So, you’ve got your hands on a classic car that needs some TLC—congratulations! Owning a classic car is like holding a piece of history in your garage. The thrill of turning the key, hearing that old engine roar to life, and cruising down the road in a piece of automotive heritage is second to none. But first, you’ve got to tackle the daunting but rewarding task of restoration. This means finding the best auto parts for your beloved machine, ensuring every nut, bolt, and component lives up to the car’s vintage glory.
In this article, we’ll explore the best types of parts, tips on finding them, and specific products that can help make your classic car restoration as smooth and satisfying as possible. I’ll guide you through where to find parts—including those highly-rated gems you can snag off Amazon—so you can make your restoration journey a success.
Understanding Your Restoration Goals
Before diving into the nuts and bolts, it’s crucial to understand what kind of restoration you’re aiming for. Are you going for a concours restoration where authenticity is everything? Or perhaps you’re looking for a restomod—maintaining that classic look but upgrading some components to modern standards for a smoother ride. Knowing your end goal will significantly influence the types of parts you need and where you can get them.
When working on a classic, there are typically three categories of parts you’ll deal with:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts
- NOS (New Old Stock) Parts
- Aftermarket Parts
Let’s break down each type and look at how to source them.
OEM Parts: Authenticity is Key
When authenticity matters, OEM parts are your go-to. These are parts made by the original manufacturer or one of their authorized suppliers. While OEM parts can be pricey and harder to find, they guarantee that your vehicle will retain its original specifications and feel.
To find OEM parts, you’ll often need to search through specialty shops, classic car swap meets, or even dive into online forums where collectors trade and sell parts. A great resource for OEM parts for many classic models is RockAuto, but for more unique components, you’ll want to check out eBay Motors and Hemmings.
Amazon can also be a surprise source for OEM-style parts. For example, if you need authentic reproduction rubber seals or hoses, Metro Moulded Parts has a great collection, and their products are often highly rated.
NOS Parts: A Treasure Hunt
NOS parts (New Old Stock) are parts that were manufactured back in the day but never sold or installed. They’re basically time capsules of car parts—brand new, authentic, but often decades old.
Finding NOS parts can feel like searching for buried treasure. You might stumble upon them in estate sales, car clubs, or even classic car auctions. There’s a certain thrill to finding that perfect NOS chrome bumper still in its original packaging. Keep an eye on eBay Motors for listings with the keyword “NOS,” and don’t forget to network with other enthusiasts through classic car forums.
Aftermarket Parts: Balancing Quality and Cost
Aftermarket parts are widely available and often more affordable. The great thing about aftermarket parts is that they give you flexibility. For example, if you’re looking for a high-performance radiator or a modern suspension system, the aftermarket is your best friend.
Here are a few popular aftermarket parts you may want to consider for your classic car:
- Edelbrock Carburetors: If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your carburetor, Edelbrock makes some of the best options on the market. Their Edelbrock 1406 Performer is perfect for achieving excellent street performance. You can find it on Amazon, and it’s highly rated for its ease of tuning and reliability.
- ACC Carpet Kits: Classic car carpets can easily deteriorate, but replacing them with Auto Custom Carpets (ACC) can keep your interior looking fresh. ACC offers a variety of color-matched carpet kits that are pre-molded to fit your classic’s floor pan. Check Amazon for their wide selection—they’re well-reviewed, often considered among the best-fitting carpets available.
- Pertronix Ignitor Ignition Kit: One of the best upgrades you can make to a classic car’s engine for modern reliability is installing an electronic ignition system. The Pertronix Ignitor Ignition Kit is a top pick, as it retains the look of the original distributor but delivers a more reliable ignition spark. No more fussing with points and condensers—this unit is easy to install and highly rated on Amazon.
Essential Mechanical Components
1. Suspension Parts
Classic cars are known for their ride quality, but over the years, those suspension components start to give out. If you need to replace suspension components, you might want to consider kits that offer both improved handling and comfort.
- KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks are a popular choice that works well with many classic models. They provide a stiffer ride than the stock oil shocks, making them great if you want improved handling without drastically changing the car’s original character. These are also available on Amazon and have solid ratings from classic car enthusiasts.
