How FP Smith Acquired Millions of Surplus Parts

Published: July 8, 2026  |  By FP Smith Parts & Equipment

Millions of parts stocked across our ~20-acre Fairfield facility — the lasting result of strategic acquisitions during the transformative 1970s–1990s era.

At FP Smith Parts & Equipment, our massive physical inventory — millions of new OEM surplus, quality used, reconditioned, and hard-to-find vintage heavy equipment and tractor parts — didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of decades of strategic, relationship-driven purchasing during one of the most transformative periods in the American heavy equipment manufacturing industry.

From the 1970s through the 1990s, major manufacturers like International Harvester (IH) underwent significant restructuring, plant closures, and consolidations. This created extraordinary opportunities for stocking distributors like ours to acquire authentic, high-quality parts directly from the source. Here’s how we built one of the largest independent inventories on the West Coast.

The International Harvester Era: A Turning Point in American Manufacturing

International Harvester was once a titan of American industry, producing iconic tractors, crawlers, dozers, engines, and components that powered farms, construction sites, and industries across the globe. However, the late 1970s and early 1980s brought economic challenges, labor strikes (notably the prolonged 1979–1980 UAW strike), a grain embargo, recession, and intense competition. These pressures led to widespread facility closures, production cutbacks, and massive inventory liquidations.

Key events included closures or major reductions at plants in locations like Fort Wayne (truck plant, closed 1983), Rock Island (Farmall Works), Chicago, Memphis, and others. As lines shut down, thousands of new and nearly new parts — many still in original packaging or fresh off the production line — became available.

FP Smith, under the leadership of Francis Peter “Piggy” Smith and later continuing the family tradition, was positioned perfectly to act. With established relationships in the industry and a reputation for integrity built from our earlier military surplus and pig farming roots in Northern California’s Cordelia area, we purchased large quantities directly from these factory close-outs and dealer networks.

Four Main Acquisition Channels

1. Factory Close-Outs and Full Facility Liquidations

When IH (and other manufacturers) shuttered plants, entire warehouses and production floors were cleared. We acquired pallets, crates, and truckloads of components that would have otherwise been scrapped, dispersed inefficiently, or sold piecemeal. This included everything from undercarriage parts and hydraulic components to engine blocks, transmissions, bearings, gaskets, and specialized castings.

2. Parts Right Off the Production Line

In some cases, we secured inventory that was literally produced for orders that were canceled or scaled back mid-run. These parts represented the highest quality — brand-new OEM stock never installed or exposed to field conditions. For restorers and operators of vintage IH equipment (TD6, TD9, TD14, TD15, TD18, TD20, TD24 series, and more), these are often the gold standard.

3. Dealer Excess Stock

IH dealers across the country faced their own challenges with overstock as sales slowed and models transitioned. Many dealers liquidated excess to free up capital and warehouse space. FP Smith bought thoughtfully from these networks, ensuring we brought in parts that matched real-world demand for both common wear items and rare, obsolete components.

4. Factory-Obsoleted Parts Cleared for Newer Inventory

As manufacturers introduced updated models and revised designs, older part numbers became “obsolete” in their systems. Factories needed room for current production, so they offered deep discounts on legacy stock. This is where our expertise shone: we understood the long-term value of these parts for machines still operating decades later on farms, ranches, construction sites, and in restorations. Many of these components remain in use today on well-maintained vintage equipment.

Why This Matters Today: Real Stock, Real Expertise, Real Availability

Unlike brokers who list parts they don’t physically own, FP Smith stocks what we sell in our ~20-acre facility at 3190 Ramsey Rd., Fairfield, California. This massive inventory, built during those pivotal decades, allows us to:

• Offer significant savings compared to new OEM list prices.
• Provide same-day shipping (orders before 3 PM PST).
• Support both early/vintage and late-model machines.
• Help customers with hard-to-find items for tractor restorations and equipment repairs.

Our approach reflects the family values established by Francis Peter Smith — fairness, community support, and long-term thinking. Just as he stored equipment for neighbors during challenging times like WWII internment and returned it afterward, we preserve industrial heritage by keeping these parts available.

Preserving History While Keeping Equipment Running

The 1970s–1990s were the end of an era for many American manufacturing giants, but they marked the beginning of FP Smith’s reputation as a premier stocking distributor. Today, under Pete Smith’s leadership, we continue investing in our inventory, rebuild center, website enhancements, and customer support to serve construction, mining, agriculture, and restoration enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you need a TD15 undercarriage component, a Cummins or IH engine part, or something rare for a family heirloom tractor, our history of smart acquisitions means we’re likely to have it in stock — or know exactly where to source it quickly.

Same-day shipping available. We’re here to help keep your machines running with authentic, quality parts backed by 79 years of expertise.