Copyright © 2004, Donald Harris Cars Trucks and Tractors http://www.carstrucksandtractors.com

Have you looked at your favorite toy and wanted to do some repairs or modifications? You know - something to make it growl, shine, squeal or kick dirt in the grills of lesser vehicles? Have you hesitated because you are not sure where you can find all the parts you may need or how to start looking? Wonder no more!!! Here are my answers from over 30 years of working on all types of vehicles.

If you just need to replace a worn part that is original equipment on an older vehicle, the first stop is your local auto parts stores. Most chain stores (ie NAPA, O'Rielly, Auto Zone, etc.) have most of the common mechanical parts on both domestic and import vehicles either in stock or can order overnight. But some parts are "dealer-only" items. In this case, contact the parts department of your local dealership and be prepared to wait for a day or two on the order (and pay a pretty penny!).

Another place to look is mail order and online vendors. Today most mail order stores like J.C. Whitney, Tractor Supply, and Eastwood have online catalogs complete with search engines to help you locate the parts you need. There are also a lot of dealerships and specialty parts vendors with online stores that make it easy for you to find parts for your special "baby." We have a large selection of online vendor links on at http://www.carstruckandtractors.com/assolinks.html . Many of the vendors have selections of new, used, and remanufactured parts, including body parts. Many also offer selections of specialty tools that may not be available at your local auto parts store.

The third place to look for parts is your local auto salvage yard. Most salvage yards have a good selection of later model used parts at considerable savings over the price of new parts. Many larger salvage yards have online inventory with a search engine that will search not only their inventory, but the inventories of a network of salvage yards. This enables you to quickly find the parts you need. Most salvage yards will ship parts.

Now which place to look for what? If you are need OEM (original equipment manufacturer) maintenance or repair parts, your local parts stores are usually the first best place to stop. They stock most parts and are price competitive. If the part you need is a "dealer" item, first check your local dealership then check your online parts resources. In addition, if the item is a "dealer-only" item, check your local auto salvage yard. This may save you a bundle and many times the folks at the salvage yard may have another source for your dealer part. Parts shopping can save a LOT of money!

If you are searching for parts to modify your vehicle (to add that VAROOM!), the place to start is your local salvage yard. They have interchange books that indicate what parts will interchange with other parts. This can save you a lot of guesswork. They may also know of others that have made the modifications that you want to make and are usually willing to share information that will help you with your project.

Shopping around can help make your repairs or modifications faster and less frustrating. Keeping your "baby" in tip-top shape has never been easier!

Donald Harris is a former mechanic and used car dealer. He continues to tinker under that ol' shade tree. Drop by his website at http://www.carstrucksandtractors.com for car repair tips and links to parts, manuals and classic cars, trucks and tractors. Also visit http://www.mymodernlife.com for advice on living a modern life without the modern headaches! You can contact Don at autoarticles@yahoo.com

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