what the word "used" actually means as it refers automotive parts. 

Used parts from late model vehicles very often look quite good, but parts coming from older cars from the 1990's as an example, will  show wear from many years of normal use.  If you're looking to replace a sun visor in your 1992 Ford with a used part, consider the fact that the visor you are purchasing has been exposed to sun and other elements for quite a number of years and this is reflected in the overall  appearance of the visor.  Interior working parts such as fuel filler necks, struts, stabilizer bars, etc will also show signs of wear when you receive them.  Here at Chuck and Eddie's we clean each part before it's sent to our customers, but even after a thorough cleaning, the part will still show its wear.  Because the parts are inspected and tested, in most cases regardless of their outward appearance, these components will function just fine in your vehicle.

So, if  you want a "new looking" part for your car, the best choice is to buy a new part, but if you can put up  with a little scratch, dent or ding here and there, you'll save a bundle by purchasing used.    Used or New?  It's a personal choice.

 

A Little History...The Chuck and Eddie's Story

Chuck and Eddies Used Auto Parts first began operations on Sackett Point Road in North Haven, CT in 1947.  Over the years, we have grown to a state-of-the-art warehouse at 384 Old Turnpike Road in the Plantsville section of Southington CT.,  our yards at 450 Old Turnpike Road, Plantsville,  190 Middletown Avenue New Haven, CT and most recently 741 Windsor St. Hartford, CT.

Chuck and Eddie’s has  grown immensely since its humble inception and is  now comprised of three important divisions:

Used Parts Sales:

Both Wholesale and Retail, we have branched out from providing the backyard mechanics of our communities to sales of major components and small parts both Nationally and Internationally with the help of the internet and employing the latest technologies in the used auto parts industry. We buy parts cars from local auctions, sending buyers in person and purchase from online auctions in other states, utilizing information obtained from call history and internet requests.

With the latest technology and excellence in customer service we have maintained a steady sales growth over 60 years.

Scrap Operations:

We employ the latest technologies from preparation of junk cars to draining and reclaiming of fluids and gases.  We provide an essential recycling services.  We are ever conscious of  environmental issues, laws and regulations.

Off-Site Scrap Operations:

In addition to scrap operations in our own yards, we also provide a service to other area yards in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island by transporting our equipment, loaders and portable crushers and crew.  We prepare their junk cars, drain fluids, etc. crush the cars, and have the vehicles loaded,  trucked out of the yard and brought to a local shredder for disposal.

We currently employ over 80 individuals.  There are 12 individuals employed in the New Haven location in upper management positions, office personnel, counter sales, parts pullers, car carrier drivers, parts delivery driver and scrap personnel.  The balance of  our staff can be found at the Southington locations. The  size of the operation dictates the disbursement of our employees.  The Southington warehouse also feeds parts to the New Haven yard to fulfill sales as our inventory here is more extensive.  

Due to changes in the industry, transforming from mom and pop yards to multi-million dollar parts facilities, we project a great opportunity for continued growth in our daily operations.  However, to stay on the cutting edge we continue to boost our inventory, buy better and later model cars and equipment to process them.  We have managed thus far to self-finance many of these activities.  

Our online division has also grown by leaps and bounds.  As of this writing, we continue to offer a portion of our inventory on ebay, but a state-of-the-art website and mobile site are currently under development.  It is expected that both of these new online features will be launched before the end of 2011.   

Coming Soon To A Computer Near You!

In just a few short weeks, we'll be unveiling our brand new, state-of-the-art online ordering system.   This new website will have many features that will help you to make your auto parts purchases quickly and accurately.

The new CbuckandEddies.com website will offer easy to read compatibility information so you'll know if the part you're considering will work on your vehicle.  Straight-forward shipping costs will also be displayed before you purchase so you can select the method that's right for you.   The most useful feature of this new site is that our entire inventory will be available for you to search.  You'll  be able to select from over 600,000 used parts and hundreds of new and OEM components.   Several search methods will be offered to make finding the right part a cinch.

Following on the heels of the new site will be a mobile ordering system.  Folks with smart phones will be able to access our entire inventory and order directly from their phones.

We'll be notifying customers via email when the new website has been activated.   Get on our list by texting the work: CHUCKANDEDDIES  to 22828, or by using our online signup form at: www.chuckandeddies.com/emailsignup

Shipping Fees - A Necessary Evil

Millions of people buy merchandise online every day.  Usually shipping costs are added to the purchase price which in some cases, greatly increases the overall charge of the product.  

