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Getting Hard-To-Find Classic Car Parts

One of the main problems that are experienced by classic car owners is finding the right auto parts for their vehicles. These days, most auto parts stores only carry auto parts for newer and more popular cars, and they do not supply parts for older cars. Even if you go to the manufacturer of your classic car, you will not get the part you want, because original classic car parts are no longer in production. Here are a few things that you can do to locate a hard-to-find part for your classic car.

If there is a swap meet in your locality, you should go there to look for the auto part you need. You will find all sorts of car parts and accessories for older cars in a swap meet. You can also try joining one of the classic car clubs in your area. Since the members of these clubs are mostly classic car owners themselves, they will know where to go to buy classic car parts. Some of them may even have the same type of car as you. A local salvage yard is another great place to look for auto parts, but you need to be patient enough to go through stacks of cars to find the right part.

Of course, there is also the Internet. There are numerous online classic car parts dealers and warehouses that offer both OEM and aftermarket parts at very reasonable prices, and you can order the parts online. You can also use an auto parts locator to find the parts you want.

How to Ship Your Classic Car (Part 2)

The next thing to do is to make preparations to ship your classic car. If you have any personal items in your car, you have to remove all of them. Then, turn off the car alarm and remove all specialty items and loose parts, such as spoilers, fog lights, and ground effects. Lower the antennae and fold back the side mirrors, and make sure that the tires are well-inflated. The battery has to be fully charged, and all fluids on the car have to be topped off. The auto shipping company should provide insurance for your car, and you should get a copy of its insurance plan and find out if you have to pay any deductible in case your car is damaged during shipping.

When the carrier arrives, you have to let the driver know all the operational problems that can happen and give advice on how to deal with each problem. Also, show him all the scratches, dents, and fluid leaks on the car. The driver will give you an inspection report after he has loaded the car, and this report contains information such as the car’s overall condition, mileage, and others.

If you are the one who is receiving your classic car, you should use the report as a reference when you inspect the car. Look for damages that did not exist previously, and file a claim for compensation with the auto shipping company if you find any. If someone else is receiving the car, you have to send a copy of the inspection report to him or her.

How to Ship Your Classic Car (Part 1)

There are certain situations that require you to ship your classic car to a different location. You may be moving to a new place, buying or selling a car, or just giving your car away to a close relative or friend. Whatever is the reason, you want the car to arrive at the final destination in perfect condition. If you do not find the right shipping solution, your pride and joy may sustain some damages while it is being transported, and you will have pay a considerable amount of money to repair it.

There are companies that specialize in auto shipping, and they have the necessary experience to provide safe and efficient classic car shipping services. You can either go to these companies directly or find a broker to help you get a spot on their auto carriers. A broker can negotiate for a better price, but you will not be able to contact the carrier when the vehicle is being shipped. If you want better peace of mind, it is advisable that you go straight to an auto shipping company.

Carriers come in the form of open and closed trailers, and you have to choose a type of carrier that suits your budget and shipping needs. Open trailers are less expensive, but they do not protect your classic car from the elements. On the other hand, closed trailers are similar to mobile garages, and they will give your car maximum protection. They usually cost about 20% to 25% more than open trailers.

Selecting the Right Classic Car Paint Color

One of the first things that people will notice about your classic car is the paint color. A car with the right paint color will be more captivating, and it will also look more authentic. As such, you should make the necessary effort to ensure that your car is painted with the most appropriate color. There is an extensive range of auto paint colors for you to choose from, and here are a number of tips that can help you determine which paint color is most suitable for your pride and joy.

First of all, you have to take a look at the interior of your classic car. If the dominant color inside the car is a neutral color, such as gray or black, you can paint the exterior with any color. However, if the interior features a specific color such as red or blue, it is best that you opt for a color that belongs to the same color family. Also, you need to do some research on paint colors that are traditionally used on the make and model of your classic car. Choose a color that can compliment the interior and make the car look authentic.

Painting a classic car can be costly, and you do not want to waste your money on a mediocre paint job. The best thing to do is to find a reputable auto painting service to do the job, even if it costs a little more.

Preparing a Classic Car for Show (Part 1)

Owning and restoring a classic car requires considerable investment and hard work, and some owners wish to get the recognition they deserve by displaying their pride and joys in a classic car show. Since there are so many great-looking vehicles in a car show, it can be very difficult for car owners to bring home a trophy. Here are some useful tips that can improve your chances of success at a show.
 
When you are preparing your classic ride for a classic car show, you have to remove all rust that you find on the body. Use a fine sandpaper to sand away all visible rust. Then, make the sanded spots blend with the rest of the car body with an abrasive cloth. Rinse the sanded areas with water and allow them to dry. Apply an oxide conversion fluid to neutralize remaining rust in areas that are hard to reach. Wait for the fluid to dry, and then, use the abrasive cloth to buff the sanded spots. After that, apply thin layers of auto paint. Make sure that you apply a protective top coat, so that the new paint will fade at the same rate as the rest of the car.

Just before the car show, you have to wash and wax your classic car. If there are dull areas or scratches on the paint, apply car polish before you wax. Polish until the top layer of the dull spots is removed, and then, apply a thin layer of wax. Use a microfiber cloth to buff the car.