For vintage car enthusiasts and restorers, finding reliable sources for Classic Car Parts Okc is crucial. In Oklahoma City, one name stands out with a long history and deep expertise: Classic Auto Parts Group. This automotive parts giant didn’t just appear overnight; it grew from the passion of a dedicated collector, Dale, and his love for vintage Ford vehicles.
Dale’s journey began in his youth with a 1930 Model A Ford, acquired at just 15. His high school years saw him driving a modified 1934 Ford Coupe, a testament to his early interest in car customization and restoration. This passion deepened during his college years when he undertook what he termed a “college budget restoration” of another 1934 Coupe. Disassembling the vehicle completely, Dale embarked on a quest for parts, which led him to the world of antique auto swap meets. These meets became instrumental in fueling his knowledge and network within the vintage auto community.
Moving to Oklahoma City in 1972 marked a significant step for Dale’s burgeoning passion. He discovered Hemmings Motor News, a vital resource for buying and selling antique auto parts. Swap meets remained a key activity, but now he was also actively advertising his own surplus of Ford parts in Hemmings, turning his hobby into a side venture. By 1974, the demand for his parts had grown substantially. This success inspired him to establish a retail store specializing in antique Ford parts, marking the birth of what is now known as Classic Auto Parts, Inc., initially named Obsolete Ford Parts, Inc.
Recognizing the challenges of sourcing rare vintage Ford parts, Dale took a proactive step and began manufacturing them in 1974. The first manufactured item, the 1934 Ford grille trim ring, quickly proved successful, mirroring the positive reception of his retail business. A decade later, in 1984, Dale made a strategic decision to separate the retail and manufacturing operations, leading to the establishment of Dale’s Manufacturing Company. Over time, Dale’s Manufacturing expanded its role, becoming not just a manufacturer but also an importer, exporter, and direct wholesale supplier of antique Ford parts.
The product line further diversified in 1994 to include Chevrolet parts. Today, Dale’s Manufacturing Company manufactures and imports approximately 3,000 different items, catering to a broader range of classic car enthusiasts. The culmination of this growth and diversification is the Classic Auto Parts Group. This umbrella organization encompasses Classic Auto Parts, Inc. (specializing in retail classic Ford parts), Classic Chevrolet Parts, Inc., and Dale’s Manufacturing Company. Located at 8701-8723 South I-35 Service Road in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Classic Auto Parts Group is a significant presence in the classic car parts OKC landscape, employing over 40 people and operating in over 70,000 square feet of space. For anyone seeking classic car parts OKC, Classic Auto Parts Group represents a legacy built on passion, expertise, and a commitment to the vintage automotive community.
