Retrofit Auto Body Parts
When you're restoring an antique or classic car, the original parts often just aren't available. If you aren't able to restore your vehicle to original condition, consider retrofit auto body parts. Retrofit parts are new parts manufactured to fit older vehicles. Retrofit parts of all types are available for many models of vehicles such as; body parts, engine and transmission parts, air conditioning units, CD players, keyless entry systems, and much more.
An Internet search for retrofit parts of your make, model and year will tell you if there are parts readily available to suit your specific needs.http://www.rustrepair.com/is a great source of automotive restoration parts including retrofit auto body parts. In addition to restoration projects retrofit parts are also available for bumpers, spoilers, ground effects or complete body kits for more recent models of cars at websites likehttp://www.bodykits.com/index.html
So what are your options for auto body parts if parts for your particular make and model aren't readily available? Many manufacturers used the same general body styles for years. The same body styles were used for decades in some cases. Check out a vintage Chilton Interchange Manual for the years a particular part remained unchanged.
Also known as the Mechanic's Bible' these Interchange books were invaluable for rebuilding wrecked or rusted out cars and trucks. Chilton manuals also included pictures of grilles and taillights assemblies to aid in identification. Often, the only body changes from year to year were grilles, mouldings and headlight/taillight assemblies. The basic body remained unchanged. Once again, an Internet search is the best bet to locate the right edition for you. Try Ebay or a site likehttp://www.themotorbookstore.com/.
Since the body shell remained unchanged for many years it is likely that you will be able to find an interchangeable body part even if a part of the exact year cannot be found. If the trim package was indeed different you may be able to salvage your original trim and use it on the new body part. Removing all the mouldings is often used in unoriginal restoration projects.
This was also a favorite practice among the hot-rodders of the 50's and 60's. They had no interest in preserving the original styling of the vehicle. Their only concern was what was under the hood. Removing the moulding also simplified painting and in some cases exposed hidden rust.
If you have a project car that already isn't original, retrofitting is the way to go. Even if you're attempting to stay original and you just don't have enough body left to work with, consider retrofit auto body parts.
