Tom Eckstein <tomeck@rain.org> is a partner in JAE

Independent Lotus, English Ford and British specialist car parts and service. We at JAE specialize in finding hard to get parts. As factory distributors for Lucas/Girling, AE, Borg & Beck, QuintonHazel, weber, Triplex, Coopers, Moss, K&N, Spax, Safety Devices, Earls and Titan we have access to an enormous range of parts--and the knowledge needed to get you the right part the first time. Large selection of in stock Lotus and English Ford parts. Weekly airfreight from the UK. Full engine building facilities. Fast, friendly, knowledgeable service. I heartily endorse JAE Automotive in Goleta, CA: Their prices are almost reasonable (which ain't a bad recommendation in conjunction with the word Lotus). Last time I ordered a part from them, a new courtesy light assembly, there was a slight glitch in shipping: the guy (Mike?) put someone else's address on the package, resulting in a delay -- I was out of town anyhow. When I called to check on the order, he was extremely apologetic and promised to send it out right away (after double-checking the address). Little did I suspect that right away meant it would show up the next day as priority mail, along with a free JAE T-shirt! (And no second shipping charge.) I've just ordered a M/C reservoir from JAE. Their price was $35 vs. $49 at Dave Bean. The guy who took my order certainly seemed knowledgeable: He knew what I was talking about right away, and had seven reservoirs in stock. I've been told that it's run by a couple of guys who left Dave Bean, but I can't say for sure. JAE: $24.91 for a Europa courtesy light. Dave Bean wanted $64. This is about the price differential I experienced last time I was looking for a part. -Cory Carpenter, coryc@sequent.com

I'd like to add a testimonial for JAE. I was in a hurry to find some Triumph parts that I knew were only available in Britain. They don't normally deal in Triumph parts, but I faxed them a parts list, they made a call to their agent over there, and I had the parts in three days. Most came from Moss Europe; JAE added about 20-30% to the Moss list price, which isn't bad considering that I didn't pay ANY customs or international shipping. He's willing to deal with specific vendors, too, and handle all the currency exchange - just give him and address, phone number, and parts list, and the parts will appear at your door, COD from UPS. It's almost easier (and cheaper!) than ordering from TRF. - Chris Kent Kantarjiev

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