So, you’ve got the itch to bring home a classic Mopar. Good call! Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, and DeSoto made some incredible machines, and owning one is like holding a piece of automotive history. But before you throw down cash on a project car, you need to know what you’re getting into. Some cars are money pits, while others can be brought back to life without breaking the bank. And when it comes to sourcing classic Chrysler car parts and old Mopar parts, some are a dime a dozen, while others might have you scouring swap meets for months.

At Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts, we’ve been helping Mopar enthusiasts for years, and we know what separates a smart buy from a restoration nightmare. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Before you even look at a car, decide what you want. Are you dreaming of a ‘60s Plymouth Fury? A late ‘50s Dodge Coronet? Or maybe a classic Chrysler Imperial? Do your homework on common mechanical issues, rust-prone areas, and—most importantly—parts availability.

Some models have great aftermarket support, meaning parts are easy to find and relatively affordable. Others? Not so much. For example:

• Easier to find parts: Dodge Darts, Plymouth Valiants, and Plymouth Belvederes are great choices because they share a lot of components across multiple model years.
• Harder to source parts: DeSoto models, early Chrysler Imperials, and certain one-year-only Mopars can be tough. Trim pieces, dashboards, and body panels for these cars can be a real headache to track down.

If you’re new to the game, sticking with a model with strong parts availability will save you a lot of frustration.

Rust is your worst enemy. A bad engine can be rebuilt, but a car with major body rust can cost thousands in metalwork before you even think about paint.

When inspecting a Mopar project:

• Look for rust in the frame rails, floor pans, trunk, and under the doors—these are common problem areas.
• Tap on quarter panels and rockers. If it sounds dull instead of crisp, you might be dealing with bondo hiding serious rust.
• Avoid cars that have been poorly patched up—mismatched panels or thick body filler are red flags.

A little rust is manageable, but if the car needs major sheet metal replacement, you’re looking at a costly and time-consuming fix.

Finding classic Chrysler car parts and old Mopar parts is easier than it used to be, thanks to specialty suppliers like Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts. However, some parts are still easier to source than others.

Here’s a general rule of thumb:

• Engine and drivetrain parts? Generally easy to find, especially for Slant-6s, small-block 318s, and big-block 383s and 440s. Even Hemis have good aftermarket support.
• Suspension and brake components? Readily available for most models, especially A-body and B-body cars.
• Trim and interior pieces? Hit or miss. Door panels, dashes, and unique trim pieces can be difficult and expensive, especially for less popular models.

• Glass and emblems? Some models have good reproduction options, but for rarer cars, you may need to hunt junkyards or specialty Mopar forums.

Before committing to a project, price out some of the harder-to-find parts. You don’t want to realize six months in that a single missing piece of trim costs $1,000 on eBay.

While rust is a dealbreaker, mechanical issues are more about budgeting than avoiding a car completely. Expect to do some work—few project cars are road-ready from day one. That said, there are a few things to watch out for:

• Engines that are seized or missing major components might not be worth the trouble unless you’re prepared for a full rebuild.
• Transmission issues can be costly, especially if you’re dealing with an old push-button automatic or a rare manual setup.
• Brake and suspension problems are usually fixable, but parts costs can add up. Factor these repairs into your budget.

Even if you plan to keep your Mopar forever, it’s worth considering its future value. Some cars appreciate more than others, and certain models will always be in higher demand. For example:

• High-value models: HEMI-powered cars, ‘Cuda and Challenger models, Road Runners, and Super Bees tend to fetch top dollar.
• Mid-range value: Dodge Chargers, Plymouth GTX, and Dodge Coronets are desirable but generally don’t command six-figure prices (unless they’re rare variants).
• Lower-value models: Four-door sedans, station wagons, and some early ‘50s Mopars may not see significant appreciation.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t restore a lower-value model—just be aware that you might not make back what you put into it.

It’s easy to get carried away when you find a car you love, but restoration costs add up fast. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend:

• Project car purchase: $5,000 – $30,000 (varies based on condition and rarity)
• Basic mechanical restoration: $3,000 – $10,000
• Body and paintwork: $5,000 – $20,000 (or more, depending on rust repair)

• Interior restoration: $2,000 – $8,000

Before you buy, add up the estimated costs and make sure it fits your budget. A cheap project car can quickly turn into a money pit if you’re not careful.

A little research, a thorough inspection, and knowing where to find quality classic Mopar parts will set you up for success. Whether you’re tackling a mild restoration or a full-blown frame-off rebuild, having the right parts supplier makes all the difference.

At Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts, we’re here to help you track down the parts you need so you can focus on what matters—bringing your classic Mopar back to life. Check out our inventory today and let’s get that project rolling!