It's a sad but true fact that shipping is expensive.  The Postal Service and other independent shippers calculate costs based on a number of factors, including fuel costs.   As the price of fuel rises, so does the cost of shipping an item from point A to point B.

Our Shipping Department here at Chuck and Eddie's ships a wide range of items every day.  Different sized items need to be shipped in different ways.  The majority of our items can be shipped via UPS or USPS, but some larger items such as engines, transmissions, fenders, bumpers, etc need to be shipped via truck.  Truck freight is the most expensive of the shipping methods we use.  Independent trucking companies base their fees on size, weight and distance.  Rather than calculate each buyer's individual shipping cost, Chuck and Eddie's uses a "flat rate" system.  We looked at average rates charged for certain items shipped east of the Mississippi, campared them with rates for the same type of item shipped west of the Mississippi, then formulated a fair average that each buyer would pay regardless of where they live in the Continental United States.  This means savings for the customer since most shipping rates are higher than what the customer is charged. 

UPS and USPS rates are calculated based on weight and distance.  Rates can beviewed by ebay buyers before they actually make a purchase.  This helps them to decide if the overall cost of the delivered item would be a good value. 

Since a large part of Chuck and Eddie's business is done online, we try to compensate for today's high shipping costs by reducing the price of our parts.  This practice provides our customers with a very good overall value.  
 

As our business grows, we will seek out other forms of shipping that may offer good service at reduced cost.   Here at Chuck and Eddie's we do what we can to provide our customers with the best parts at the best delivered price.

A Word About "Free Shipping":   As most of us already know, there's no such thing as "free". One way or the other we pay for the products and services we get.  Free shipping is no exception.  Merchants that offer free shipping most usually incorporate the cost of shipping into the price of the product.   A quick look on ebay found an item we sell for $20 plus shipping is offered by another vendor at $42.99 with "free shipping".   So before you click the "buy now" button on an item offering free shipping, do some comparison shopping.  It could save you plenty!

Preparing Your Car For Winter

One of the most important things you can do this time of year is prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter season. Cold winters can cause many travel related issues if you're not prepared.

Start with your cooling system. If you haven't had it flushed in a while, do it now. Replace the fluid with new antifreeze. While you're at it, have the system checked for leaks. Check radiator and heater hoses and replace any that look like they've seen better days.

Inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they look worn. It might be a good idea to install winter wiper blades. These blades have rubber boots on them that make them more efficient in snow and ice conditions.

Older batteries can die a quick death in cold weather. Be sure to check the battery for strength and inspect the cables for any corrosion.

Have your brakes check and replace pads, calipers, shoes if necessary. Having good tires are essential as well. Look at the tread and make sure they'll give you enough traction during the extremes of the winter season.

One thing you may not have thought of is to inspect your vehicle's body for scratches and dings. Road salts can make a mess of your finish if it comes into contact with bare metal. Take some time to go over your vehicle and cover any any bare metal with touch up paint. It will save you a bundle in the long run.

Check all of your car's fluids and top them off. We've all experienced running out of windshield washer solution while driving in bad weather. It's not only an inconvenience....it's dangerous.

Taking the time to perform the tasks mentioned here can not only prevent a break down. It could save your life!

CHUCK AND EDDIE VINTAGE CAR SHOW IS THIS SATURDAY

CHUCK AND EDDIE VINTAGE CAR SHOW IS THIS SATURDAY

Funny Stories From the Road

Eddie was driving down the road and a met a car coming the other way. Although there was room to pass easily, Eddie forced the oncoming car to slow down and wound down his window and shouted 'Pig'. The other driver looked in his rear view mirror and swore at Eddie. Then his car hit the pig.

Chuck's wife borrowed his car and parked in the supermarket car park. Just as she came out laden with shopping, she saw a young lad break into the car, hot wire it and drive off. Naturally she reported the matter to the police.' What did he look like?, the sergeant asked. 'I don't know she replied, but I got the licence plate'.

A traffic cop pulled alongside a speeding car on the motorway. Glancing into the car, he was astounded to see that the young lady, who was driving, was knitting. Realising that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the policeman wound down his window, turned on his loudspeaker and yelled, 'PULL OVER!' 'NO', the young lady yelled back, 'IT's A SCARF!'

