When it comes to fixing up or restoring a classic car, one of the most important factors is having access to high-quality parts. While there are many places you can find parts for modern cars, it can be much more difficult to track down parts for older vehicles. However, several great online sources can help you locate the classic car parts you need. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing 11 of the best places to find classic car parts online.
So whether you’re looking for parts for a vintage Ferrari or a classic Chevy truck, be sure to check out these awesome websites!
11 Best Places to Find Classic Car Parts Online
Kanter Auto Products
Kanter Auto Products has been around for over 50 years. They specialized in domestic cars from the 1930s to the 1980s. Every part and product that they offer has a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Kanter Auto has a warehouse with over 120K square feet that is brimming with the hard-to-find engine, gearbox, and suspension parts that have been considered obsolete.
These however are not original parts many are newly reproduced, such as fuel pumps, water pumps, pistons, brake shoes, and wheels and bearings. Each part that is offered is guaranteed to fit and function as original. Check out Kanter here.
Ecklers
Eklers is a site for performance and restoration parts including original-style interior seat covers, door panels, carpeting, dash pads, and all of the trim necessary for your restoration. For exteriors, they have emblems, exterior moldings, weather-stripping, window glass, grilles, bumpers, and good-quality body panels.
When you use the site look at the top left corner and flip between Eklers, Eklers Corvette, MACS Auto parts, Rick’s Camero, and Classic Chevy. Each section of the site has a different part specialty. Visit them here.
The Chevy Website
If you’re doing any GM restoration, you can probably get what you need directly from the Chevrolet website. It’s a directory of vendors curated by Chevy to find specific original licensed GM parts for Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Corvettes, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs.
To discover the part you want, you’ll have to delve through the site a little bit and send some emails, but its a good solid place for starting a search for classic car parts. Visit the site here.
CJ Pony Parts
CJ PonyParts was initially Ford Mustang specialists, but they extended their part inventory of Ford (particularly Broncos) and added Jeep and Chevy. This shop is still the best site for Mustang parts whether you’re looking for an American muscle restoration parts or modern performance modifications for any ‘Stang between 1964-2021. Check them out here.
Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts
For vintage Chrysler parts such as Plymouth, DeSoto, Imperial, or Dodge parts from 1930-1971 Andy’s should be your first place to look. You can search for parts for your specific vehicle make and model, and see images of almost 2,000 parts.
If you don’t see what you are looking for you can make a new off-the-shelf (NOS) request to them. Andy’s has one of the widest inventories of new and used parts for vintage Chrysler Corporation vehicles and trucks. They however don’t have everything in their warehouse listed online, so sometimes it’s better to call and see if they have your parts. Visit the site here.
JDM Car Parts
JDM Car Parts was founded over a decade ago with the mission of helping car enthusiasts around the globe find the parts they need to restore JDM vehicles. They carry vintage parts for Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX 510, 620, Nissan Skyline series, Toyota Sports 800, Toyota 2000GT, Celica, Corolla, Subaru 360 Series, Honda S Series, Mazda Cosmo Sport, and more.
If you don’t see what you need on their site, then they don’t have it in stock. They will however assist you in finding cars and parts in Japan. Visit their site here.
Classic Muscle Restoration Parts
Classic Muscle is a top source for high-quality Chevrolet restoration parts. You can buy parts for models such as the Camaro, El Camino, Nova, Chevelle, old Chevy trucks, Monte Carlo and GM Performance cars. Their parts are pretty exclusive to 50’s, 60’s and 70’s Chevys. They have a huge stock in an 80k-square-foot facility. Check them out here.
Hemmings – Market Place for Classic Car Parts Online
Hemmings is the online marketplace where car enthusiasts buy and sell vintage parts they have.
This is a good place to source super rare hard-to-find parts for a vintage resto. You are likely to find original vintage parts and not too much refurbishment, fabrication, or reproduction.
You can search for what you need, but Hemmings isn’t a parts supplier, but a marketplace. So if they don’t have what you need ready for today, you can keep checking and add more frequently. Visit the site here.
eBay Motors – Market Place for Classic Car Parts Online
eBay Motors is an online marketplace and not a parts supplier. However, you can find tons of original classic car parts from any make, model, and year. Whether you have a car, truck, or a hot rod, it can be a great source for parts. Similar to Hemmings, if they don’t have what you need today, you can check back often, because it is a publicly sourced inventory.
It’s great if you don’t have the time to do research and are ready to dig through junkyards, here is the place people pull and post parts. You can find original classic car parts and even hard-to-find rare parts. Visit the site here.
