Parts sourcing has ruined more restoration projects than mechanical failure ever has. I've seen cars sit for years while their owners searched for a single unobtainable part. I've seen people pay absurd prices for common items because they didn't know where to look. And I've seen beautiful restorations compromised by fitting poor quality reproductions because the original parts couldn't be found.
Learning to source parts well is a skill. It takes time to develop, but it makes everything else easier. This is what I've learned over years of hunting for obscure components.
Understanding what you're looking for
Different types of parts require different strategies.
OEM parts, genuine components from the original manufacturer or their successors, remain available for some vehicles. British Leyland heritage companies still supply many parts for MG, Triumph, and other British classics. The advantages are obvious: guaranteed correct fit, appropriate quality, often documentation. The disadvantages are equally obvious: premium pricing and limited availability for older or rarer models. Quality can also vary for parts that have been subcontracted to third parties.
New Old Stock, genuine unused parts that have been sitting in warehouses or stockrooms since the vehicle was current, represents the gold standard for authenticity. These are increasingly rare but do surface through specialist dealers who've accumulated stock over decades, garage clearances and estate sales, fellow enthusiasts with excess spares, and international markets where different stock survived.
Reproduction parts are modern copies of original components. Quality varies enormously, from excellent parts that are actually better than originals to unusable rubbish that doesn't fit. Research supplier reputation carefully, read reviews from other restorers, and expect to need fitting adjustments on most reproductions regardless of quality.
Used parts from donor vehicles or parts collectors remain vital sources, particularly for items that aren't reproduced and where NOS has dried up.
Where to look online
The internet transformed parts sourcing by making global inventory accessible from your workshop. Most popular classics have dedicated parts specialists who understand their markets and provide technical support. Find them through marque club recommendations, magazine advertisers, forum discussions, and word of mouth from other enthusiasts.
eBay has vast inventory but requires careful evaluation. Check seller feedback thoroughly. Ask questions before buying. Understand return policies. Be wary of descriptions that overstate condition, which is most of them. The photographs tell you more than the words.
Facebook Marketplace and marque-specific groups are growing sources. Direct communication with sellers is possible, and local collection avoids shipping issues. Payment protection is less robust than eBay, so exercise appropriate caution.
Specialist forums often have classified sections where knowledgeable communities help verify parts and prices tend to be better than commercial sellers.
International sourcing
Parts unavailable in the UK may exist overseas. The United States has a large classic car community with extensive parts infrastructure. Import duties and shipping add cost, but for rare parts the expense may be justified. Australia and New Zealand received British classics as popular exports, so right-hand drive parts are available and exchange rates can favour UK buyers. Europe is particularly strong for continental makes but holds British classics too, though language barriers and import procedures add complexity.
Traditional methods still work
Online isn't everything. Autojumbles and swap meets like Beaulieu and Newark offer opportunities to inspect before buying, negotiate in person, network with other enthusiasts, and find unexpected items you didn't know you needed. There's something about physically handling parts that photographs don't convey.
Classic car breakers provide complete vehicles for parts, removed and cleaned components ready to fit, technical knowledge about what works and what doesn't, and the possibility of finding rare items that never appear elsewhere. Build relationships with good breakers and you'll be first to know when something relevant comes in.
Marque clubs maintain members' parts offerings, recommended suppliers lists, technical knowledge about parts interchange, and access to specialist services. Club membership pays for itself in sourcing advantages alone.
Evaluating what you find
Not all parts are equal. Learning to evaluate quality prevents expensive mistakes.
For used parts, visual inspection comes first. Check for damage, wear, corrosion. Verify completeness. Look for signs of repair or modification that might affect fit or function. Compare against known good examples if you can.
Measurement matters for critical components. Dimensions should match specifications. Check for wear beyond service limits. Verify threading and fitting surfaces.
For reproduction parts, research supplier reputation before buying. Read reviews and forum discussions about specific items. Ask for detailed photographs. Enquire about returns policy.
When parts arrive, compare carefully to originals. Check critical dimensions. Test fit before painting or finishing anything. Return unsuitable items promptly rather than trying to make them work.
Parts interchange
Many vehicles share components with others, which expands sourcing options considerably. British Leyland parts appear across multiple brands. Smiths instruments fitted numerous vehicles. Lucas electrical components were standardised across the industry. Girling brake components were shared between manufacturers.
Workshop manuals often list interchange information. Forum communities share knowledge accumulated over years. Parts suppliers can advise. Physical comparison confirms suitability when specifications are uncertain.
Building relationships
Long-term relationships with good suppliers pay dividends. You get priority on scarce items, technical advice and support, sometimes flexible payment arrangements, and better service when problems arise.
Being a good customer matters. Pay promptly. Provide feedback, both positive and constructive. Refer others to good suppliers. Understand the challenges they face running specialist businesses with limited demand.
Staying organised
Parts accumulate. Without organisation, you'll lose track of what you have, duplicate purchases you've already made, and damage parts through poor storage.
Label everything clearly. Bag small parts with notes about what they are and where they came from. Protect surfaces from corrosion. Photograph parts and their storage locations.
Maintain a parts list tracking what you have, what you need, where you bought things, and what you paid. This prevents duplicates and helps with budgeting.
The patience requirement
Parts sourcing tests patience more than almost any other aspect of restoration. The part you need may take months or years to appear. Rare items sometimes never appear at all, or appear once at a price you can't justify.
But thorough research, good networks, and persistence eventually yield results. Every restoration challenge has been faced before. Someone, somewhere, has found what you're looking for. Your job is to find them before someone else does.
Browse parts and projects in our marketplace listings and check our other guides on finding barn finds, setting up your workshop, and pricing your finished restoration.