Where's the Parts- East Coast Specialties

Nationwide, you can find a surprising selection of parts in local stores- the hardware store or Tractor Supply will have a lot of the basic wire, ty wraps, connectors and fuses that you will need for simple projects. Another great local source can be the NAPA store, they may have Weather Pak connectors, heat shrink and cable clamps on the shelf- most counter Guys will order anything that their warehouse stocks for the next day. Use the web site or ask for a copy of their hardware catalog to lookup items you may not even have known that you needed! And I have to admit, Radio Shack sells the best solder that I've ever used, IMHO.

When you need specialty items like relays and sockets, full wiring harness' or fuse panels, it's time to go online to the manufacturer's and distributors websites. It pays to shop a little, some harness' and major parts may be less expensive through companies like Summit who have big buying power and large inventories. You'll also get quick and inexpensive delivery. My favorite source on the East Coast for a variety of install parts, supplies and tools is Installation Products based in Long Island NY. They are a mobile electronics distributor, so you can find audio and video parts as well, but dig around their website for great pricing on lots of items commonly needed for any auto wiring task. Ask for Phyllis on extension #109 and tell her I said "Hello" we go back almost 25 years in the business!

Some items are a little harder to find, for instance braided sleeving, this company has a great selection and typically ships from Florida. Trust me, this stuff is great- easy enough to work with (use the "non-fray") and looks great when installed correctly. Look under the dash of a Bentley or Lamborghini sometime. Need some basic black and need it tomorrow at a good price? Check out McMaster-Carr- they have several types of the sleeving and LOTS of useful stuff at very fair prices. Best of all, you can order late in the day, and have your goodies the next day via FEDEX ground.

For street rodders and resto-mods that can't resist swapping in the latest high tech power plant, you'll need to search around a bit for companies that really know how to wire your creation. I've had good luck with Ron Francis, they make good quality products, but most importantly will give you great support before you commit to the needed wiring supplies- and when you're stuck with a few extra wires later on in the installation! And of course, they're in Pennsylvania.