Eddie's wife, Edwina was driving her Chevrolet Vega home in New Mexico when she saw an elderly Apache woman walking along the side of the road. She stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a lift? With a silent nod, the woman climbed into the car. Edwina tried in vain to make conversation with the Apache woman. The old Apache looked closely at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a red gift bag on the seat next to Edwina. 'What's in the bag?' asked the old woman. 'It's a bottle of whisky that I got for my husband.' The Apache woman was silent for another minute or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, 'Good trade.'

A man goes to a party and has too much to drink. His friends plead with him to let them take him home. He says no - he only lives a mile away. About five blocks from the party the police pull him over for weaving all over the road, ask him to get out of the car and take the breathalyser test. Just as he is about to blow into the bag, the police radio informs the policemen of a robbery taking place in a house a short distance away. The police tell the partygoer to remain where he is, they will be right back; and they run down the street to the robbery. The guy waits and waits and finally decides to drive home. When he gets there, he tells his wife he is going to bed, and to tell anyone who might come looking for him that he has 'flu and has been in bed all day.They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage and opens the door where they find the police car, lights still flashing. A few hours later the police knock on the door. They ask if Mr. X lives there and his wife says yes. They ask to see him and she replies that he is in bed with 'flu and has been there all day. However, the police have his driver's license. They ask to see his car, and she asks why. They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage and opens the door where they find the police car, lights still flashing.


Do you have a funny story to share? We'd love to hear it. Just email it to us at: Editor@chuckandeddies.com

Are You Sure You're A DIYer?

So you think you can replace that defective car part yourself even though you don't have any prior experience or training in car repair. Sure. You just look at how the broken part is installed and you'll put the replacement in the same way.

Although that seems like a logical approach, this kind of thinking often has an unfavorable outcome. A good rule to follow is if you haven't done car repairs before...LEAVE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL.

Of course, you can still play a part in your vehicle's repair. Find out from the mechanic just what parts you need, then place your order with Chuck and Eddie's. Once the parts arrive at your door, bring them to the mechanic for a proper installation.

We can't count how many times a novice has not only broken a part, but damaged their car in the process of trying to facilitate a repair. A large number of broken parts come back to us with the customer's claim that it "arrived that way".

We know we're not perfect, and we know that every so often a defective part will slip through our intensive inspection process, but we can also tell when a part has been damaged as a result of an improper install.

Used parts are the answer to keep your car running longer and better for a fraction of the cost of the alternative, but ONLY when the parts are installed correctly. A proven method for finding a good local mechanic is word of mouth. Ask neighbors, friends, co-works and the like to recommend a reliable and reasonably priced auto professional.

With a good mechanic and Chuck and Eddie's Used Auto Parts behind you, your vehicle will last for many years to come at a cost you can afford.

Parts That Require More Than A Quick Install

Did you know there are some auto parts that just won't work after installing them in your vehicle? It's true. Electronics such as ECU's usually require reprogramming before they'll work in your vehicle. Many times, purchasers of used ECUs will complain that the part is defective when in fact, the part just needed a quick reprogramming.

Reprogramming the ECU takes little time and isn't all that costly. We've seen prices anywhere from around $49 to as much as $98. Dealers prices generally are on the higher end of this range.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a used ECU is its function. There are many ECUs in the average vehicle. Some control engine function while others are specifically designed for things such as navigation, seat position, climate control, keyless entry control...you name it. There's an ECU installed in your vehicle for just about every function your car performs. It's important to know WHICH ECU you're buying before you buy. If you're buying online and can't tell for sure from the item's online description, call the seller and confirm that the unit you're considering is the right part for your application.


Other parts that will require reprogramming after install include all types of audio equipment. Stereos and the likes have built-in antitheft systems which prevent the part from working if it is removed from the original vehicle. The only way to get the part to work again is to have a dealer reprogram it.

There may be other items that require more than a quick install to operate after being removed from one vehicle and placed in another. If you're not sure about a part, do some research before you buy. Smart buyers are informed buyers.

Chuck and Eddie's Offers Online Repair and Diagnostic Info

Chuck and Eddies has partnered with ALLDATA, the industry leader in providing factory repair information utilized by more than 70,000 shops. ALLDATAdiy.com is a single vehicle access of this same information including all the diagrams, repair information, and detailed technical service bulletins/recalls for your vehicle. Every bit of information is available at the click of your mouse!


