Preventative Purchases for the future.

[mraitch]

I think I posted something like this way back, but the situation of Dean semi-retiring - albeit he has taken steps to lessen HIS load (well done hm) while keeping everything going caused me to requestion the future.

Likely original pretty bits will continue to command good prices where available, (Dean has door aluminum, Brian has some stainless pieces, JT has a lot of bits to name just a few, but the genesis of my question is what should I purchase NOW to ensure that my car will RUN, at least, in the future.

I already have backup starter, alternator/generator/clutch/plate/water pump - but these are as much for convenience since I assume that rebuilding much of this stuff will still be available (though at a price)

JUst like we have a "what should I take on a trip" list, perhaps we could look in to the future and generate a "what should I buy NOW' list, which might generate an interest in our vendors to test the market for what they might generate.

Technology continues to advance at a rate my mind can't keep up with - but to me. at least. CD printing will certainly help.

Should we buy a spare head/camshaft etc.

Thoughts!!

[garth]

I've spoken to a few concerned locals in my area about a collective parts cache. Most of us have recently restored cars (<5 years) and we are only logging 2000-4000 miles per year. It does not make a lot of sense for us to individually hoard a block, a head, a transmission, etc. So this fall we plan to come up with a reasonable parts list and the basis for individuals to contribute and restock the collective parts bin. With so many new replacement parts being made and readily available, the list might be surprisingly short.

I'm keen to hear what others consider to be essential spares and alternative inventory strategies. BTW, Good topic!

[jrusso07]

I tend to buy the consumable parts for spares when I see them for a fair price. For "running spares" I buy Items like fuel, air and oil filters, points, rotors, caps and condensers, light bulbs, fuses, lights and lenses, gaskets, belts, voltage regulators and some relays (although often they can be rebuilt), carburetor parts (needle valves, needles, floats, jets, etc.), coil, ballast resistor, plugs and wires, windshield wiper blades

What I am seeing is buying in bulk saves some money, a case of oil filters for a few bucks per filter versus 6 to 10 for one...same with spark plugs. Now 12 oil filters will last a while but again, I am running (3) SRLS and they get oil changes once a year.

For "major spares" I would recommend, starter, alternator, water pump, master cylinders, brake calipers and cylinders, hydraulic rebuild kits,

Like many of us, I was lucky enough to acquire many spare items when I purchased my cars. This includes body parts, interior parts, emblems, engine and transmission parts, etc. As some of you know, I am happy to sell some for (what I think are) reasonable prices.