If you've been thinking about buying and restoring a vintage car or truck, you couldn't have picked a better time. It has never been easier to restore a classic automobile.

New reproduction parts are jumping on the market all the time. These new products make it easy to restore a car without having to search endlessly through junkyards and swap meets for questionable used parts-or shop for expensive new old stock components. Now companies are offering restoration parts for a much wider assortment of cars and trucks than ever before. In the recent past most companies offered restoration parts for coupes and convertibles only. Now even parts are being offered for 4-doors, wagons, vans, and old trucks.

Restoration parts are now available for newer vehicles, modern classics, as well. For instance, one company specializes in Firebird and Camaro products, and it is now offering parts to spruce up third-generation (1982-92) Camaros. (Smoky and the Bandit anyone?) Of course, restoration accessories manufacturers don't make absolutely every part for every car. But there are plenty of other resources out there, and the number of suppliers is growing daily. You'll find a huge network of enthusiasts via car clubs. Club members are a great source for advice and parts, and many clubs have their own newsletters with a classified ad section. Also be sure to check out the car and truck restoration magazines, where you'll find lots of hands-on, how-to articles.

If you don't want to do all the work yourself, you'll find numerous shops all across the country that specialize in automobile restorations. The key to choosing the right restorer is deciding what level you want your car or truck to reach, and what you are willing to spend. An absolutely perfect, concours-quality restoration costs considerably more than a simple cosmetic restoration for a car that's going to be driven regularly.

You will also need to decide if you want to restore your car or truck to its original showroom-new condition, or if you want to make a few modern modifications to it. Many people use the term's "restomod" and "restified" to describe vehicles that have been modified somewhat during the restoration. These cars and trucks often are fitted with better braking systems, upgraded electrical systems, and top-quality sound systems You'll find restorers, as well as sources for restoration parts, on the web. You also can search for your specific vehicle.

Once your vehicle is restored, you may want to hit the local cruise nights in your city, take it to a car show or even head cross-country on Route 66 vacation. Have fun with it, that's what a restored classic is for!