ALLDATAdiy.com is easy to use and contains all of the original manufacturers’s repair, diagnostic and repair procedures. Easy to use navigation and search tools allow you to quickly get to the info you need to do the job. Hyperlinks insure that you can get to related info immediately on your computer.
  
 Information is taken directly from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service manuals. 
  
  
ALLDATA provides the most current Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Recalls for your vehicle.
  
  
 Access to up-to-date Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) definitions and Resolutions.
  
  
 Access online from any computer at any location.
  
  
 Information is specific to your year, make, model and engine type.
  
  
 Regularly updated to meet changing Factory Service and Repair information – ALLDATAdiy.com is updated four times a year
  
  
 Accurate OE factory wiring diagrams with wire splice and ground locations.
  
  
 Access to Factory Part Numbers and Labor Times. 
  
  
    
Types of information available include: Component Locations, Service and Repair, Expoloded Diagrams,  Component Locations, Service and Repair Information, Exploded Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams.
 
   Comprehensive illustrations show you exactly where parts are located in your vehicle.   Service and Repair sections provide information to specific component repairs using OEM procedures and diagrams.     Simple drawings provide not only the picture of a part, but how to repair or replace it. Detailed information including connector and splice locations. Follow circuit paths that allows you to view from either the system or component level.  
  
 Step by step procedures for testing and repairing hard to determine issues. These charts provide simple and concise information to isolate the issue through elimination. Included are Diagnostic Trouble Codes where applicable.     Each year, manufacturers publish tens of thousands of service bulletins about possible problems after the car was manufactured.     Click on your vehicle’s mileage and view the complete set of factory recommended service to insure long life of your vehicle.     We offer Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Definitions which include drivetrain definitions. 

If you repair vehicles, you need this service! 

Used Parts Take the Edge Off High Auto Repair Costs

Car acting up but can't handle a huge repair bill?   Consider used auto parts!  

Of course, we'd all prefer to go out and purchase a nice brand new car when our old clunker starts acting up, but for many of us, these difficult economic times just don't allow for such an expensive purchase.   It's not just the cost of the new car, but increased insurance costs, interest on a car loan...the list goes on. 

It's hard to justify spending several thousands of dollars on a new engine or transmission on a car that's ten or more years old.   But a good, tested USED motor or tranny is certainly an option that can cost as little as a few hundred dollars.   Have a small, local repair shop do the install and you've saved yourself a bucket load of money!

The savings doesn't stop there.  You can find jsut about any part you need from your used parts dealer. Things like oil pans can start leaking for a number of reasons.  A new oil pan can run upwards of $500.00 if installed by a dealer.     A neighborhood mechanic, on the other hand can pick up a good used pan for as little as $30 and installed for, in some cases around $70.  Talk about saving money!

Make sure you buy GUARANTEED used parts.  Here at Chuck and Eddie's, parts are guaranteed for a full six months.  If you happen to get a part with "issues", you can get a free replacement or refund.   If you don't know much about car parts, have your mechanic order them for you.   Just specify that you want to replace your parts with guaranteed used components. 

So if your car starts giving you trouble, don't risk a breakdown.  Call your local mechanic for an appointment and tell him "used replacement parts please". Of all the options available to you,  installing used parts makes the most sense economically speaking.   You'll be helping local businesses stay in business while you're saving a good amount of money you can use for other things...like maybe a weekend road trip in your newly repaired vehicle!

Hey! What's With The Dog?

Lots of our customers have asked.   Especially since we've been including "Gus" in our email promotions.   

Chuck and Eddie's logo has the image of a bulldog peering out from a tire with, of all things, a car in his mouth.   I guess we get an A+ for thinking outside the box on that one!   If you're on our email list (if you're not, you're missing out on some great deals), you'll recall that we've been including photos of a real bulldog.  That's Gus.  He's a regular here at Chuck and Eddie's.  He's actually the Boss's pet so he gets quite a bit of attention around here.

Gus really likes to come to work.  He supervises the shipping department, keeps a watchful eye over the parts counter and keeps us office staff on our toes.  And of course, lunch time is nap time for Gus.   All hard workin' dogs need their rest.  

You'll be seeing a lot more of Gus.  We've decided that he should appear in all of our promos and he'll be a celebrity guest at our up-coming Anniversary Celebration in September.   We hope you'll be able to visit us then.  Meet Gus, have some food, and get some free stuff.   Details of this event can be found by clicking the banner on our homepage.

