Here in the UK our Cat dealer, Finning introduced a classic parts offer.The idea,I thought was to supply parts for the older machines a a fair price.Some items that are marked under the "classic" section are unavailable.ie an exhaust for a D4.The ones available are three times the cost of the unavailable classic parts exhaust.
Do you have that offer of classic parts in the US or is it just UK?
As an ACMOC committee member,along with the other committee members we tried to get discounted parts for our members.
Could the US ACMOC boys ask Caterpillar if they intend to supply ACMOC members with reasonably priced parts for our machines? There are a few thousand classic Cats in presevation in the UK.
Martyn

Martyn: I saw somewhere where FINNING in British Columbia , CANADA had the same deal. I think it was started in Canada first and migrated over there since your CLASSIC PLANT magazine has done so well. seems everytime I pick up my copy I see your name and machines mentioned.
what are you looking for and I can likely find it for you. shipping is not cheap to get over there as I still have those DROTT name plates for you next flight across the Atlantic as it was cheaper for me to fly over with them than it was to ship them.

Martyn, Classic Parts are just aftermarket sold by Cat. I am sure they are sold worldwide as many not so old parts are now discontinued and your only choice is Classic.
Later Bob

Somewhere someone has posted about Classic Parts before. I ask whenever the Parts Counter guy seems to stonewall me on "Vintage" stuff.

It depends on the age of the partsman. Look for the oldest guy there.
You have to remember the parts guys have never taken anything apart so even getting the right parts for new machinery can be a challenge. The more experianced ones will go to the shop and ask for help if they aren't sure what you need.
Later Bob

I have good luck with one of the parts guys at Fabco in Madison WI. He has been there for years, When you tell him what you have it I am not sure, he has always found what I needed. I know there are a few parts guys from Patten that are like that.

Hello IHIAM
I have nearly got all the bits for the D4. I find it strange that Finning have not made progress on premoting the classic parts thing.As the ACMOC GB members have well over 1000 machines between then.I asked Finning about an exhaust.They said they do a classic parts exhaust for £25,but said they can't get them,but can get one for £75 non classic part.
I find Finning very helpfull but they could do more for us preservation boys on limited budgets.
Give us a call when you come to the UK.I will be putting an article together on Drotts,I have been in contact with John Drott jr.He has sent me some great photos.Hope you like the revamped Classic plant magazine.
Regards
Martyn