Replacement parts

[phil]

why with approximately 60.000 retro T Birds still on the road should there be difficulty purchasing parts and hardware? I would think that since we see these cars surviving and collectible to some of us why parts would not at least be as available as the 55-57 T Birds?

[007Cruiser]

While some parts are a little hard to come by, they can be found or repaired if you are willing to spend enough money. It’s too early in the game for someone to go into the part reproduction business as you see with the early birds. At least that’s my opinion.

[wcoates]

While some parts are a little hard to come by, they can be found or repaired if you are willing to spend enough money. It’s too early in the game for someone to go into the part reproduction business as you see with the early birds. At least that’s my opinion.

Yes, I agree with Gene that using Rock Auto and other suppliers we can get most mechanical parts even as he said they may be pricey. We've put together a good list to get electrical and modules repaired. I think body parts are going to be harder and harder to get and I already think body parts are rising.

We all know that Corvette parts are available for virtually all years at many different companies. Some know that after Corvettes and before the Bird I had a few Cadillac Allantes that I truly loved. There are three companies that were started part time by enthusiasts. One in Jersey, one in Florida and one in California. All started by buying wrecks. One gent that I knew rather well had over 50 cars torn down to start his business. As they grew they started to reproduce parts. All three are now very viable business. Remember that this is a vehicle that had just over one third of the production as our Birds. I have on more than on occasion tried to get LAPHIL interested . With his already in place distribution system, he'd be a natural IMHO. Pricing would be an issue he'd have to come to grips with. (Another opinion!)

[Elky64]

Most mechanical drive train and chassis parts will be available for years (IMHO) most especially because they are shared with the Lincoln LS and Jag XJ's of the same vintage. New OEM body parts will dry up as they are more unique to each model. But there will be used and repairable parts at junk yards. Obviously computer/ modules are already necessary to have rebuilt, and I think that's abetter way to go despite the down time, as the reinstallation is simplified. (potentially no need for a handshake between components).
The other thing I think of when I read people discussing problems purchasing parts, is where the average American chooses to go buy parts is often driven by advertising. We all want to try to save money hence Amazon, and other online shops. I tell people just develop a relationship with the local auto parts jobber if there is still one left where you live.
By this I mean: NAPA, Car Quest, All Pro, etc. places that do a lot of wholesale business with the local Garages. They may not be as retail pretty, but this is usually where parts guys who are used to digging and cross referencing, and coming up with hard to find parts everyday. In the last few years Autozone, Advanced Auto and Pepboys have moved more towards wholesale and may be up to helping. A few years ago , Advanced Auto bought most of the Carquest stores in order to pick up that wholesale business. These type of stores are where professional parts guys work. Rock auto is the best online reference and supplier I've found and they have very low(often below wholesale) prices. But if I'm ordering something I might have to return or I'm not sure of the buying in person, the local jobber can't be beat.

[007Cruiser]

I agree, Al. My local NAPA store is great. Located in an old industrial area, they not only have auto parts but also hardware that you can’t find anywhere else. You know you found the right place when you see a couple of grizzly old timers behind a counter holding a half dozen foot thick part books.

[Dennis45]

I agree with Al. There are so many internet suppliers floging Made in China junk. Great price and Looks good in the photos but when you get it in your hand and it doesn't fit, what do you do with it then? If I have a problem with a part from NAPA, I know they will stand behind it.