Oh...before you go, CLICK HERE to get on our email list. You don't want to miss any more of our great deals!

Perfect Parts? Not Always

Purchasing used auto parts makes sense now more than ever.   Not only do you save a trunk-load of money due to the low cost of used parts verses new, but you also help the environment by recycling a part that might otherwise end up in a place it doesn't belong.  

Most of the time, used parts work just fine, but every once in a while a customer will complain of receiving a part that just plain doesn't work. 

Sadly, it's virtually impossible to test every single part we sell but we do inspect each part for wear and look for signs that the part might not be in operating condition.   Most of the time we're able to weed out parts that might not be reliable, but every so often one will get past us and end up with a customer.

We understand that even though we take the defective part back and issue a full refund that it's still very inconvenient for our customers.   The parts team at Chuck and Eddies Used Auto Parts makes every effort to deliver a part that not only is in working order but one that will last for a long, long time.

To the few of you who may have received a less-than-perfect part, we sincerely apologize.  We also encourange you to continue to purchase from us.   Be it people or parts....nothing's perfect!

Smashed and Mangled but WHY?

Every once in a while a customer will ask us why we use photos of smashed cars in our product listings. Believe me, we would much prefer to use photos of each individual part that we offer,but in an effort to keep our parts pricing low, we felt it would be in the best interest of our customers to keep our product listing costs as low as possible.

We realize that a listing for a starter motor should show a photo of a starter motor. This would require that we remove the part from the car, transport it to a spot where it could be photographed. Then the photo would need to be downloaded from the camera, then tweeked and resized for display on the product listing. Multiply this process by hundreds of thousands of auto parts and we're looking at a major expense that would ultimately have to be passed on to you, our customer.

To compensate for the fact that you can't always view a photo of the EXACT item you're buying, we offer a SIX MONTH guarantee.  If you receive the item and find that it's not right for your application...send it back for a full refund.  To further that, if the part IS correct for your application, but it fails within the six month guarantee period, you're still 100% protected.  

We try to describe our parts in our product listings well enough so that you'll know which item to order, but if after shopping our onlines stores, you still have questions, simply send us an email or use our live online chat.  One of our professional  parts specialists will be happy to assist you.

Chuck and Eddie's wants to be your ONLY source for used and new auto parts.  ALL of our decisions are made with YOU in mind.

FEATURED LISTINGS

Excellent values on excellent parts...

A HOT Car Isn't Always a Good Thing

It's one thing to have someone compliment you on your "hot" car, but it's a very different thing if your car is hot due to overheating.

This time of year, it's important to take extra precautions to prevent heat related automotive issues. Consider this...On a 90 degree day, the heat radiating from the road can be as much as 150 degrees. If you don't have the correct coolant mixture, your radiator could suffer. Also consider your fuel. In most parts of the country, Ethanol is mixed with gasoline. Ethanol is alcohol and has a much lower boiling temperature than gas. When temps reach to the upper ends of the spectrum, Ethanol can begin to boil casuing a problem similar to vapor lock. Fuel pumps can fail when this happens.

If possible try to avoid long trips when the tempeture climbs into the 90's and higher. If you must drive, try to stear clear of rush hour traffic. sitting idle with the engine running takes its toll on an engine that isn't in tip-top shape.

Keep a close watch on your gauges. If you see that your car is beginning to overheat, pull to the side of the road immediately, shut down the air conditioning and turn the car's heat all the way up. This will quickly remove much of the heat from the cooling system which in turn could prevent you from having to call for a tow.

One more tip...if your car DOES overheat, DO NOT attempt to remove the radiator cap. This will cause extremely hot water to be released under pressure. The end result could be disastrous.

Replacing Interior Car Parts - The Color Challenge

It's fairly easy to find used auto interior parts at auto recycling yards like Chuck and Eddies, but it's not always so easy to find the color that will match your car's interior. 

Not to worry!  With today's advances in paints and polycoats, there's a good selection of quality Leather and Vinyl paints manufactured exclusively for car interiors.

So let's say you're trying to replace your worn black center console in

your vehicle.  You've found plenty of used consoles that will fit, but of course, nothing in black.   Just buy the console that appears to be in the best shape regardless of color.  Then stop by your local auto supply store and pick up a couple of cans of Leather or Vinyl Aerosol paints (depending upon your application). 

