I wonder if i am missing something I am restoring a 37 Nash ambassador. I am finding that even what i thought would be simple pieces to find are non existant. Can anybody tell if there may have been some colaboration between Nash and another auto maker for things like body parts. example should i be looking for parts for for another car that interchanges that i don't know about about .This is my first Nash project. Any info from somebody would be met with massive gratitude Thanks Greg
Good luck with that, if you have a 37 Nash, im pretty sure you need parts from a 37 Nash, and there are not many of those around. I would look into finding Nash clubs around your area or even the country. Cars like that usually have a hand full of guys that have tons of stuff stashed away, just don't tell them if you are building a hot rod, some of the restorer guys hate selling parts to guys that are not restoring them.
I kinda look at what's available for a car, before I decide to buy it. Fortunately we have the internet today, so if there is stuff available, you can probably find it. Used to be even more difficult.
Have you looked in Hemmings Motor News? I looked for a set of running boards for 20 years for my Buick coupe before I found them.
Sometimes,if you really can't find replacemint,you have to make it or have some one do it,only after looking very hard first. If the part is a left or right and you only have one side,your in good shape to make the other.
There is a rule of thumb when buying selling or looking for parts for an old car hot rod or otherwise. Fords first, Chevy second , and you can't find parts for all the others. Think about it, ask someone who has no interest in old cars to describe an antique car. Nine times out of ten they will mention a Model A or Model T Ford. Parts follow the same thought.
Parts availability (new parts, that is) is based on making money, and you have to make a lot of each part, to make money. No Nashes around, no demand for parts, so no one makes them. Used stuff and universal parts are what you'll find, after a lot of searching.
I'd agree with joining the Nash owners club http://www.nashcarclub.org/ only around 1200 members so that gives you an idea of how hard the parts may be to find. I'd agree that if you are modifying it and not restoring it to 100% showroom stock don't mention that fact to prospective parts sellers. On the other hand if it is a total to showroom stock restoration be sure to make the fact known. I'd plan on attending the big swap meets in your area and being ready to buy parts and ready to spend a lot of time looking. I'd even go as far as taking along photos of the part I am looking for to compare on the spot. And obtw if you are modifying it, let us know in your intro post so the cranky guys won't give you a ration of crap about being a restorer rather than a hot rodder. And if you are modifying it and it isn't going to be a traditionally modified rig don't mention the billet wheels or other non traditional modified pieces or you will get a full load of organic fertilizer thrown at you.
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