Until 22 months ago, the parts department was split over five different dealerships. With the move to the new facility, wholesale took on a whole new meaning. With the centralization of the parts, it was possible to focus strictly on selling parts and nothing else.

The inventory is so large, Lemen pointed out, "we can actually assemble a few cars right here in the warehouse."

Galpin's vast inventory of collision- oriented parts includes everything from frames to roofs, headliners and quarter panels. The staff is cross-trained in all of Galpin's model lines. Fourteen people with many years of experience take the phone orders.

"We can demonstrate how parts work right here in our facility," continued Lemen. "An advantage of being associated with a dealership is that we get to see all the new car models before they get on the road. We study the new models ahead of time so we are well-informed when our customers come to us with questions."

A customer for about 15 years, Brett Yarmie, owner, The Body Shop in Simi Valley, is impressed by the extraordinary parts knowledge of the staff. "Sam, who works with my company, is on top of everything. If there is a question, he always gets back with information and options. And any member of the staff can step in, if Sam's not there.

"Galpin is very easy to deal with. The staff is very upbeat, knowledgeable about parts - and changes to parts. I can't think of a time when they have let me down. They've come through when others have failed," said Yarmie.

Twenty drivers deliver parts - at no charge - daily to Lancaster, Palmdale, Inglewood, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and the Pasadena-Monrovia area.

Continued Yarmie, "Timing is everything and with a schedule that includes four or five deliveries each day, parts arrive within a couple of hours, rather than a couple of days."

Unusual for a dealership parts department, Galpin is open from 8-5 on Saturdays, complete with free delivery.

One of Galpin's goals for 2007 is to aggressively develop its internet sales component. The web site is being enhanced and prepared to accept nationwide orders.