I n 1918, Jack Dorman sold used auto parts with two of his brothers. They received many requests for star washers, a form of fastener lock that was popular in that era. Demand for them grew to the point they purchased a punch press, dies, and sheet steel so they could make them. They were joining many other small companies doing the same thing: writing history by forming the then-nascent automotive aftermarket. Dorman star washers were born from an inadequate original equipment solution. The Dorman boys came up with a few more such items, and in 1927, we published our very first parts catalog, containing six parts. Humble beginnings, yes, but we’re pretty proud of ‘em. We’ve come a long way and today OE FIX parts are the flagship parts in the Dorman Products portfolio. They’re designed to save time and money and provide endurance, longevity, and reliability. Simply, our OE FIX parts provide a level of quality and convenience that you simply can’t get from the dealer. Each day, our product team assesses used auto parts, analyzes failures, and then builds a better mousetrap. The OE FIX Guide in your hands (still printed on good ol’ paper) is the direct descendant of that 1927 catalog. It’s filled with clever solutions to clear your bay faster and keep your customers on the road. There are parts that save money—not an insignificant consideration in the current economic climate—and parts that save time. This volume of The Guide has the same purpose our original catalog did, which is to help you find better solutions. Set a few minutes aside to leaf through it. We invite you to take pleasure in carrying on the tradition mechanics have been participating in for over a hundred years: turning to Dorman after a hard day of turning wrenches. We’ll always be out in front, innovating and developing new ways to make your job easier, but we’ll also be right behind you.
An aftermarket exclusive when there was barely an aftermarket.
A cartoon from an early Dorman catalog.
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