How to Restore Antique Auto Parts

Retoring antique auto parts is a relatively easy task thanks to vintage car clubs' parts network.

Vintage and antique automobile and truck clubs, ranging from the immensely popular Ford and Chevrolets to the independents like Studebaker and Hudson, have extensive parts networks. These networks allow antique vehicle enthusiasts not only to obtain virtually any part they need to restore a vehicle, but also find a vendor to fabricate parts. The key to restoring specific parts is having an owner's service manual to properly identify each part and an owner's parts manual that features illustrations of each part.

Things You'll Need

• Mechanic's tool kit including socket wrenches, screwdriver and pliers.
• Shop and parts manuals

Instructions

1. Research the history of your vehicle, specifically its make, model and the accessories, or appointments, that it features.

2. Join an antique or vintage vehicle club that is specific to your vehicle. Take advantage of the parts network. These clubs also have "staff mechanics" to mentor members on restoration.

3. Identify which parts of your vehicle need restoration. Examine the trim first. Look for pitting and dullness on the following: Make and model names on the fenders, the hood ornament, trunk script, interior and exterior door handles, hubcaps, headlamp and tail-lamp retainer rings, window molding and bumpers. These trim items are not chromium but pot metal, which is an inexpensive die-cast zinc. Use a screwdriver to pry loose the trim from the vehicle. Send it to a vendor that specializes in pot metal restoration for re-plating.

4. Take fabric samples of the interior headliner, seats and inside door panels. Many vintage vehicle vendors can match the samples to the exact make and model of your vehicle. Use the original type fabric for your vintage vehicle. Most pre-1960 models, for example, use mohair or cloth for the interior. Purchase a headliner/seat/panel kit and install the headliner yourself following the instructions.

5. Remove the radio from the dashboard according to the instructions of your service manual. Replace the tubes if the radio is in otherwise good condition. A vintage radio restorer can provide guidance in do-it-yourself repair, but consider having an expert perform an overhaul.

6. Remove the speedometer, fuel, alternator and temperature gauges from the dashboard. Separate the pot metal trim around the gauges and send them for re-plating. Remove the glass. Contact a glass shop and have new glass cut using the old glass as a template. Contact a vendor to repair or recalibrate the gauges. Once the gauge recalibrations are complete, send them to a vendor to refinish the dials and needs to original specifications. Your club's parts network can help you with this task.

7. Remove engine parts for replacement. Replace, do not restore, each part with a new one. However, it's important that you keep the original factory painted logos, riveted plates and metal tags on these parts. Remove these items with a screwdriver or pliers or have an auto restoration expert do the job for you. Fabrication of new plates or tags may be necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• If replacing or fabricating new parts, keep all originals for future reference.

• Installing antique parts not specific to your make and model will devalue the vehicle.

References

• Iverson Automotive: Pot Metal Trim Restoration
• Auto Media: Restoration
• Everything Radio: Antique Car Radios
• Instrument Clusters: Speedometer Repair Headquarters!