Finding Parts Online

            When owners of Ford vehicles have to replace parts, there are many outlets and sources they can explore to get the parts they need.  Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury's latest cars and trucks can all easily be repaired just by visiting a local dealership if you are disinclined to do the work yourself; however, restorers and amateur mechanics are more likely to locate and replace parts for their project cars themselves.  While there might be a few obstacles, the search can be made simpler by being resourceful and knowing where to look.

             Ford owners can save a great amount of time by searching the Internet.  Google can become a part-seeker's BFF. Sites like AutoPartsWarehouse.com offers replacement parts and components ranging from a 1946-1951 Mercury exhaust tip to a 1957-1970 Ford Fairlane hubcap.  Other routes that can be tried include auto parts catalogs and even Internet auction sites.  Many times an individual will purchase a wrecked late or recent model Ford and sell pieces; however, those seeking parts should always consider the reliability of the auction site, as well as the trustworthiness of the seller.  While common parts might be found easily on websites like AutoPartsWarehouse.com or in catalogs, Ford owners will have to put in a bit more elbow grease to locate rare parts for something like one of the Edsel models.

             The Ford Edsel had a short and notorious run from 1958-1960; consequently Edsel models have become some of the most sought-after classic American vehicles.  With only three model years, parts – especially original parts – are incredibly rare.  But, for the Edsel owner looking to replace a part, Edsel.com is a time-saving resource.  On this site, not only can Edsel enthusiasts communicate with likeminded individuals, there is also a database of Edsel parts suppliers from all over the country.  From convertible tops to steering components, Edsel.com has contact information for these suppliers. 

            While many parts can be found with the click of a mouse and a credit card number, some parts are so hard-to-find that other avenues must be explored.  When an owner of a 1940 Lincoln Cosmopolitan or a 1918 Ford Model T cannot find what he needs through online stores, catalogs, or auctions, he can let people in the industry know that he is looking.  What this means is that sites like Craigslist.com offer free listings for individuals to post what they need and their contact information.  This way, rather than the Lincoln owner fruitlessly looking at every parts supplier website, a seller can find him.  Not only can this save time, it can also save a great deal of money because the posting is free.

            Lastly, for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury parts that simply cannot be found by the common owner, there are services that will do the searching for them.  ClassicCarPartsFinder.com is a fee-based website that locates parts for individuals.  This service should only be used if an owner has traveled every avenue in locating a specific part, as it can end up costing a great deal to have someone else do the searching.  However, sites like ClassicCarPartsFinder.com usually have connections to parts dealers all over the world and are able to reach a wider audience than a single individual.

             As a last resort, some restorers of classic Ford, Lincoln or Mercury cars and trucks find that having a local machine shop fabricate the missing part is the only option. Whether your passion is restoring a 1932 Ford pickup truck or replacing a fan belt on your 2004 Mercury Marauder, with the help of your local Kragen Auto Supply, machine shop or the Internet, replacement parts and accessories can be obtained with a little persistence and ingenuity.