Are you in the process of rebuilding a classic ride? With a need for obscure parts that may no longer be in production, you may have to seek out used auto parts at some point to find what you need. As common as it is to visit a used car parts dealer or junkyard to get used vehicle parts, there are many misconceptions when it comes to installing these parts on a classic ride. Check out a few of the untruths and assumptions about used parts of vintage vehicles before you start the search for the parts you need.
Misconception: Used auto parts lower the value of the vehicle
When a vehicle is evaluated to determine its overall value, multiple aspects of the vehicle will be considered. While the primary engine and drive train parts will be part of this evaluation, it is rare for a professional to look at individual parts to determine the value of a classic ride. Further, it can be more desirable for a classic ride to have parts that come from the original manufacturer instead of an aftermarket part. For example, if you purchase used parts for the autobody, this may protect the classic car's value better than buying aftermarket parts not produced by the original manufacturer.
Misconception: Used car parts are likely to fail quickly after installation
The assumption that used auto parts are somehow low-quality or no good is common. People often associated the word "used" with a part that has been used to the end of its life span, but that's simply not true. Vehicles are commonly damaged beyond a drivable condition and still have many parts that have barely been used. Further, many used car parts dealers go through extensive quality assurance processes with each vehicle component to make sure it is in good working order.
Misconception: You can oftentimes buy new parts for close to the same cost as new ones
Aftermarket parts for classic vehicles can carry a higher price than expected, especially if the part is made for an older vehicle. Manufacturers do not produce mass quantities of these parts and components because they are not in high demand. Therefore, they cost higher to produce and those costs reflect in the price tag the consumer has to pay. You may pay a substantially higher price for an aftermarket part than you would an original used part for this reason.
Reach out to a used car parts retailer to learn more.