Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 13 hours ago
Ever wondered what a swap meet actually is — and whether it's still worth your time to find classic car parts? Jeff Ford walks through it live from the Fairlane Nationals 2026 in Springfield, Missouri, talking with longtime collectors, digging through pickup truck beds full of FE parts, and breaking down exactly how to work a swap meet the right way.
In this episode:
• What a swap meet is and why it's still a legitimate way to source parts for your classic Ford
• A real deal in progress: a 1969 Fairlane horn pad and ring, and why certain trim pieces (like the '69 steering wheel pad shared with the Boss 302) carry a premium
• Why timing matters — early birds get the rare stuff, but late arrivals can score deals as sellers pack up
• The case for making a parts list before you go, so you don't get distracted chasing parts you don't actually need
• How to avoid bad information from sellers who know cars in general but not your specific model
• Why traveling for parts at a national meet needs to be factored into real costs, not just the price tag
• The single best reason to go: networking with the "parts hounds" who can track down what you need long after the show ends
It's not a problem, it's a project.
—
▶ Autorestomod is proudly sponsored by National Parts Depot — [https://www.npdlink.com]
▶ Starter solenoid & Mustang restoration parts — National Parts Depot: [link]
▶ Charging system & 100-amp alternator — CVF: [cvfracing.com/]
▶ Battery cables & welding wire — Fast and Quiet: [link]
SUPPORT THE SHOW
▶ Patreon — $10/month gets you monthly Zoom meetings with me: [patreon.com/c/gasolinemedia]
▶ Merch — "Needs More Classic Cars" shirts, hats & mugs at Fourth Wall: [autorestomod-shop.fourthwall.com/]
Autorestomod Episode: 748
It's not a problem, it's a project.
autorestomod-shop.fourthwall.com
Sponsors:
nationalpartsdepot.com
eatondetroitspring.com
Contact: Jford@autorestomod.com
Insta: @autorestomod
patreon.com/gasolinemedia.
Ever wondered what a swap meet actually is — and whether it's still worth your time to find classic car parts? Jeff Ford walks through it live from the Fairlane Nationals 2026 in Springfield, Missouri, talking with longtime collectors, digging through pickup truck beds full of FE parts, and breaking down exactly how to work a swap meet the right way.
In this episode:
• What a swap meet is and why it's still a legitimate way to source parts for your classic Ford
• A real deal in progress: a 1969 Fairlane horn pad and ring, and why certain trim pieces (like the '69 steering wheel pad shared with the Boss 302) carry a premium
• Why timing matters — early birds get the rare stuff, but late arrivals can score deals as sellers pack up
• The case for making a parts list before you go, so you don't get distracted chasing parts you don't actually need
• How to avoid bad information from sellers who know cars in general but not your specific model
• Why traveling for parts at a national meet needs to be factored into real costs, not just the price tag
• The single best reason to go: networking with the "parts hounds" who can track down what you need long after the show ends
It's not a problem, it's a project.
—
▶ Autorestomod is proudly sponsored by National Parts Depot — [https://www.npdlink.com]
▶ Starter solenoid & Mustang restoration parts — National Parts Depot: [link]
▶ Charging system & 100-amp alternator — CVF: [cvfracing.com/]
▶ Battery cables & welding wire — Fast and Quiet: [link]
SUPPORT THE SHOW
▶ Patreon — $10/month gets you monthly Zoom meetings with me: [patreon.com/c/gasolinemedia]
▶ Merch — "Needs More Classic Cars" shirts, hats & mugs at Fourth Wall: [autorestomod-shop.fourthwall.com/]
Autorestomod Episode: 748
It's not a problem, it's a project.
autorestomod-shop.fourthwall.com
Sponsors:
nationalpartsdepot.com
eatondetroitspring.com
Contact: Jford@autorestomod.com
Insta: @autorestomod
patreon.com/gasolinemedia.
