Starting on a project car can be equal parts exciting and frustrating. Much of the frustration comes from trying to source affordable and authentic parts for classic and antique cars. Fortunately, you have several options. The following guide can help you figure out where to look for the part you need.

Option #1: Junk and salvage yards

The least expensive option may be the most obvious, especially for non-mechanical parts like trim. Call around to local salvage yards to see if they have any cars of the model and year you are rebuilding. Some yards keep an inventory of all cars, while others even have a more in depth parts inventory on hand. You can even find some yards that place the inventory online, which gives you the option of seeking out non-local sources. You'll usually find that it is cheaper to pull the part yourself.

Option #2: Enthusiasts forums and magazines

There is likely an online forum and a magazine targeted at other owners of your particular make and model. You can often find parts for sale or for trade in the classifieds section of these. This can be a great deal if you have some parts you don't need, because you can use them to trade for the part you do need.

Option #3: Local and national car clubs

If you are having trouble finding a part, contact a car club that attracts other owners of your make and model. Much like a magazine or forum, these clubs often have a trade and sell network among their members. You can also put the word out to other enthusiasts to keep an eye out for your coveted part.

Option #4: Specialty parts dealers

One of the most expensive options is often to contact a specialty parts dealer, but the extra cost is well worth it when you are trying to hunt down a hard to find or rare part. These dealers find and pull the parts, and in many cases they even recondition them. This is an excellent option when looking for mechanical parts that must be in working order.

Option #5: Replica manufacturers

Replicas aren't always ideal, but they can provide a way to get the car on the road until you find an original part. One place where replica parts really stand above the rest is when it comes to mechanical parts that are designed to wear out but are no longer manufactured, such as the brake parts for some antique cars.

With perseverance you will eventually find the parts you need to finish your project car. For more information, contact companies like Brake & Equipment Warehouse.