Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle Parts Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Search for Vehicle Parts?
In the top left hand side of the screen, select the 3 lines. This brings up a menu that allows you to find your specific vehicle by Make, Model and Engine size.
It should be noted that many American Vehicles particularly in the 60s and 70s may have a variety of options over the years.
So one yeah might have a certain type of Water pump, the following year may change that, however the very next year the original water pump may again be the correct fitment. So just searching SBC water pump will not necessarily find you the correct water pump your after.
Do Belchers Supply Parts for British Cars?
Belchers Only Supply Parts for Vintage Fords and American Cars. Note that all parts supplied are American specification, even if there is a cross over to a European models i.e. A Jeep Cherokee is supplied to both the USA and European markets with many parts being the same, but some that are not! Belchers supply the USA specifications only.
Can Belchers Order Body Parts and Windscreens?
Yes, Belcher Engineering has regular shipments from the USA and thus we can order windscreens and body panels at very competitive prices. We even supply some windscreen companies.
Where do Belchers buy our parts from?
Belchers bring in parts from a variety of suppliers across the USA.
These include The Parts House, Ecklers and may more besides.
We also utilize a shipping facility around new york where parts are stored and then shipped across the pond in a cost effective way for our customers.
Why Should I buy Parts from Belchers and not a USA based Supplier?
Our parts are competitively priced and we like to think we compete on every item. However where we can excel over USA based suppliers is if there is a problem.
Belchers will accept returns in accordance with our standard terms and conditions.
Belchers are brining in parts every week from the USA, so customer benefit from shared shipping costs. This is particularly beneficial on larger/heavier items.
Why do Belchers have a Minimum £50 Telephone Parts Order for items not in Stock?
All businesses need to be able to turn a profit and whilst margins do vary per product and supplier, we might only make ~£10 on a £50 product order. (20% of the £50 would be VAT)
With time time taken to arrange an order and sort out any shipment that arrives (checking and repackaging/posting), less than £10 margin does would not cover the cost of labour in sorting out an order to less than £10 margin (£50 sale price.
Vehicle Work Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any vehicles you wont work on?
We tend to focus more on Vintage and Classic Vehicles. That being said we have and continue to do work on modern vehicles from servicing to mechanical undertakings.
How much will work cost?
It really does depend on what work we are undertaking. A simple vehicle service might only be a few hundred pounds, whereas a full Restomod conversion on a poor condition vehicle might run into 6 figures and we do everything in between.
Our mechanics are charged out at competitive rates against other independent specialists. Note that VAT is applicable on our rates.
How does your Invoicing/Billing Work?
The mechanic records down their hours spend on the vehicle into a CRM (Computer System) that tracks time spend on jobs.
This is then directly transferred either on to the invoice (in the case of smaller jobs) or into a weekly progress report for larger engagements. On larger engagements the weekly progress report will be sent out to customers, listing all that the mechanic has undertaken.
Do you take on work from Customers based Abroad?
Yes, its not uncommon for Belchers to undertake vehicle restoration from customers based abroad.
Do I have to pay a Deposit?
On Larger projects a deposit maybe required or in some cases customers maybe asked to purchase some of the larger parts upfront, which effectivly works as a deposit.
Can I Pay Cash?
Customers can pay cash, however we prefer others forms of payment such as debit card or bank transfer.
We reserve the right to charge a handling fee on very large cash transactions.
Can I stop work part way through at Belchers?
Customers have the right to stop or cancel projects at any stage. There is no commitment required to finish projects started in our workshop. However it should be noted that outstanding un-billed hours and parts will need to be settled before any vehicle is collected.
Im based on the other side of the country, how do I get my car to you?
Belchers work with several transport agents, where we can simply pass on their details . Then you can arrange a date/time thats convenient for you to have the vehicle picked up. Likewise we can arrange transport back for your vehicle. Simples.
What should I know before I bring a car to Belcher Engineering?
We would always recommend checking our terms and conditions before you bring a vehicle in. (available on our website)
Do we offer a Mobile Mechanic Service?
The short answer is no.
This type of work is better suited to individuals or businesses that have vans kitted out to do this type of work, typical on more modern vehicles than we deal with.
We may under certain conditions come and investigate what work would be required to be done on larger projects, in an effort to give ball park pricing.
Do we do Bodywork and/or Spraying?
This service is only offered as part of larger engagements where we are doing a restoration or restomod conversion.
Does Belchers Charge a premium on parts supplied and installed as part of our repair/restoration works?
Parts Supplied as part of repair/restoration works are typically charged out at the same rates as parts supplied to customers ordering on our website.
Some larger items may carry a slightly higher margin (Engines and Gearboxes), because Belchers is effectively providing a warranty around these parts i.e. if a crate engine fails in a full restoration project we are undertaking . Belchers will undertake the removal and replacement of this engine at no charge to the customer (in the warranty period).
Customers are free to source their own major components (engines/gearboxes etc.), however Belchers would then offer no such warranty.
See our terms and conditions for full information.
Can I get a quote on work?
That depends upon the car and the job your looking at having done.
We can quote for simple things like a brake pad change, however often with older vintage and classic cars there can be underlying issues which only become apparent once we start stripping down parts/components. Also we do a lot of bigger works on vehicles and these vintage/classic vehicles have been modified over time or in a poorer state than a modern car making quoting very difficult. In these circumstances we are more likely to be able to give ball park pricing.
Can you do Welding Repairs on my Car?
Yes we can do welding repairs on most vehicles. However if its a more modern vehicle, please consider where we are located (Suffolk) and that these smaller jobs maybe more suited to a more local garage to where your based.
Can you fit a Chevrolet LS Engine in an older Land Rover Defender?
Yes we can, options for 2 Wheel drive or even four wheel drive if required.
Other upgrades could include 5 speed gearboxes, enhanced suspension, brakes etc.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repair a Digger Boom?
Yes, in most cases we can repair Gigger/Excavator booms, buckets etc.