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…
The latest addition to OPGI's fleet of perfectly restored GM classics needed no restoration work at all. With just 9,797 miles on the odometer, this 1987 Buick Grand National was delivered to OPGI in better-than-excellent condition. The purchase included everything but that "New Car Smell" from 30 years ago. (more…)
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…
[caption id="attachment_2531" align="alignnone" width="4043"] Joe Postelle's '69 and Ron Lewis Sr.'s '66 Chevelle[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2540" align="alignnone" width="1900"] Art Cruz's 72 Monte Carlo[/caption] (more…)
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…
The single biggest expense involved with owning a classic car is obviously the initial cost of acquiring the vehicle or building the vehicle in the first place. While there are available collectible vehicles to suit nearly every level of budget out there on the market at any given moment, parking any classic in your garage will present the hurdle of an initial buy-in cost to overcome before you can get started in the game. (more…)
Original Parts Group Inc., the industry’s leading supplier and manufacturer of restoration and high-performance parts for classic GM cars, now offers five new 2017 Late Summer Clearance Sale catalogs featuring thousands of in-demand restoration parts and accessories up to 45% off their regular price. The long days of summer are the perfect time to get started on your next big restoration project. The Late Summer Clearance Sale catalogs are available now and grouped in five different motor divisions: Chevrolet, Pontiac,…
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…
