Hudson Hornet Club Coupé 1951 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
They say that everything old is new again, but some classic items have never fallen out of favor. One example is muscle cars from the mid- to late-20th century. Powerful cars like the Roadrunner and Gran Turismo are in high demand with collectors who appreciate the quality and horsepower. They’re also popular with older people who remember having one when they were younger, and they’re ready to enjoy feeling the rumble of the motor once again. Finding the right car is challenging enough, but then finding the parts and supplies necessary to restore the car may feel like an overwhelming task. Here are a few options for getting the parts you need to bring your dream car back to life.
Cars for Rebuilding and Parts
Some cars have a nice straight frame and minimal rust that make them ideal for rebuilding, but others aren’t so lucky. When looking for old muscle cars for sale keep an eye out for those that are listed as “parts cars”. These vehicles may have serious problems with the frames that will keep them off the road permanently, but they still have the trim, upholstery, fenders, glass and other pieces that you can transfer to a better body.
Consider Reproductions
There’s something to be said for having a car that’s all original, but this is becoming harder to accomplish as more muscle cars find their way into landfills and crushers. If you’re working with a tight budget, then reproduction parts are the way to go. The value of the car won’t rise as much, but you’ll be able to recreate the look that you love without breaking the bank.
Trading and Swapping
As you go about collecting parts and picking up parts cars, you may actually wind up with some duplicate pieces. Consider joining online communities where you can chat with other enthusiasts and possibly work out some trades for those unwanted parts. You can also use this same resource to find cars for sale, hunt down those hard to find parts and get restoration advice and tips.
When you decide to bring a classic muscle car into your collection, you can search for one that’s already restored or do the work yourself. If you choose to do the labor on your own, then you’ll need to be prepared to search for parts and perhaps settle for reproductions at times. However, the journey will prove to be worth every step when you slip behind the wheel, feel the engine roar to life and take a cruise down the highway.
