In restoring classic cars, choose from new and used antique car parts, order them online and have them shipped. In some cases, you may have to have classic auto parts manufactured. This service can be procured on the Internet. You’ll need to be vigilant in your search, however, as there is a wide range of prices available in the realm of classic car parts for sale.
1. New reproduction: Aftermarket parts recently manufactured to replace some common parts on classic cars.
2. New old stock (NOS): Parts that have been sitting on the shelf or in a warehouse for a long time. Most would be acceptable for restoration projects. Some may have defective rubber or electrical components from the long storage. Your car will be worth more if you use vintage auto parts.
3. Used: Antique car parts previously in service that have been salvaged, cleaned and shelved. Be sure to get a return guarantee on used classic car parts.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use major auto parts retailers online to buy reproduction classic auto parts
Most major auto parts resellers have a web presence. Some may even deliver the part if they have it in stock at their local storefront. An advantage to using an in-town chain is that you can take it back if it's not the right part, avoid shipping, and talk to a real person.
I recommend: Reliable auto parts retail chains that also have a web presence include
NAPA,
Parts America , and
AutoZone.
Get the classic auto parts you need from specialty dealers online
Target your online search for the specific classic car you are working on. Some online dealers specialize in a certain make and model and year of manufacture, but most cover decades, with classic car parts for sale for all major models. They tend to deal with a greater variety of manufacturers to give the customer a better selection, so you need to know what you are looking for. Their price range is usually wider also, and the sales personnel are very knowledgeable and helpful.
I recommend: Choose
Auto Krafters when working on a classic Ford and for a Chevy,
Eckler's Classic Chevy International. A good general site for any make and model is
JCWhitney.
Go to online junk dealers for the impossible-to-find antique car parts
You're in the business of restoring things, right? Well, you might have to restore some of these parts, but some are practically impossible to find elsewhere, so don't expect to pay junkyard prices. These parts usually come with some sort of return guarantee, and they know you've already looked everywhere else, so expect to pay what the part would normally cost new.
I recommend: Car-Part.com,
Junk Yard Dog and
Buy Classic Car Parts. Car-Part.com is a little cumbersome to use, but gives instant results, whereas Junk Yard Dog looks for your part, then sends you an email. Buy Classic Car Parts returns a nationwide listing of dealers of vintage auto parts.
Buy replacement glass for classic cars
Chances are good that you will need replacement glass when restoring a classic car.
I recommend: Bob's Classic Auto Glass supplies replacement glass for all cars and trucks made from 1920 to 1972. See
Danny's Auto Glass and Mirror for windshields and mirrors for classic cars.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Often you will need windshields and windows in your search for vintage auto parts. These are extremely hard to find in junkyards and used--due to damage they have usually sustained. Your best bet is to have them custom made.
The official source of Classic Car Parts is the Classic Car Parts page at Business.com
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