How Do You Find Parts for a Classic Car?
Restoring a classic car can be one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. This one activity can bring a piece of automotive history back to life, preserving the charm and character of vehicles from bygone eras, allowing enthusiasts to fully enjoy them.
From the satisfaction of hearing the engine roar to the pride of showcasing a beautifully restored vehicle, every step of the restoration process is a testament to dedication and attention to detail. Whether it's a nostalgic tribute to a childhood dream or a new appreciation for timeless design, classic car restoration is a fulfilling endeavor.
However, it also comes with its own challenges. The process requires honing your mechanical and artistic skills, so it’s not really a walk in the park. You will have to learn about the car’s unique story so you can keep that in mind as you work on its restoration.
On top of these challenges, you will also have to source for rare parts. Sometimes, finding the right parts can feel like a treasure hunt. In fact, this is one of the most significant hurdles for people involved in the restoration of the classics.
So where do you start your search? And how do you ensure you’re getting authentic components that won’t break the bank? This is what we’re going to discuss here today. Let’s take a closer look.
How Do You Find Parts for a Classic Car?
Before you even think about buying parts, it’s important to know your car inside and out. Understanding the year, make, and model is just the beginning. Many cars went through mid-year production changes, so details matter. Look for the following:
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): This number contains essential details about your car's production year, engine type, and more.
Trim and Options: Certain trim levels or optional packages may require specific parts. For example, a high-performance variant might use different brakes or suspension components.
Factory Manuals: Investing in factory service manuals or original dealer brochures can provide valuable diagrams and part numbers.
Taking the time to research your car’s history can save you hours (and dollars) down the line.
Start Locally: Junkyards and Salvage Yards
Local junkyards can be a goldmine for classic car parts. While some may think of them as graveyards for forgotten vehicles, they're often full of hidden gems.
If you want to make the most of your visit, make sure to call ahead and ask if the yard specializes in or carries classic cars. Many junkyards now keep online inventories, so you can check availability before heading out.
For those who are taking this approach, it may be worth bringing your own tools. Most yards operate on a "pick-and-pull" system, meaning you’ll need to remove parts yourself. A basic toolkit with wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers is essential.
If you can't find the exact model you’re looking for, ask if other cars in the same platform or era might have interchangeable parts. Remember to wear sturdy gloves and boots—salvage yards can be messy and full of sharp edges.
Specialized Classic Car Parts Retailers
Many classic cars require components that are no longer in regular production. This is why specialized classic car parts retailers are an excellent resource for enthusiasts and restorers. A number of retailers offer parts for specific brands or models of classic cars.
They focus specifically on sourcing, reproducing, or maintaining inventory for older vehicles, ensuring that the parts meet original specifications. Many of them operate online, offering a wide range of parts, from engine components to body panels, tailored to specific makes and models. Some companies even provide catalogs or databases where you can search for the exact part needed, ensuring compatibility with your classic car.
These companies can save you time by offering reproduction parts, which are new pieces made to match original specs.
In addition to online retailers, physical stores or shops specializing in classic cars often have knowledgeable staff who can offer advice on sourcing hard-to-find components. There are even some that collaborate with manufacturers to produce reproduction parts for popular vintage models.
Join Classic Car Communities
One of the best resources for finding parts is the classic car community itself. Enthusiasts love sharing knowledge and helping others keep their cars on the road.
Joining classic car communities can help you find even rare components that might be impossible to locate through mainstream retailers. These communities, whether they are local clubs or online forums, provide a wealth of knowledge from seasoned enthusiasts who have likely faced similar restoration challenges.
Members can offer tips, recommend trusted suppliers, or even have the exact part you need available for sale or trade. You can start building connections with members of the community—and with people who share your passion for automotive history—by participating in events, meetings, and online discussions.
Additionally, classic car communities often have connections to niche markets and specialty vendors that focus on vintage auto parts. Many groups also maintain databases of suppliers, mechanics, and restoration experts, streamlining your search for both parts and professional services.
By actively engaging with these communities, you gain access to insider information and establish a support system to help overcome the unique challenges of restoring and maintaining a classic car.
Here’s how to get involved:
Forums: Websites like ClassicCarRestorationClub.com and specific model forums (e.g., MustangForums.com) are treasure troves of advice and parts listings.
Facebook Groups: Many classic car groups on Facebook allow members to post parts for sale or trade.
Local Clubs: Attend club meetings, car shows, or swap meets. Networking with other enthusiasts often leads to great deals or hard-to-find items.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions—most members are happy to share tips and even spare parts.
Attend Swap Meets and Car Shows
Swap meets and classic car shows are a paradise for enthusiasts looking for parts. Vendors often specialize in hard-to-find items, and you can inspect everything in person.
Swap meets, often held at fairgrounds or large parking lots, bring together vendors, collectors, and enthusiasts who trade or sell vintage auto parts. These events offer a wide variety of items, from engine components to body panels, and provide the opportunity to inspect parts in person. Attendees can negotiate prices, compare options, and even find rare, discontinued pieces.
