Can You Still Find Original Parts for Cars No Longer Made?

Having an older classic car requires a certain amount of maintenance. As long as it is done regularly, mechanical issues are not all that frequent, particularly for those vehicles with modern components. Bearings and seals are not an issue as they are rarely make and model specific. Soft gaskets can be easily made if you have a pencil and a knife. Water pumps, generators, carburetors, and radiators can be rebuilt.

Dealing with Common Maintenance Issues

If you have a rare and valuable original classic, you can often find the part you need online. However, if it is not available, many parts can be duplicated by someone with the necessary equipment and skills.

Modernizing the Car

Many older car owners opt to go with complete modern engines, transmissions, suspension, brake components, and maintain the stock appearance of the car. This makes it possible for the car to go to future generations of classic car lovers in good running condition.

Where to Find Replacement Parts

Replacement parts can often be found on online marketplaces like eBay and Junkyards like LKQ. If the part is not available, you may have to modify something else to fit or make a part.

Alternative Sources for Parts

Websites such as Amazon and eBay have aftermarket new old stock (NOS) and used parts available for a large majority of vehicles. There are specialty websites for hard-to-find parts for collector cars, often dedicated to a particular make such as MOPAR, Chevrolet, Ford, Morris Minor, etc. A web search for parts for a particular vehicle will uncover a plethora of options.

Silage Yards as Reliable Sources

Salvage yards are always a good option for used parts. The most inexpensive allow you to pull your own parts while others will pull the parts for you. Many are part of nationwide networks so if a suitable part is not available at one location, they may ship it in from another one. Most salvage yards now have websites to show availability. Many even show cross-compatibility of particular parts between models and years.

Conclusion

In summary, while the quest for original parts for cars no longer made can be challenging, there are numerous resources available to classic car enthusiasts. With a bit of patience and determination, finding the right part is well within reach. Whether you opt for modern replacements or seek out original pieces, maintaining a classic car in good working order is both rewarding and achievable.