Delays in classic car restoration due to missing spare parts

3D printing to the rescue!

Problems with the supply of spare parts for oldtimers and youngtimers exist not only in restoration workshops, but also among private collectors and mechanics. Workshops often no longer bother to look for spare parts that are difficult to obtain and pass this task directly on to their customers.

If your spare part cannot be found on the market at all, we offer you the possibility of reconstructing your part. Please feel free to send us an enquiry via our contact interfaces.

The availability of spare parts is steadily decreasing; on the contrary, demand is increasing. In 2017, 431,000 vehicles with H-plates were registered in Germany. The trend is clearly upwards, with around 30,000 new classic cars hitting German roads every year.

The classic car industry is booming and more and more sought-after youngtimers are also slowly reaching the age limit of 30 years. Even vehicles from the 1990s often lack spare parts. Examples are Audi 80, Opel Omega A, or even the increasingly popular Mercedes Benz W201 (190E). Difficult to obtain are, for example, windscreen seals, trim strips, chrome parts, tie rods, interior and instrument parts, as well as many other spare parts.

“The classic car scene is growing unabated. But spare parts are more often unavailable or sinfully expensive.” (Quote: Haiko Prengel – Spiegel Online)

The Spiegel Online article also makes it clear that the problems with the supply of spare parts are getting worse and worse. Many enthusiasts are already selling their vehicles for lack of resources for spare parts procurement.

We would like to help with new technologies. Once digital 3D models have been created, it is possible to produce spare parts cost-effectively and without storage costs using additive manufacturing processes. We are expanding our database to be able to provide more and more parts on demand. If a spare part is not yet in the database, a new 3D model is created and you help like-minded collectors to get access to the spare part as well. Private individuals and, above all, classic car clubs and associations can thus benefit from our offer, as a certain spare part is usually at the wear limit or already defective, even in several vehicles. With the right spare part, nothing will stand in the way of the next general inspection and your vehicle can continue to be driven on the roads.

With this in mind, the Oldtimerparts team wishes you every success with your restoration and a safe journey!

Please also visit our other articles on the subject of 3D printing and reconstruction for classic cars.