On the other hand, car shows allow enthusiasts to connect with fellow collectors who might have spare parts or know where to source them. Many shows also feature vendor booths specializing in reproduction or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts tailored to specific makes and models.
Beyond the hunt for parts, swap meets and car shows serve as invaluable networking opportunities. You may find recommendations for trusted suppliers by simply talking with experienced collectors and restorers.
You might also discover regional clubs or forums dedicated to your specific classic car, which often have classifieds sections for buying, selling, or trading parts. Again, building relationships within the classic car community is one of the best ways to save time and money while searching for parts for your vintage vehicle.
Online Resources and Marketplaces
Aside from online forums, there are many other resources available today that can give you some leads.
Many websites specialize in classic car parts, offering everything from OEM parts to high-quality aftermarket replacements. Popular platforms like eBay Motors, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace provide opportunities to find rare or discontinued components through individual sellers or small businesses.
Additionally, dedicated classic car parts websites like Classic Industries, YearOne, and RockAuto cater specifically to enthusiasts. These platforms typically categorize their inventory by make, model, and year for easy navigation.
When searching online, it’s essential to verify the authenticity and condition of the parts to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. Look for detailed descriptions, clear photos, and any identification numbers or marks that confirm the part's origin.
Reading reviews of sellers or businesses can help you avoid potential scams and ensure a smooth transaction. Some marketplaces also provide buyer protection policies, which can give you some extra peace of mind when buying high-value items. When buying online, always verify the seller’s reputation and check for a return policy in case the part doesn’t fit or isn’t as described.
Restoration Shops and Mechanics
Finally, restoration shops and mechanics are excellent resources for finding parts for a classic car, as they often specialize in sourcing hard-to-find components.
Many of these professionals have established relationships with parts suppliers, salvage yards, and manufacturers that produce reproduction parts for classic vehicles. They have put in all the work so that you don’t have to.
Professionals can give advice on whether to use original equipment manufacturer parts, aftermarket options, or refurbished pieces. This will depend on your budget and the level of authenticity you want to achieve.
Some restoration shops even keep their own inventory of rare parts. This makes it easier to find exactly what you need. Partnering with experienced mechanics can streamline the process and ensure the parts you choose are compatible with your car's specifications.
If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, partnering with a restoration shop can be a game-changer. These professionals have access to exclusive suppliers and can source hard-to-find parts for you. When choosing a shop:
Check Reviews: Look for shops with experience restoring your car’s make and model.
Ask for References: Speak to previous customers to gauge the quality of work and communication.
Discuss Costs Upfront: Be clear about your budget and expectations to avoid surprises.
While this route is typically more expensive, it can save you time and ensure expert-level results.
Work with Classic Car Deals to Find the Best Classic Cars for Sale
Restoring a classic car is a labor of love, and finding parts is part of that journey through time. Some items may take weeks or even months to locate. Keep in mind that this is perfectly normal, so don’t get discouraged. Stay organized by keeping a detailed list of what you need and tracking your progress.
There’s no doubt that sourcing parts for a classic car can be challenging. However, for enthusiasts and collectors, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each part you find brings you one step closer to reviving a piece of automotive history. Whether you’re scouring salvage yards, browsing online marketplaces, or networking with fellow enthusiasts, the key is persistence.
If you want a classic car to get started on your restoration project, there are several options available via consignment. Choose Classic Car Deals.
Classic Car Deals is located in Cadillac, Michigan, and is the world’s largest online consignment company. They offer the widest array of classic cars (and trucks) that are available via consignment. Their team can help you find the classic car of your dreams.
For those unfamiliar with the process, consignment is when an owner entrusts a dealer or specialized consignment business to sell their classic car on their behalf. The owner signs an agreement with the consignment company, which takes over tasks including marketing, showcasing, negotiating, and finalizing the sale. This is much easier than selling the car privately.
The dealer charges a fee, which could be a flat rate or a percentage of the sale price. This is in exchange for their services. They typically list consignment cars on multiple platforms, showcasing it to a greater number of potential buyers.
The seller benefits from the dealer's expertise, network, and resources, while buyers benefit from seeing a much wider selection of classic cars for sale.
You can visit the Classic Car Deals showroom to check out all the classic cars they personally have in stock at their headquarters. You may also visit their website to see all the available cars online. If you don’t see your ideal car right away, don’t worry—Classic Car Deals has consignment cars all over the country. Their team will work hard to find the classic car (or truck) that matches your exact needs and preferences.
Call Classic Car Deals once you’ve found your ideal classic car to double check on the location. They provide an easy and hassle-free way for you to shop classic cars for sale nationwide, offering the widest selection of vintage, exotic, and collectible cars and pickup trucks.
Your first step to buying your dream car is to contact one of their reps today. Visit their Consignment page today for more details.
*While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with Dealer.