FIVA launches online source for vintage car parts

Recognizing that "the future of our common hobby also depends on the availability of quality replacement parts," the International Classic Car Federation, in cooperation with ClassicParts4You.com, has created an online The FIVA Parts Catalog was created to allow owners of collectible cars to search for suppliers without being pressured to purchase.

"As the number of classic and modern classic cars increases, finding parts has become increasingly problematic," reports FIVA. 'Demand outstrips supply, prices rise, and sources dry up. It is often unclear which parts are available, where, and at what price.

"Only about 20% of all parts are developed and produced by automakers, mainly engine and body assemblies. Other parts are provided by OEMs. All of these original equipment parts, in other words genuine equipment, are retained by the manufacturer beyond the production period. [The second source of industrial supply is the replacement market, i.e., parts produced specifically for this purpose. Here, too, the supply is incomplete if a decrease in demand prevents profitable production.

"This gap can be filled to some extent by small and medium-sized companies specializing in the reproduction of vintage parts.

Thus, a new online catalog was born, but with a twist.

The catalog "does not sell parts," FIVA states in its announcement.

"Therefore, there is no incentive to promote specific products or suppliers, making CP4Y a major independent source of this type of information."

Instead, "the FIVA Parts Catalog provides a very complete cross-reference between (original) part numbers and suppliers.

According to the classicparts4you.com website, over 6 million parts for over 17,000 historic vehicles are listed, with information and pricing for original equipment and aftermarket parts, as well as qualified specialists.

The website can be accessed for free until January 31, 2020 by visiting the special FIVA/ClassicParts website.

FIVA adds that." If you are in the restoration business, this tool will help you find quality parts quickly so you can spend more time working on your car rather than spending endless hours on the phone or in front of the computer trying to find the right, and therefore safe, replacement parts."

Larry

Written by Larry Edsall, this article originally appeared on ClassicCars.com, an editorial partner of Motor Authority.