Atlas Body Shop

Best Sources for Classic Auto Parts

Decided that it’s time to fix up that old car sitting in the garage? Restoring a classic car is a labor of love. Although it can be time-consuming, there is tremendous pride when the project is complete.

At Atlas Body Shop, we love those old classic cars and we see them all the time here in San Antonio, TX, so here are some tips about where to find good parts if you have a classic car.

Great places to look for classic parts include:

Auto Body Shops

Body shops, especially those with wrecking services, often have good-quality parts from vehicles that were in a wreck. It’s worth checking out the ones in your area to see if they might have what you are looking for or know someone who does.

Auto Parts Stores

Depending on what you need, you may be able to find it in an automotive parts store. Knowledgeable professionals are usually on hand to help.

Car Clubs

Local car clubs are a great way to talk to others with a similar passion and help brainstorm where you can locate what you need. It’s also enjoyable to share knowledge and hang out with fellow car buffs who will appreciate the hours of time you are putting into your project. 

Car Swap Meets

Whether you are looking for interior or exterior parts, many people start out going to a car swap meet. There are plenty of them across the country. Many times, you’ll find that vendors are willing to trade parts and/or bargain on the price.

Classic Car Magazines

Since classic car restoration is so popular, there are many magazines available, such as Hot Rod, where you can track down hard-to-find parts.

Online Auctions

Although you need to be careful what you purchase, online auctions such as eBay have a range of items that are usually less costly than purchasing from a specialty dealer. A downside is that you need to depend on the seller’s rating and pictures rather than seeing the part up close.

Online Dealers

There are hundreds of dealers listed online with searchable databases of car parts. It can be an expensive route to go, but if you find what you need, it can be shipped directly to your home.

Online Forums

Online forums give you the opportunity to talk to people about the type of part you are looking for. Just type in the make and model of the vehicle you are working on to find a forum that best meets your needs.

Other Manufacturers

When you’re planning your restoration project, you’ll need to decide how authentic you want it to be. It all depends on your goals and budget. There are many knock-off parts available that are well made and cost less money than purchasing the manufacturer’s original parts. If you do buy an imitation part, ensure it is high quality.  

Salvage Yards

There are salvage yards across the country filled with old car parts. If you happen to find what you are looking for, make sure to carefully look it over to ensure it is good quality and not junk.

Sources: howstuffworks.com, Wikipedia and Yahoo·