The next step would be to remove the old console and set the newer one in the space provided just to make sure you purchased the right one.  Now that you know you have the right part,  scrub it well with warm, soapy water.  Rinse it and let dry. 

Now you're ready to paint.  For best results.  Warm the console a bit with a hair dryer.  Don't make it hot, but warm it up to a little above room temperature.  Then warm the paint can to around the same temperature.  This will insure that the paint will be adequately atomized to produce a fine mist.  The end result will be a professional looking finish. 

Use light, overlapping strokes while painting and allow at least 5 minutes between coats.   You decide how many coats the piece will need. 

It goes without saying that you need to work in a well-ventilated area and use eye protection and gloves.

After about four hours, the piece should be dry enough for you to install it in the car.   Just take your time so as not to scratch that work of art you spent so much time on. 

Don't Be Dirty!

Dirty engines can cause trouble down the road.  The greasy grime that tends to coat some engine parts increases the change that at some point the car will overheat.  Dirty engines also fall out faster.  Overheating causes the oil to reach higher temperatures which decrease its effectiveness as a lubricant. 

Dirt and grime around electronic components tend to hold in moisture which can eventually cause the components to fail. 

Dirty engines are also a safety risk.  A car can overheat and catch fire in some cases.    

So how do you clean a dirty engine?   Our advise would be to take it to a professional.  Cleaning an engine yourself could cause damage to the vehicle or to yourself.   

Several degreasers are petro based and can catch fire if the car's engine isn't completely cool.  You could cause damage to the electrical system if cleaner or even water were to get on the parts.   Steam cleaning which is a common degreasing method may also damage engine parts if not performed by a professional.

A professional clean can cost around $50 to $80 .  It's well worth the price considering the mess and possible dangers you face by attempting the job yourself. 

Some Unorthodox Applications for Used Auto Parts

Used auto parts aren't just used to replace worn parts in cars.  They're also used to build custom vehicles....from the ground up!   As a matter of fact, We would love to hear from some of you who have done this or are in the process of doing it.  We think it would be great  to feature your progress on the ChuckandEddies.com website.    Interested?   Send a quick email to:  bruce@chuckandeddies.com and we'll discuss it!  

Another use for salvaged parts is sculpture!   Artists from all over the world have incorporated used auto parts in their work.  I've seen everything from animals to monsters and even chess sets sculpted with the used of car parts.    If you're an artist using auto components to create works of art, We'd like to hear from you as well.    We're sure our customers and site visitors would be interested in seeing your work and learning about how you do it.   Please contact us at the email address above and we'll talk about featuring you on our website.

Used Parts Save You Plenty

Cars approaching the four year mark, are probably to the point of needing a replacement part or two...or three. No matter how often you check you vehicle or how well you maintain it, car parts age with time...just like people parts.

It's sometimes not easy to tell if a car part is on its way out until it's too late and you're left on the side of the road with your AAA card in hand.    Once a car starts showing its age, it's a sure sign that you're going to have regular unexpected expenses relating to car repair.

One thing you can  do to manage the costs of keeping your car on the road is to replace broken and worn parts with used parts from a reputable car recycler.  

Used parts are of course the most affordable and they can be very dependable too. Just because they've been previously used doesn't necessarily mean that they are either broken or badly worn.  And knowing that you could be saving up to 80% in some cases is a good reason to consider quality used parts.  Something that some people don't realize is that a reputable used parts dealer will offer a very liberal warranty policy.  This serves as great protection for the customer.

Finding a good used part for your car has become so much easier now that many quality car recycling yards offer their parts online.  Here at Chuck and Eddies Used Auto Parts, we offer our inventory at our two locations (Southington and New Haven, CT), on our own website (http://www.chuckandeddies.com/) and on our ebay store (http://stores.ebay.com/Chuck-Eddies-Auto-Parts). 

We have a full-time Ecommerce staff who's mission is to constantly upgrade our ecommerce systems to ensure a positive online experience for our customers.  Right now, we're in the process of developing a brand new, easy to use website as well as a mobile site which will allow our customers to order from anywhere right from their cell phones. 

Of course, for those who prefer to actually see and handle a part before they purchase it, most auto recyclers, including Chuck and Eddies, maintain a very busy showroom. 

So keep your car running long for less money.  Use used!

The Benefits of Recycling Auto Parts