VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Hard to find new parts..Poll 1938 coupe

Some parts are getting really hard to get. My list is getting longer. When I say getting hard to get, I know you can buy any part for a huge amount of cash. I mean within reason.

1. Glove box clock.
2. Emerg. brake linkage
3. Radio
4. Mirror/clock
5. suspension bumper retainer
6. locking GM gas cap
7. V-Rod cross brace
8. battery cover plate
9. Banjo steering wheel
10.correct fog lights
11.Emerg. Brake cables
12.Chrome hood prop

If you had a name, I would address you by it. However, let me introduce you to a term that I found eventually applied to my restoration. Capitulation. As I worked on my car and tried to be as frugal as possible, it finally came to me. If I don’t spend some money, “it ain’t a gunna get done!” So, I just threw in the towel and bought the critical items that I needed and moved on. That being said, my project was definitely a DIY project (by the way, that’s my car on the cover of the February G&D.) However, having reached the point where I just plowed ahead and got what I needed, there are still have some things to do, but being close and having a decent looking and driving car was worth a lot to me.

We all have a budget and a desired schedule. But, it’s the budget that will control the schedule. From the time I bought my car to the 99% restoration point took me about 20 months. It was important for me to be able to drive this car, something that I have been doing every week, even during the Colorado winter. You’ll get it done; just keep plugging away at it and enjoy the process.

Rich

Steve Poling. Email me any time...wawuzit@comcast.net

I might not have been clear on my post. $400 for a gas cap. $350 for a clock. $500 for a mirror/clock. $1200 for a steering wheel. That sounds like Rolls Royce prices. I can't see me paying those prices. I don't mind paying full retail or even higher if I need a part. I know they're not getting cheaper, butthat only goes so far. What bothers me more is parts that I can't find at all.

Accessories and hard to find parts are priced at what may seem to be outrageous prices. The cost of repairing many of those parts justify some of the prices. I don't know the market prices of 1938 parts but most of those that you listed seem to be in the ballpark. Of course it is possible to purchase some of them for less at a swap meet or maybe even on eBay if the seller does not know the going rate. It might take 20 years or more to find the part at a price you want to pay.

I don't like to pay too much for anything but have had to delay a project for many years when I didn't purchase an item that I thought was too expensive. The delay was much more costly than spending a few extra $$$.

And...the longer that you delay ususally the higher the price will be.

Steve, I think you will find the above quote pretty much says it all. Prices are not likely to go down. However, paitence will usually pay off by searching around for some of the harder to find and more expensive items.

I think that both of us are pretty lucky with the cars that we have. There are lots of parts available for them and for the most part, they are reasonably priced. You also have a 235-6, which, although not correct, is a superior engine.

Rich

Indeed prices don't usually go down BUT I've discovered that parts can be had for more reasonable prices if you don't demand NOS or perfect condition parts. I've been able to land many accessories by monitoring ebay with patience. I landed a high beam indicator worth the money because one of the corners was damaged. It's invisible when mounted on the car and I paid about 1/5th what "perfect" pieces sell for. I landed an exhaust tip that was mislabeled in the listing for about 1/3 the "normal" cost. Patience and the willingness to use less than perfect parts can pay off.

Good advice I'm sure. I guess I'm not use to taking my time. Being semi retired takes a while to adjust. Thanks

Steve, I heard the following at the first Hershey Fall Meet I attended back in 1970. In general is still applies today. "You can pay too soon but you can't pay too much." Think about it.
Charlie

I like the one that says " If you wait,the only thing that happens is you get older".

Thats part of the fun of having an old car. The quest for the needed parts and un-needed accessories. While there are fewer parts around today than there were 30 years ago the internet has made them easier to fin, and without leaving the house.
If you want a "mail order" Chevrolet get a 1955-1956 or 1957. I can order almost any part or accessory I need for my 1957 from a catalog.

Some advice. You said that you're simi-retired, right? Well, then, sell the "Vette." No chick wants to ride in one any way. It's only you that wants one. You assume the chicks think you're "soooooembody) because you drive one. Us guys do but they don't (well maybe until they do ride in one).

Buy a really cute, small breed puppy instead. Say a Toy Poodle or Yorkie. Get a female. Males will embarrass you. They're too much like us. Buy it a pink collar with diamond-like studs. Drive the 38. Take the puppy along. She'll love it. They hate low down cars. They want to see things farther away than the curb and have the wind softly waifing in their face. Not with wind beating them to death like the "vette" will. Take it to parks and around upper scale high rise apartments, etc. Take some baggies for little accidents. This tells the chicks that you're a responsible citizen. Chicks will cuddle and fawn all over the puppy and, by association, you too and they'll follow you home just for the chance to bath it and take it for a poddie walk.

The 38 will be transportation enough. Chicks will appreciate not having their butts busted on every crack in the road.

Take the chicks and the puppy to Vegas. Have a some fun.

Use the money to buy some parts and accessories for the 38. No more whining!

This is not only good advice but a solution as well. This has been field tested. It is sound advice.

Best, Charlie

BTW: If you're married use some of the money from the sale of the vette to buy her a small diamond ring (it would be a big diamond but accessories are high and we have our priorities. Hide the dog.

I don't think Charlie has every had the fun of driving a Corvette.

I bought my first vette in 1965 a 1957 3speed. I've owned several over the years. I guess I'll always have one, I just like them. As far as chicks, to busy for that, I've been married forever. I thought forums were made to whine in. ....GRIN

Rich K,
Congrats on making the G&D!

Dean,

Thanks for the kind comment. However, it is not hard to get into the G&D, I am proof of that. Just write your story, take a few pictures and send it on in. I sent mine in back in October and it is already published. I am sure that they could use many more stories for the G&D.

Rich

Rich,
Nice article, and great looking car.

Rich, congratulations on making the cover and having your story published in the G&D. I read the story. It was way too long. MrMack probably dozed off. Naw, I'm just kidding you. It was just right and very interesting.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Best wishes, Charlie