If you’re building a project or just working on the one you’ve already built, what could be more indispensable than tools to work with? How about a personal guide that knows every square inch of your car and can show you where everything is and how it all goes together. Service manuals—those big books used in dealerships in the day are those guides, and you’d be almost crazy not to own one for (more…)
We all know how frustrating it can be when a part that you need for your project is on back order, which is why OPGI is happy to announce that some of our most popular parts are back in stock! First, we have our 1966-67 Chevelle left and right rear quarter patch panels – sold individually, or as a convenient pair. These stamped steel panels are a direct replacement for the lower rear quarter panel and wheel well area. Our…
More than just another General Motors (GM) brand, over the last 50 years the Cadillac nameplate has become synonymous with the highest possible levels of style, luxury and quality in the automotive marketplace. While other top tier automakers like Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes (and others) have long shared domination of the European marketplace, here in the United States Cadillac stands alone at the top of the hill. (more…)
Original door handles and exterior mirrors are components that are always exposed to the elements and as a result, they often look far more battered and worn than the rest of your classic GM car, especially if the final paint and body work has already been completed. Interior door handles, window cranks and mirrors can take a lot of abuse too, and they can also look pretty worn out inside an otherwise immaculately restored interior. Although preserving original General Motors…
When Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI) started working with the guys from HOT ROD Garage on the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 tribute car known as “The Executive Chevelle,” the project broke new ground. The Chevelle was built from the start as a modified car using aftermarket parts and as such was the first vehicle in the OPGI fleet that was not built out as a 100%, factory-spec restoration. At the time, the stated purpose of the project was “To create…
Restoration of a classic car is usually performed in steps. After you’ve overhauled the drivetrain and made the exterior look perfect, a good next step would be getting passionate about the level of creature comforts you have planned for the interior. How your car sounds is an important aspect of that comfort and we’re not talking about the roar of your engine through the exhaust - we’re talking about entertaining sounds, the kind that should be emanating from your car…
Everyone knows that new weatherstripping can tighten up the fit and sealing of a vehicle’s doors, windows and trunk (and more) to make the overall driving experience quieter, cleaner and more comfortable. What fewer people seem to recognize is just how much extra noise (and extra fumes!) we are bombarded with during every day driving. Drivers seem to ignore the fact that the seals on the body of the car can slowly age to the point of total deterioration as…
It’s a pretty good bet that when you restore a vehicle, no matter the make, sheet metal work will be in your future. It’s becoming pretty rare to find a classic car out there that is rust free or in no need of any panel repair. Obviously, this is a factor when shopping for your next restoration project. If you choose a brand that has a plentiful supply of restoration parts available and you have the equipment, you can pick…
The cooling system is one of the most important parts of any vehicle. It requires regular inspection and maintenance of all the components to ensure optimum performance. At heart of the cooling system is the radiator. This wonderful invention is responsible for cooling the engine coolant and maintaining system temperatures. Bigger engines, higher horsepower and air conditioning will quickly find the limit of an inadequately sized radiator or poorly maintained components. Even a small failure will have you on the…
Bright and shiny new moldings will obviously improve the appearance of any car that they are installed on. In order to look their best however, molding components must absolutely be installed correctly. Installing new moldings is never a quick, snap-together procedure, and the job usually requires skill, the ability to follow directions and perhaps a bit of patience. The El Camino SS pictured above is a good example of just how great a full set of new moldings can look, and at the same…