Classic Car Database
The Classic Car Database is a solid source for vintage car information and spec sheets. They cover over 33K models of vehicles. You can search by year and make, and then by series with the engine, displacement, and wheelbase to all the specs for the vehicle. You can also find engine VIN codes by year and manufacturer. While they don’t sell parts directly, they have a good directory of services to obtain original parts. Visit them here.
Vintage Parts Source
Vintage Part Source is a directory of services for classic cars, muscle cars, vintage motorcycles, and vintage race cars. You can search by make such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lotus, Mercedes, BMW, etc.
You can search by part categories like fuel systems, engine parts, exhausts, brake parts, rubber components, and more. They also offer a paid service where they help you locate parts perfect for your restoration. Check them out here.
Evaluating Online Marketplaces for Authenticity
Assessing Seller Profiles and Listings
When exploring online marketplaces for classic car parts, the first step is to thoroughly review the seller’s profile. Look for detailed descriptions and clear images, especially for high performance parts and vintage accessories. Authentic parts should have specific details about their condition and origin. Be cautious of vague listings or those lacking in detail, such as those for door panels or shifters.
Price and Shipping: Red Flags to Watch
Be alert to pricing that seems unusually low, as this can indicate counterfeit or damaged items. Equally important is understanding the seller’s shipping policy. Reliable sellers typically offer quick shipping and clear shipping methods. High shipping costs or vague shipping details can be warning signs.
Direct Communication with Sellers
For specific project needs, like for sheetmetal, metal or drivetrain components, directly contact the seller. This helps build a connection and trust. If sellers are evasive about providing details or confirming the original state of the part, consider this a red flag.
Secure Payment and Buyer Protection
Ensure the use of secure payment methods and understand the company or marketplace’s credit and buyer protection policies. A clear return or exchange policy is a hallmark of a reputable business.
Contributing to the Community with Reviews
After you finish your purchase, add your own review to assist other members of the classic car community. Your insights can guide others in making informed decisions and finding the perfect parts for their vehicles, be it cars, trucks, or other classic vehicle models.
The Future of Classic Car Part Sourcing
The landscape of sourcing classic car parts is rapidly evolving, shaped by new trends and technologies. As we look towards the future, several key factors stand out in transforming how enthusiasts and restorers find and order parts for their cherished vehicles.
Embracing E-Commerce and Online Marketplaces
The rise of e-commerce has significantly impacted the classic car parts market. Online marketplaces have become the go-to shop for many, offering a vast array of parts from door panels to shifters.
These platforms not only provide easy and quick shipping but also a wide selection of featured products. As more businesses move to sell part online, we can expect an increase in the variety and availability of parts, making it easier for restorers to find exactly what they need.
The Role of 3D Printing and Custom Fabrication
Emerging technologies like 3D printing are revolutionizing the way car restorers source parts. This technology allows for the creation of high performance parts, paint and accessories that are otherwise hard to find or discontinued. It offers a solution to the problem of scarcity, enabling enthusiasts to create and install custom parts with a perfect fit and finish.
Globalization of the Parts Market
The globalization of the classic car parts market is another trend to watch. With the internet, sourcing parts from the USA or other countries has become more accessible.
This global connection opens up a wealth of options for restorers, allowing them to add rare and unique parts to their collections. However, this also brings challenges such as dealing with exchange rates and international shipping.
Enhanced Customer Experience with AI and VR
Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are set to enhance the customer experience in classic car part sourcing. AI can offer personalized recommendations, helping customers select the right parts for their project. VR could allow customers to virtually install and review how a part would look and fit in their car before making a purchase.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the classic car industry. There is a growing trend towards using recycled or ethically sourced parts.
This not only helps in preserving the environment but also appeals to the eco-conscious consumer. Companies that create great, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability are likely to gain more trust and business.
The Impact of Social Media and Online Communities
Social media and online communities are playing a significant role in the classic car parts market. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become valuable tools for enthusiasts to share, learn, and connect. These communities also act as a marketplace where individuals can sell and exchange parts, offering a more personal touch compared to traditional business models.
The future of sourcing classic car parts is bright and dynamic, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. As we move forward, these trends will likely make sourcing classic and parts more easy, efficient, and sustainable. Whether it’s through online marketplaces, 3D printing, or global sourcing, the goal remains the same: to keep the love and legacy of classic cars alive for hundreds of years to come.
Best Places to Find Classic Car Parts Online – Conclusion
There are many great sources for classic car parts online. Whether you are looking for new or used parts, there is a site that can help you find what you need for a classic car, muscle car, truck, or hot rod restoration.
Aside from online sources, you may have other easy ways to find OEM used auto parts in your area; like junkyards. Be sure to check out all the sites listed above in order to learn how to get started on your classic car restoration today!