Alright, at 71 years of age we know Victor Duran isn’t the oldest regular at the Pomona Swap Meet. But, he’s been coming to Pomona for 25 years. You can find him on Road 17, Spaces 5 and 7, at every single show. And with over 40 years of experience in the parts industry, Victor knows a thing or two about a thing or two. We recently had the chance to catch up with him…

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

PSM:  When and how did you get started in this industry?
VD:  I opened a store to sell tires and wheels forty years ago. But I had a lot of car clubs and truck clubs as customers… and they really needed parts and accessories.

PSM:  What’s the best part of your job?
VD:  Talking to customers. Trying to figure out their problems, what they need for their cars.

PSM:  Have you always been interested in classic cars? Do you currently own a classic?
VD:  Yes. At one point I had 12 cars. But, I have 13 grandchildren! They started arguing about who was going to get which car so I sold all of them… except for my 1937 Chevy lowrider!

PSM:  Speaking of the grandkids, do they help you out at the show? 
VD:  Well, two of my kids and my grandkids have started selling for themselves now. I taught them the business. I taught them how to sell and how to set up a space in Pomona to be successful. Now my grandkids call to ask where my spaces are because they don’t want to be too close to me out there! 

PSM:  If you won the lottery, what’s the first classic car you would buy?
VD:  A T-Bucket. I’ve never owned one, but I’ve always liked them. I’ve always wanted one.

PSM:  Ford or Chevy, or?
VD:  I’m more of a Chevy guy, but I’ve owned Fords too.

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

PSM:  How can customers contact you?
VD:  My shop, for appointments only, is at 4630 East 3rd Street in Los Angeles. You can call me at 323-266-1747. I also sell through ebay, under the name ClassicParts4Less.

PSM:  What exactly do you sell?
VD:  Accessories for cars and trucks from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. I sell mostly Ford and Chevy, some VW, and I have Mopar connections. If I don’t have what you need in stock, I can get it!

PSM:  What do you sell the most of? What’s your most popular item?
VD:  I sell a lot of outside door mirrors, curb feelers, and even license plate frames! But I’ve been doing this for so long, I sell a little of everything. And I sell both reproduction and NOS items. I used to sell a lot more NOS than repro, but a lot of customers couldn’t afford the NOS, or just didn’t want to spend the extra money. And the repro stuff is so good now that most people can’t tell the difference. Some car club guys still only want NOS… and some will ask if people will be able to tell if a part is repro or not.

PSM:  Do you offer any swap meet discounts or deals in Pomona?
VD:  I always have group discounts for car clubs. And I take care of my repeat customers.

PSM:  Anything else that customers should know?
VD:  I carry a little of everything because I don’t ever want to lose your business. I’ll always have something that you’re missing for your car. And if you order ahead of time, I can arrange for you to pick up the parts or accessories from my shop, or I can bring them out to Pomona so you’ll save on shipping costs.

If you need parts or accessories for your classic car, stop by and talk to Victor on Road 17, Spaces 5 and 7, at the next Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show!