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Depending on the vehicle you choose to work with you can run into major problems obtaining some parts.More and more people are choosing to "modernize" their rides because of a lack of antique or vintage parts to complete their builds. Some people,(like me) will not settle for anything less than the original or as close as the law will allow. Is the car your working on made before 1960 ? If it is, chances are you will find yourself making parts that you need,and if your lucky repairing the rare parts that can be very hard to find.You will still end up buying some of your vintage parts, but if you are willing, you can probably make or repair alot yourself. I know it sounds really difficult but actually it can be surprisingly simple. You can make your own gaskets, seals, mounts, bushings, and cabmounts with very little time or effort.Some of the engine parts can be more difficult, but it's not impossible for the guys that either don't have the money or want to do it them selves.You just have to be aware that your mistakes will be costly so, double or even triple check all your work, and don't modify ANYTHING unless you are sure of what you are doing.For the most part if you look under the hood of a modern vehicle most engines look generally the same, vintage engines can be quite different. Manufactures tried many different things and because the combustion engine was constantly being improved many things have changed,this is actually a blessing because it means that you can interchange alot of vintage parts with minor modifications.

I'll start with gaskets because they are very easy to make and are by far the most commonly needed parts.All you need is some gasket materail, a wrench or hammer, and a flat surface to work on.I will use a valve cover as an example.First clean the cover up and remove all the grease, place the valve cover on top of the gasket material and lightly tap the edges with a wrench or hammer. Thats it, you should have a perfect imprint of your gasket,just remove the part you don't need and your done. Stuff like bushings and other rubber mounts can easily be made with a metal template and old tires.Useing a piece of pipe for a template works well,just cut the sidewall of a old tire into strips and punch out the shape you need useing the pipe and a hammer.Instant cabmounts ! Pretty easy right ? What about the really old parts that are sealed with rope ? Easily dealt with by useing binding twine and teflon tape. Really I swear, just soak the twine in motor oil and then wrap it in teflon tape to keep it from drying out.

Engines and cast parts are a big step up but you would be surprised what you can do on your own.Start by cleaning everything up so you can see what your working with. Remove any old material or build up and carefully check for cracks or any other damage.Vintage parts were built to last and can useally be rebuilt. Many times I have changes the bearings in an old waterpump(that you can't buy)and it works fine.Simply removing build up and cleaning can solve many problems.I have done things like grinding my own cams and cranks, but wouldn't suggest it unless you know what your doing.Most places have machine shops for that stuff and you should consider this if you have never done it before.Parts like your engine block can not be repaired but very rarly fail and have broad interchange spans.

Making parts can be quite simple and is a good way to keep your costs down and your sanity intact.So don't worry, just get the vehicle you want and build what you can't buy.Good luck with your project,remember originals rule !

Learn more about this author, Gord Hannah.
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