Williamsport area car dealers featuring General Motors vehicles are beginning to feel the damaging effects of the United Auto Workers strike against General Motors.

Five dealers participating in a survey said their supply of 1971 automobiles would probably be sold out next month and that no additional models would be shipped in for at least a week or month after the strike is settled.

Henry M. Foltz, owner of the Buick outlet said the used car market may affected inasmuch as used cars are obtained as new cars are purchased.

He said if a shortage results, the price of them may be increased.

Mr. Foltz said both his parts and service departments would remain open even if the strike continues for several months.

Just how long the strike will go is unknown, but John Powell, a local Chevrolet dealer expressed fear that it may be several months before UAW and GM settle their differences.

“We’ve got enough merchandise to last a month. We’ll continue to supply parts and service and shift our advertising to used cars.”

Ward R. Gilbert, a Chevrolet dealer in Montoursville, also plans to provide parts and service despite the fact “it will cost us about $2,000 a month to stay open.”

Shea Cadillac-Oldsmobile is also feeling the paralyzing effects of the strike. The company’s president, John R. Shea termed the strike “a rotten shame,” and said he would have only one Cadillac and five Oldsmobiles for display purposes.

The situation is no better at Pringle Pontiac. The owner, Mickey Pringle, said he had only three 1970 models left and was attempting to get three 1971 cars for display purposes.

He said he expected the strike to go on for some time but added that he would remain open.

“You’ve got to stay open and lose money — that’s it,” he said. “Otherwise you jeopardize your operation.”