2. Brakes
Upgrading your brakes is crucial if you plan on regularly driving your restored classic. Many old cars came with drum brakes all around, which are far from ideal in modern traffic conditions. If safety is a priority, consider upgrading to a Wilwood Front Disc Brake Kit. These kits provide a straightforward installation process and drastically improve stopping power, which is essential for keeping you safe on the road. Highly-rated on Amazon, Wilwood kits are a great balance of quality and price.
3. Engine Rebuild Components
If your restoration includes a full engine rebuild, there are some excellent kits to help you along the way. For example, the Sealed Power Master Engine Rebuild Kit contains pistons, bearings, and gaskets for many popular engines. It’s a great starting point for getting your motor back to peak performance, and many classic car fans swear by it.
Cosmetic Parts for that Showroom Look
1. Chrome Trim and Emblems
One of the joys of restoring a classic car is seeing it shine with fresh chrome and the right emblems in place. Finding high-quality trim can be a challenge, but Trim Parts is a reputable brand that offers GM-licensed trim pieces for many vintage Chevy models. You can find these on Amazon, and their emblems and chrome parts receive excellent ratings for authenticity and durability.
2. Weatherstripping and Seals
If your classic has leaky seals or worn-out weatherstripping, it can make for a noisy and uncomfortable drive. Fairchild Automotive is known for making excellent rubber seals for classic vehicles, and many of their products are available on Amazon. Their kits are well-rated and include seals for doors, trunk lids, and even windshields.
Interior Components to Revitalize the Cabin
1. Upholstery Kits
Over the years, the upholstery in a classic car can become brittle and faded. Thankfully, restoring it can be straightforward with an upholstery kit from TMI Products. They make exact-fit upholstery kits for many classic Mustangs and Camaros. These kits include seat covers, door panels, and even headliners to make the interior look brand new again. They’re available on Amazon and come highly recommended for their quality and ease of installation.
2. Steering Wheels and Dash Components
To restore the driver’s seat experience, consider replacing the steering wheel with a Grant Classic Steering Wheel. It’s a well-loved product, easy to install, and gives you that perfect vintage feel while driving. Additionally, dash pads often crack or fade with age. Coverlay Dash Covers are molded to fit and can be easily installed over your original dash, giving it a brand-new look without the expense of a complete replacement.
Electrical System Upgrades
1. Wiring Harness
Wiring issues can often plague classic cars. If you find your car’s electrical system is brittle or spliced together with a mix of old and new wires, consider a Painless Performance Wiring Harness. These harnesses are designed for ease of installation, and they use modern wiring technology while maintaining compatibility with classic components. Highly rated and available on Amazon, these kits can save you countless hours of troubleshooting electrical gremlins.
2. Battery and Charging System
Classic cars often suffer from underperforming charging systems, especially if you’ve added modern accessories like an upgraded stereo or air conditioning. Upgrading to a Powermaster Alternator can solve these issues. Powermaster units offer increased charging output while still fitting in the stock mounting location. On Amazon, they are highly rated for reliability and performance.
Tips for Shopping Classic Car Parts
You may not always think of Amazon as your first stop for classic car parts, but the reality is that they have an extensive collection—and with user reviews, it’s easy to figure out what parts are working well for others.
Here are a few tips for finding the best parts:
- Check the Reviews: Always read reviews and look for detailed feedback. Highly-rated products with multiple reviews are usually a safe bet.
- Look for Fitment Information: Make sure the product fits your specific model and year. Many listings include a “fitment” guide that will help you ensure you’re buying the correct part.
- Prime Shipping: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can save on shipping costs—which can be significant for heavy parts like radiators or suspension components.
Making Your Restoration a Success
Restoring a classic car is about more than just making it roadworthy—it’s about bringing a piece of history back to life, one part at a time. By understanding your restoration goals and carefully selecting the right mix of OEM, NOS, and aftermarket parts, you’ll end up with a car that doesn’t just look good, but drives well too.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions in classic car forums or local car clubs. Restoration is as much about the community and shared knowledge as it is about the car itself. Whether you’re scouring junkyards for that perfect OEM part or grabbing a well-rated product off Amazon, every step brings you closer to making your dream car a reality. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!