Basics of Classic Car Parts

"How much do classic car parts cost?" Welcome to the great-granddaddy of all impossible questions. What's the car? How old is it? How rare is it? What's the condition? You'll get different answers for every single car, meaning the cost of maintenance and restoration will vary case-by-case. It's not unusual, in fact, for classic owners to have parts custom machined for their vehicles. So, going into the game, what should classic owners understand about the parts search?

Trying to compare parts prices is an apples to oranges business.

As an example, a two-ten series water pump for the iconic '57 Chevy will set you back anywhere from $115 to $160. A single ball bearing ball cap for a Model T transmission, however, will run you $130 and a closed car windshield for a Model A (Steel S/W 4 Door 1931 Model) is $475.

Do your research or get a good mechanic.

The most important thing for any owner is to be thoroughly immersed in the arcane information specific to their particular brand and model. Research is everything. For the owner who is not a gearhead, a relationship with a savvy specialist mechanic is a must.

Good parts equal good value.

It is true that the quality of the parts used in restoration and maintenance have a direct bearing on the value of the vehicle. If original parts are not available, you want to make sure that you are buying the highest quality restoration products available and that you have the right technical guidance to do that.

Thankfully, there are now multiple sources for even the most rare parts.

Enthusiast groups and car clubs have always been good resources for tracking down needed items. Such venues are now augmented by online discussion groups, specialist auto parts dealers, and auction sites like eBay.

Finding the right parts is only one part of keeping a classic in good shape.

A classic car is an investment, one that should be stored appropriately and serviced regularly. Low fluids and worn hoses and belts can cause collateral damage that may be hard to repair. Ditto for tire pressure and exterior maintenance. Chipped or faded paint and dings or gauges hurt the value of your car and rust is the biggest bad of bads for insidious damage that gets serious before you even realize what's going on. While the care of your classic may start with the quest for car parts, it quickly evolves into what should be a life-long regiment of appropriate storage and proper treatment.