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Finding that required part to restore your classic car or muscle car may not be as hard as you think. Your two options will come down to used parts or replicate parts (or refurbished). I will go through the scenarios of when each type is best for your restoration project, and I will give some tips on how to find them, including some “inside knowledge” from having worked in the salvage yard business.


In general, used parts will be cheaper than new parts or newly built replicate parts. Used parts may be perfect for interior or cosmetic parts, but may not be suitable for safety parts such as the brake system or steering system, especially if the car you are restoring is very old. Safety standards and features have come a long way, and older parts may not be reliable or meet today’s safety standards. Retrofitting your classic car with newer brakes or steering system may not be that hard. Online forums and groups surrounding your model may hold information. Nearly all classic car fans, restorers, and avid car buffs will share their knowledge with you if you just ask. Local car clubs involving your model is also a great place to find others who may have restored your model, and you may just be lucky and find a person who has some old parts they do not need anymore.


Thanks to the internet, classic car restorers have a lot more tools available to find their parts. Before the internet you had to call every salvage yard you could to find a used part, or search the many catalogs, magazines, and classified ads. Today you can find used parts on ebay, craigslist, and a host of other sites. The power of the internet and computers does not stop there. By calling your local salvage yard, you could possibly be searching over 2,000 salvage yards with that one phone call. Many salvage yards use a computerized inventory system, and there are two main systems in use. Each of these systems share the inventory listing of other yards on this system, meaning if the salvage yard you call does not have the part, they can search the rest of the yards to find one that does. For a small fee and shipping charges, the other yard will send the part to the salvage yard you called for your pickup. You will need to determine if the shipping charges warrant the purchase, since larger items can be very expensive to ship. You may not have much of a choice if this is a hard to find part though.


I mentioned there are two main inventory systems in use. These are Hollander and Pinnacle. Your best bet is to call salvage yards and find a yard on each system. Each company claims to have 2,000+ yards on each system, and most yards are only on one. By finding a yard on each system and having them do a search through all inventory, you will have searched 4,000+ salvage yards with just a few phone calls. These computer systems will also show interchangeable parts. Did you know that a fuel pump from a 1980 GMC van is the same as the 1969 Camaro fuel pump? When you call these yards, their search will bring the interchangeable parts up in their search, making your search more successful and your purchase possibly cheaper.

The latest offerings from American automakers has the industry buzzing. Coupled with steep discounts, cars are rolling out of showrooms at a record clip. Not everyone is buying a new car these days, instead a significant number of car lovers are maintaining and keeping their cars for five or ten years, even longer. However, finding affordable, quality parts for any model car can be difficult particularly as the car ages. Let’s look at five ways you can find parts for your soon to be classic.

1. The Dealers. Some dealer inventories are extensive and include parts for classic models including the Dodge Charger, Coronet, and Omni; Ford Mustang, Thunderbird, and LTD; and Chevrolet Camaro, Caprice, and Vega. Their prices, however, can be steep as you are paying the dealer rate and receiving genuine manufacturer parts.

2. The Junk Yard. The cheapest parts out there can be pulled off a wreck that has been placed in a salvage yard. Of course finding the particular make/model part and hoping that it isn’t damaged or worn out is another thing.

3. Parts Stores. Your local parts store may stock what you need. If not, the better ones can place an order and have it shipped in.

4. Ebay. What isn’t sold online through eBay and other auction sites? Precious little! There is one important caveat with purchasing through an auction site: fraud is rampant. Only purchase through these types of businesses if you know the buyer and you can get a guarantee.

5. Shop Online. Brick and mortar stores are receiving stiff competition from online purveyors. Some are good, some aren’t. Things to look for in an online merchant: check to make sure that they are a recognized name in the industry, stock quality parts, offer toll free phone support, ship from a U.S. address, and their shipping and handling fees are clearly stated. Prices at these types of stores are usually very competitive; they are also the same stores that many of your local parts stores order from. If you order from them directly, you will cut out the middle man and realize significant savings.

So, if your 1996 Chevrolet Impala is your pride and joy you can keep it going for many more years by acquiring affordable, quality car parts from a reputable seller. Shop informed!