50 year old pickup truck, parts supplies?

[StreetDragster]

hi All,

I'm considering my first american car, and i fancy a 70's pickup truck, something like a Chevrolet C-10 SWB or a Ford F100.

I'm relatively ok with the parts supply for things like oil filters, plugs, that sort of thing but what is the parts supply like for the more car dedicated stuff?

Things like window winders, dash trim, shift cables, window seals, chrome bezels, that sort of thing that is specific to a particular truck make/model that is 50 years old? Is there a healthy supply of decent used? Are parts remanufactured by some sort of heritage supplier? Are they still produced by Chervolet?

Where are the usual places to go for parts? Presumably in the US and shipped over to the UK, unless their is UK suppliers.

Apologise if this is a noob question.

thanks

Matt

[Stove454]

In the states there are a few large companies that supply parts for classics. The big two names that come to mind are "Classic Industries" and "YearOne". Both are large reputable companies and can supply the majority of parts - trim, body panels, electrical, interior, etc. I've used both for my Chevelle. These are typically remanufactured parts using original suppliers or old dies.

Those trucks were made in abundance, so there's plenty of aftermarket and plenty of original parts available.

There's also a ton of junkyard/scrapyards that have an abundance of parts, but you'd typically have to go to the states and rummage around in them, not as much online.

Summit Racing or Jeg's are the big two names for upgrades/enhancements - suspension, engines, tuning, etc and most mechanical stuff, but they don't do as much for body/trim etc.

"Original Parts Group Inc" has really good stuff, but I do not believe they do trucks. They are licensed by GM though.

There's also a lot of smaller places that do more specialty stuff, google should turn up a few, but the ones I listed above are the big name ones, you don't run the risk of it being one guy in his garage or something.

Also be warned anything coming in from the states you'll likely have to pay extra shipping and customs, so it gets pricey quick. Best to order as much in one go as you can.

Edited by Stove454 on Wednesday 14th March 13:59

[chippy348]

StreetDragster said:

hi All,

I'm considering my first american car, and i fancy a 70's pickup truck, something like a Chevrolet C-10 SWB or a Ford F100.

I'm relatively ok with the parts supply for things like oil filters, plugs, that sort of thing but what is the parts supply like for the more car dedicated stuff?

Things like window winders, dash trim, shift cables, window seals, chrome bezels, that sort of thing that is specific to a particular truck make/model that is 50 years old? Is there a healthy supply of decent used? Are parts remanufactured by some sort of heritage supplier? Are they still produced by Chervolet?

Where are the usual places to go for parts? Presumably in the US and shipped over to the UK, unless their is UK suppliers.

Apologise if this is a noob question.

thanks

Matt

I have a 1971 C10 SWB
Go for a Chevy they are very well covered for both standard parts and performance parts.
LMC truck is one place http://www.lmctruck.com/chevrolet/
Bothers truck parts https://www.brotherstrucks.com/
AZ Pro perform is good https://www.azproperformance.com/home.php
Classic heartbeat http://www.classicheartbeat.com/


There is a pod cast dedicated to the “C10 movement” which is massive in the US at the moment https://www.c10nation.com/podcast-episodes

Hope this helps

[StreetDragster]

Thanks very much chaps, both very helpful and informative answers.

My last project was a 2000 RX7, comparitively a much newer car, parts for it were a nightmare and it certainly put me off anything of that era or older, seems like its less of an issue for trucks, aside from the small issue of the Atlantic.

Thanks again

Matt

[aeropilot]

There's a few people that for a charge you can send items to from firms in the states, to a shipping address over there, and 2/3 times a year it all gets loaded up into a container and shipped over, and then you collect from them etc.

R&R Hot Rod Imports used to (may still do?) which is OK for larger items or stuff you are not in immediate need of etc.
No harm in asking them.
Website here:
http://www.randrhotrodimports.co.uk/

There are others.

It does give an option, but means you having to plan ahead etc. No good for stuff you need urgently, in which case, expensive air freight and duty is you're only option.

[StreetDragster]

Another helpful reply, thanks very much

Matt

[Bob T]

As the others have said everything is available up to and including the complete chassis and all the bodywork....for a price.
Some stuff is surprisingly cheap ($15 for a box section to repair the lower door sill) but the big pressings (bonnet etc) will easily run to $500. I suggest downloading a catalogue from Brothers or LMC to get yourself an idea and feel for what it all costs....and then look at shipping costs for the UK.

I'm currently working in the USA and brought myself a 1970 Chevy C-10 stepside just before Xmas. My plan to work on it out here and then ship it back to the UK in due course, probably along with a selection of spares to keep it on the road for the next few years!

[StreetDragster]

Thanks very much, good advice

Matt