Most anyone who has driven a car knows that when the “idiot lights” on your dashboard light up, it is never a good thing. Although the “idiot lights” are designed to inform the driver that there is a problem with the car’s mechanical or electrical systems, when one or more such warning lamps actually do light up, the lamps do not give any data on exactly what the problem is. The “idiot light” that is probably the most familiar to…
The classic Cadillacs from 1969 are marked by their long hoods, proportional decks and clean, angular styling. The “new” look for ’69 would push Cadillac into the Seventies and beyond with crisp lines that ensured their long and low stance would be popular for many years to come. As a result, it comes as no surprise that Cadillacs from 1969 are still restoration-worthy symbols of style, luxury and quality today. (more…)
There are few aspects of car restoration that are more satisfying than returning a worn-out interior to its original factory fresh appearance. One area of interior restoration that has always been of prime importance is the appearance and function of a classic car’s center console. Serving as an interior centerpiece and housing for the shifter, the console is both highly visible and an essential control component. It is also one area of the interior that can really look outstanding when…
The Chevelle, Monte Carlo and El Camino of the early 70s are among the most popular GM A-bodies ever produced, and when ordered with the Super Sport (SS) performance and appearance option packages, those three vehicles represent some of the most desirable and valuable muscle cars ever produced. When it comes to restoring and upgrading any of these great early 70’s classics, it is not surprising that many owners would prefer to fit their cars with SS option parts. Thanks…
Cadillac emphasized long, low and powerful styling with features that pushed the boundaries of technology to earn its spot as America’s premier luxury car brand by the time the United States’ economy hit full stride in the mid-1950s. In the decades that followed, the Cadillac nameplate would become synonymous with the highest levels of automotive style, luxury and quality. Although the heavy use of fins and chrome did quiet down by the 70s, Cadillac customers have continued to embrace the…
Electric tail and brake lamps were first introduced around 1915. Since that time, some of the auto industry's best and most iconic design work has been housed in the tail lights of the classic cars from days gone by, and building a period correct car today means getting those details right. Although sheet metal repair and new paint are common and effective tools for most exterior restoration work, more model-specific items like tail light lenses and reflectors are not as…
Upgrading the seating inside your classic car is a critical part of an interior restoration job. Here at Original Parts Group, Inc. (OPGI) we know that your seats not only need to look clean and factory accurate, they also need to be comfortable and durable too. Although most interior restoration jobs involve recovering the old seats with new upholstery, if the existing seats have lost their original shape, even new upholstery will not make up for the presence of old,…
The overall exterior appearance of a classic 60’s era Buick Riviera can be significantly degraded if the original factory Riviera fender emblems are missing, broken or just in bad shape from exposure to the elements. Although preserving vintage badges and emblems can be important to the originality of a restoration, new old stock emblems are scarce these days and for Buick Riviera’s from the years 1963 to 1967, they are practically unobtanium. If you do have damaged original fender emblems,…
Even if you have already invested a lot of time and money into the exterior and interior appearance of your classic Chevelle, you might not have given much thought to those areas in between where the door sill plates reside. Door sill step plates are not exactly exterior items and they are not visible when you sit inside your car with the doors closed, but a set of shiny new sills are a great welcoming feature when entering your car…
Keeping the small block cool in your 1966 or 1967 Chevelle or El Camino just got easier (and better looking too) thanks to the release of the latest premium reproduction radiator fan shroud from Original Parts Group Incorporated. Every GM classic car enthusiast knows that excessive heat buildup under your hood not only wastes energy, it can also damage your engine and many of the surrounding parts as well. Although there are many common reasons your engine will overheat including…