GARAGE CRAWL – ARMADALE AUTO PARTS HOT ROD SHOP
With Covid-19 causing border closures at the drop of a cough, planning any future travel is risky. Add into the equation flights and the peril and cost escalates… and that’s just if you manage to complete your intended getaway without forced quarantine upon return. Whew! But recently I took a punt on visiting our far western shoreline as a commitment to a fellow rodder to feature his first ever, home-built hot rod and catch up with close friends for a long overdue frothy and fellowship.
As our fearless leader rightly stated back in issue #226, a trip across the Nullarbor isn’t fulfilled without taking time to visit Alan Smart at Armadale Auto Parts in the southern suburb of Kelmscott to uncover what exciting builds are emerging from the Hot Rod Shop division. I also enquired how the inescapable pandemic is affecting our cherished lifestyle of fun with modified vehicles and vintage tin in the far west of Australia.
“Our workshop continues to be busy, but retail has changed considerably,” Alan remarks straight off the bat. “Where our online sales were predominately eBay founded, now I receive orders and inquiries via Facebook and Instagram direct.”
Alan continues that one of the main issues in today’s retail world is obtaining stock, especially if a large chunk of your inventory and workshop supplies relies on imported parts.
“It’s hard to get stock out of the USA. Not all companies, but some are more than six months away from filling orders. We are experiencing more enquires now that the economy has stabilised somewhat. Craig (Clements) is the man on the tools out back and I concentrate on counter sales, online orders, inventory for the store and workshop and help out when I can. Even Australian suppliers are struggling so then we have to wait. Freight is also a major factor in the equation.”
Surviving in an ever evolving industry has made AAP a steadfast company amongst its peers, progressing from your garden variety auto parts supplier to destination shopping for world renowned brands such as Mooneyes, So-Cal Speed shop and Lucky 13 to name just three. AAP has been a lead distributor throughout Australia for these trusted companies for over a decade and as some brands have been consumed by the current circumstances of Covid complications, Alan continues to seek out suitable replacements to cater for buyer demand.
“Store changes have been the inclusion of Jay Leno’s Garage car care products and our new partner in paint supplies, Concept Paints. When our previous partners began to dissolve, we looked at how best service our customers and continue to provide quality products that they return to purchase. With no huge car events it’s challenging to promote your products but both of these companies are proactive on social media and advertising. The Jay Leno range is increasingly becoming recognised as quality products and we are currently installing a full range of Concept Paint tints and mixing station.”
“So-Cal Speed Shop is experiencing a challenging time that will recover, but with how the USA is coping with Covid, it’s a struggle. Mooneyes have risen to the challenge and are tracking forward by thinking outside the box, catering for their loyal followers with creative merchandise, even using recent adversity in their artwork. We are also promoting some of our own T shirt designs that we will expand on in the future, exploring print on demand apparel for overseas customers which we will implement here at home as well.”
At the moment, Armadale Auto Parts has cars in waiting for the workshop and a steady flow of enquiries for the future.
“One thing that we are noticing is that Cars and Coffee events and smaller car shows are boasting a larger attendance now that people can’t travel as freely. Rather than fly to Bali or even interstate, people are buying collector cars such as classic Holdens and Fords, or committing to that hot rod project they always wanted. A new discounted rego scheme rolling out for modified vehicles from 2021 along with relaxed club rules with the 90 day scheme implementation, will also help us sustain for the future.”
As our interview is constantly put on pause for Alan to attend to customers, I take the time to browse the shop shelves and eventually spend some quality time out back, where a plethora of projects are underway.
If you like what you see and are keen to get in on the action or need some cool clobber, parts, paint, car care or advice… give Alan a call on 08 9495 1932 or check their website, Facebook or Instagram. For inspiration read on!