Classic car parts are not easy to come by. But if you have finally been able to purchase the classic car you’ve always dreamed of, finding the classic car parts to restore and accessorize it may be a high on your priority list.

Whether you have a muscle car, an antique or a vintage model, you will inevitably find the need to replace and restore some of your car parts. Classic car parts are not as readily available as for the cars that are still in production. You can’t just walk into a dealership and place your order because the parts are no longer being made. But with a little digging, they can be found.

Some places to start your search include:

Online Auctions

Online auction sites, such as Ebay, are probably the easiest place to begin your search for classic car parts. If you’ve seen the ads that Ebay has It, you know this is true. Ebay Motors has many listings for hard to find vehicles and classic car parts. You’ll have to cover the shipping charges, so that is something to consider when purchasing larger items.

Swap Meets

Finding a local swap meet may be just the thing you need to locate the classic car parts you need. They are great places to find older model accessories and other outdated items.

Classic Car Part Dealer Publications

Often times you can find the parts you are looking for in car part dealer magazines. The only drawback here is that you will probably have to spend top dollar. This option could be used as a last resort though if you are unable to find a specific part anywhere else. Exhaust all other possibilities first if money is tight.

Clubs and Organizations

Clubs and organizations exist for as many hobbies that people can think up. Certainly, there are a fair number of clubs and organizations geared toward car enthusiasts. Locating and joining one such club may prove beneficial in your hunt for classic car parts. You will be able to make connections with other people who share your interest.

In the Internet age, it is also possible to find a club or organization centered on classic car parts by doing an online search. Try searching Yahoo groups and you are likely to find a list of clubs you could join. Again, making connections with people who share your interest in classic car parts may lead you to a dealer or another source from which you can purchase classic car parts.

Junkyards

Maybe you don’t picture yourself hanging around a junkyard to find used classic car parts, but you may be able to find a diamond in the rough. If you have never used this type of service before, it could be worthwhile to check it out. Everything is computerized and usually a visit or a phone call is all you need to check and see if they have the part or accessory that you need for your precious investment.

Just a tip: I use Quickbooks to keep track off all my expenses when I am rebuilding a car. Also, use a quickbooks coupon to save on your purchase.

Of course you will want to take good care of your classic car to limit the number of parts that you will need to search for. The less time you spend tracking down parts, the more time you can spend enjoying the car of your dreams.

As publisher of a car magazine, I see the specs for some of the world’s most desirable automobiles. The celebrities that appear in the magazine know how to be seen, and nothing grabs attention like a high-powered vehicle. But owning a cutting-edge vehicle does more than add another accessory to a portfolio of luxurious items. It inducts you into an elite club, complete with the privileges and responsibilities of maintaining a vehicle that needs “special attention.”

For celebrities and amateurs alike, here are a few expert tips to keep these beauties purring for years to come:

1. Preventive Maintenance.

Every month, check key fluids such as oil, coolant, power steering and transmission. Use high-quality products as recommended by the manufacturer for any top-up or fluid replacement. Also, make sure to follow proper OEM recommendations and visit a specialist for a tune-up, replacing spark plugs, changing oil and lubricating your engine as needed. Don’t forget to regularly change your wiper blades, too. If Mother Nature rains down on your joyride, you want to be ready and safe.

2. Build a Relationship with a Good Mechanic.

You own a specialty car-it’s time to find a specialty auto mechanic. Don’t be afraid to ask your specialist about the causes of problems you notice, either. It makes you a better owner and helps build rapport.

Owners of classic cars especially need to do this. When parts that operate perfectly for 40 years begin to break down, it’s vital that your mechanic is familiar with your golden oldie.

3. Use Top Tier, High-Octane Fuel.

Pay attention to the gasoline your high-performance engine is burning. All gasoline available today should meet minimum detergency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency, but according to some automakers, that is not enough to keep critical engine parts free of carbon deposits. Recognizing that a cleaner engine performs better, BMW, GM, Honda and Toyota developed a Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard that exceeds the EPA standard and raises the bar on fuel quality. Fuels meeting this standard can enhance your engine’s performance because they’re designed to keep intake valves and fuel injectors free of deposits. Shell V-Power actually surpasses that standard with two times the amount of detergency required by the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard. These cleaning agents actively clean carbon deposits that low-quality fuels leave behind, giving your car better performance.

4. Invest in Quality Tires.

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the ground, so they’re one of the best ways to give your car added performance. Every product has a class, from engines to gasoline, and tires are no different. Make sure your wheels have an optimum strength-to-weight ratio and minimal rotational inertia. Find a tire brand you trust and make sure the speed rating gives you freedom on the open road. Also, be sure you check the tire pressure on a regular basis in order to get the best performance and mileage. Improperly inflated tires can be dangerous. To find the proper pressure for your tires, check the number on the inside of the gas door or on the inside of the side door, not the number that appears on the tires themselves. Remember, your vehicle manufacturer always knows best.

5. Detail on a Regular Basis.

Last, but certainly not least, maintain the form of your car as well as its function. Having your beauty detailed regularly by an expert is a no-brainer. Like at the pump, the car wash is not the place to start being frugal. Protect your dashboard from sun damage with a sun shield or a protective polish, like Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant. Other motorists are watching, so make sure to give your car a good cleaning at least once every two months. Also, there is nothing worse than having an awesome car and not wanting to be seen in it because of your appearance. So do what I did and use a nutrisystem coupon to save money on Nutrisystem and lose some weight.

Whether you’re a first-time high-end owner or a sharp-eyed collector, treat your ride right, because your high-performance automobile is a powerful machine that makes driving more adventurous and luxurious.