Why is it so hard to find parts?

I have a 1964 Plymouth Fury. (Most of you know this car was purchased new by my Grandfather) it has been driven all of it's life, so it is in relatively good condition. However, there are a number of things, small things, that I would like to repair or replace. I can't believe how hard it is to find parts for this car! I know it's a MOPAR, and I know it's a Wagon, but I see tons of restored 64 Sport Furys out there on the inter-web that have been restored and selling for top dollar. They must have found parts for these cars somewhere! What gives!?
:rant:

Alright, I'm sorry for the little tiraid. If anyone has a good source for parts for this vintage MOPAR, let me know. Thanks.

 

What are some examples of the hard to find parts?

 

I bet the Wienermobile has the same problem!

David

 

Ha HA!

 

To find the parts needed, you need to know how to find them. That means calling every supplier, and knowing your part numbers, and searching eBay, Craigslist, etc.. I have a 1962 Chevy Bel Air wagon, and needed a one year only model specific molding. That means that no other year or model Chevrolet used this part, but by being persistent, I located a NOS one. It wasn't cheap, but I did get what I needed, and that is what counts.

 

Yup, and it must be a b**** hunting ebay for parts, I guess you just go the grocery store?......




And imagine explaining on the phone to the tow company, my hot dog is in the ditch!

 

I know the feeling all too well.

Years ago I went out to the "classics" yard in my area, they had just crushed a 74 LeMans wagon with a FULLY INTACT interior and did not salvage ANYTHING out of it. NO trim pieces, NO NOTHING!
He said we didn't think anyone would want any of those parts. I wanted to spit on the guy I was so shocked.

 

A friend was driving a 65 Imperial after a divorce. He needed a small trim piece, so he called a wrecking yard.
"Sorry" , they said..."All the cars with a lot of metal (i.e. ANY 60s MOPAR) are the first to be crushed for recycling".

That conversation was in 1980.

 

What are some examples of the hard to find parts?

 

Chances are you will only know when you need a '?' part and can't find one. I hope you never have to find out

 

If you have a Mopar parts catalog for your year, you can always check your Dodge dealer parts department...don't laugh, there are parts stashed away in many older dealerships that are still listed as in stock.

Three forums you might try are:

http://www.moparstyle.com/
www.moparts.com
www.forbbodiesonly.com

 

I don't know if they would do it for an individual or not, but dealership parts depts. are tied in together by the corporate computer system. They can put a part number into the locator and find what other dealerships have the part in stock. We used this system many times when we needed a part ASAP.

However, one of the problems was that the part number might have been superceded by a newer part number. The parts counterman would have to follow that trail to come up with the latest number under which the part was available.

You had to spend a fair amount of money in parts for a dealership to take the time to do this for a private shop.

 

A few parts I've had trouble locating: Turnsignal lenses, Glovebox door and trim, Taillight lenses etc. Nothing huge, but they don't seem to be reproduced and the rare item I come across on ebay or the like is in worse shape than what I already have.

This is true. I also Know from experience that MOPAR is harder to find parts for than GM and FoMoCo. That said, it's been hard to find parts for the 1963 Ranchero and the 1967 International pickup. But all seem to have their little Cult followings on the internet and parts can be found.

Like I said before, I've seen plenty of shinny, restored 64 Plymouths, Convertibles, 2 door hardtops, even wagons. Each time I see one off a fresh rebuild I wonder where they got all the do-dads.

This is a sad reality.

I won't laugh. I know it's possible. In fact I know quite a few of the local MOPAR guys that have connections. I also know the owner of the local Plymouth dealer (which closed their doors for good last spring) I tried to find out if they had any old parts, signage, anything hiding in the attic. The short answer was "No".

I'll check out those links.

Thanks for all of your input. It's not a big deal, but is a little frustration that I know many of us face while trying to keep our old original cars going and looking good like they did 50 years ago.

 

Not cheap, but...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Plymou...elvedere-/360584418140?_trksid=p2054897.l4275


http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Mopar-...Fury-Belve-/8043469598?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

 

You answered your question with your first sentence "I have a 1964 Plymouth Fury.". I love it - it's a great wagon. But love ain't easy - or cheap. There aren't exactly a plethora of parts for a 69 Fairlane wagon either, so I feel your pain. You'll have to do more searching and possibly pay more that rare part, but come on - what are the options? To drive a Chevy? Puhleese....everybody and their brother has one of those

(just thought I'd start some early morning chain-yankin'!)