One of the most difficult parts of restoring a classic car is sourcing the parts. It can take a long time to find the parts you need, and in the past would mean driving around to car shows and traders in the hope of finding what you’re looking for. Today, things are much simpler, and you can now buy car parts online, making it much easier to find classic car parts.
Express Parts can help you find the parts you’re looking for. We have a range of products in stock, and if there’s something else you’re looking for, we can help you find it.
Learn more about buying car parts online in our handy guide.
Do your research
Finding the right car parts for your classic car requires a lot of research. Classic cars are much more complex than modern cars, and their rarity can make it difficult to find the parts you need to carry out restorations and repairs.
Research the parts you need carefully. Consult any manuals you have and contact other owners and car experts to see help you determine exactly what you need.
Choose the right products for your needs
There are two options when it comes to buying car parts: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket auto parts. It’s easy to be swayed by the more affordable price tag of aftermarket parts, but these may not always be the best option for your needs. Aftermarket parts may not be the exact match for your vehicle, and you could end up having to pay twice to secure the right part for your needs.
OEM parts may be harder to come by, but they can be worth the wait to help you carry out the repairs you need.
Research each product carefully and check reviews. Most product descriptions should contain compatibility information, or you can check with the seller to determine if the product is suitable for your vehicle.
Explore different pricing options
Budget can be a significant factor when it comes to buying car parts online. Researching the prices of different parts can help ensure you’re getting a fair deal for your money, and aren’t paying over the odds. Compare the prices offered by different sellers to try to determine a fair price.
Remember that the lowest price may not necessarily be the best option for you. You should check what the price includes (including warranty) and the delivery charges. You may even be able to haggle with your sellers to get a better deal.
Choose a trusted seller
While buying car parts online is a simple and convenient way to find the car parts you need, it doesn’t come without risks. Not all sellers are as trustworthy as they appear, which is why it’s important to research your merchant carefully. Check descriptions in detail and read reviews to make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller. Sellers should know the details of their products, so if you have questions, they should be able to answer them in detail.
Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, so don’t be afraid to look elsewhere if you have any doubts about the sale.
Always check the warranty and returns policy
All car parts should come with a warranty, and that includes classic car parts. Your seller should provide you with warranty details that can provide you with added confidence when buying your parts. With a warranty in place, your parts are covered if there’s a manufacturing fault or an issue after installation.
In addition to the warranty, you should check whether the seller has a returns policy. There may be several instances where you need to return items, including ordering incorrect parts or finding that they’re not compatible with your vehicle. Make sure there’s a returns policy in place before you buy, and return your items as soon as possible if there’s an issue.
Buying classic car parts online can be an effective and convenient way of getting the parts you need and even finding hard-to-source parts that have been difficult to get your hands on. At Express Parts, we have a wide range of classic car parts to help you carry out repairs and restorations. Search our store to see what’s available, or get in touch, and we’ll help you find what you need.