Classic Car Parts Key Terms

Find out about classic car parts terms and phrases

Entering the world of classic cars and classic car parts can take some explaining and getting used to. You have to learn the value of new items versus old, and familiarizing yourself with classic car parts terms is the first step to a greater understanding to improving your vehicle, your business or your overall conversation skills on the topic.

Classic car parts key terms can include the parts themselves or the condition in which you buy them. They also entail how you restore your vehicle.

 

New old stock

New old stock (NOS) are parts that are used for restoration projects that have been sitting on the warehouse shelves for a long time. They allow you to increase the value of your classic car by applying vintage parts.
Try: Learn more about new old stock from Iverson Automotive.

New reproduction

New reproduction parts are aftermarket parts that are more recently manufactured to replace the more common parts on classic cars.
Try: Look at the reproduction services of Classic Autopart Reproductive Services (CARS).

Frame-off restoration vs. frame-up restoration

Frame-off restoration involves completely disassembling the vehicle, cleaning all the parts and rebuilding or replacing what is necessary to meet original factory specifications. Frame-up restoration usually only involves restoring the cosmetic appearance of the vehicle by fixing the painting, chrome, interior as well as the mechanical features of the car without completely disassembling the vehicle.
Try: They Might Be Racing gives detailed information on frame-off restoration. Compare frame-off to frame-up restorations with No Fear Motorsports.

OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer

OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and it means distinguishing between parts that have been made by the original car manufacturer versus in the aftermarket, or another manufacturer.
Try: Look at the OEM information from M&H Electric Fabricators.

Rag top, soft top

Rag tops or soft tops are the slang term for convertible tops made of fabric as opposed to those made of the same metal as the exterior of the car.
Try: Learn more about rag tops for classic cars from Tops4Less.com.

Spoiler

The spoilers on a classic muscle car are special trims that were originally intended to give the vehicles the most acceleration on the street or in drag racing competitions. They added functionality to aerodynamic design to reduce a car's lift and drag and increase the car's downforce.
Try: See photos of muscle car spoilers from Spoilers by Randy.

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