How to Locate Hard-to-Find Parts

The only thing your beloved 1972 Dodge Dart is missing is the Swinger logo. Never fear: New, original and reproduction parts--even the most obscure--can be found with some detective work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspapers
• Specialty magazines
• Acceptable condition and price
• Classified ads
• Scrap yards
• Garages
• Dealers
• Auto clubs
• Internet auctions
• Interchangeable parts

1. Know the exact specifications of the part you are searching for. Ask yourself what kind of shape the part needs to be in for you to buy it, and how much you're willing to spend. If you can't find original parts, rebuilt or remanufactured parts could save you money and may also be the only replacement parts you can find.

2. Assuming you've already checked with your local auto-parts store, browse the classified sections in both paid and free local newspapers. Some sellers (who advertise in the papers but aren't listed in the phone directory) offer cars for parts--a good source if you have a popular, hard-to-shop-for car.

3. Root around a local scrap yard for a forgotten gem (look under "Salvage" in the Yellow Pages).

4. Check with local shops that work on your model car and that might be able to recommend a source for the elusive part.

5. Speak to local dealers who sell your car's make and model, if it's a new car.

6. Swap stories with auto-club members who own your model. Read the classifieds in specialty magazines.

7. Scour Internet auction sites, online search services and bulletin boards. Check back often, as new items are listed frequently. An Internet auto parts locator service will put you in contact with dealers and private sellers for a fee.

8. Find out if you can use parts from another model car on yours. Companies like Hollander Interchange (hollander-auto-parts.com) have manuals ($25 to more than $100) that identify interchangeable mechanical and body parts on foreign and domestic vehicles-- including trucks--dating back to the 1920s.

Tips & Warnings

• Original parts (commonly known as OEs) from car aficionados or dealers probably cost more, but are in better shape and guaranteed to work.
• Saving money shouldn't be your goal for every replacement-part purchase. Some parts are vital to the safe operation of a vehicle, like rims, tires and brake parts.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[pressa]

on 2/2/2009 I get many parts from the junk yards, I prefer the U-pull em yards were I can take my time to look around, I have a refurbishment station set up where I take the parts down, prime and paint them, not only have replaced my parts but I've sold a few refurbished parts and made decent money.

[jamaclassics]

on 11/7/2007 How about Hemmings Motor News? I found a blower switch for a 1969 Fury in Florida through Hemmings Ads, and an upholstery kit for a customer's 1970 Cuda with the correct original grain vinyl.