Parts Sourcing Guide

Finding parts is half of owning an older car. This guide walks through the kinds of parts out there, where to look (from the dealer parts counter to the junkyard), how to cross-reference part numbers so it actually fits, and a tracker to keep every order, core and return straight.

It's a 5-page printable and fillable guide (US Letter PDF), in two versions: fillable for your computer and clean for printing:

• The Kinds of Parts: OEM, OE supplier, aftermarket, reproduction, new old stock, used and rebuilt, with the good, the watch-outs and what I use each for. Plus your car's parts basics (VIN, codes, build date).

• Where to Buy: dealer counters, parts stores, online catalogs and specialists, junkyards, forums and classifieds (with scam cautions), swap meets and rebuilders, plus a junkyard run kit.

• Cross-Referencing: how I confirm part numbers and supersessions, cores and returns, a before-I-buy checklist and a cross-reference table.

• Parts Tracker: 30 rows for part number, type, source, price, ordered, arrived, fit and core deadline.

• Sources & Contacts and Wanted List.

Instant download, for personal use. No prices listed; store and brand mentions are examples, not endorsements.

Highlights

• 5-page fillable + printable PDF

• OEM vs aftermarket vs used, in plain words

• Junkyard, forum and dealer counter tips

• Part number cross-reference steps

• 30-row parts tracker with cores and returns