Restoring Vintage Ambassadors in Kolkata: Where to Find Spare Parts in 2024.
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Restoring vintage Ambassadors in Kolkata is a rewarding yet challenging task, especially when it comes to sourcing spare parts for these iconic cars. Here’s a guide on where you might find the parts you need in 2024:
1. Burrabazar and Chandni Chowk Markets
- Burrabazar: Known as Kolkata’s largest wholesale market, Burrabazar is a hotspot for auto parts. Many small shops here specialize in older car parts, including those for vintage Ambassadors. You can often find both original and aftermarket spares.
- Chandni Chowk: Another market that’s well known for car parts, and you might come across businesses that stock vintage Ambassador parts.
2. Classic Car Restoration Workshops
- Many workshops specialize in restoring vintage cars, including Ambassadors. Some of these shops have in-house stock or strong connections with suppliers. Some well-known restoration workshops in Kolkata include:
- The Ambassador Garage: They specialize in restoring Ambassadors and often have access to spare parts, both old and new.
- Kolkata Classic Cars: This place often works on Ambassadors and can provide information about sourcing parts or even offer them for sale.
3. Online Platforms
- eBay India & OLX: Both of these platforms have sellers offering vintage car parts. eBay India often has a good selection of rare Ambassador parts, and OLX is another platform where individuals sell spare parts.
- Facebook Groups & Communities: There are several Facebook groups dedicated to classic car restorations, including for Ambassadors. Members often buy, sell, or trade parts.
- Car and Bike Forums: Websites like TeamBHP have sections where members discuss classic car restorations and parts, and you might be able to find leads on where to buy parts.
4. Ambassador Car Clubs
- Calcutta Vintage & Classic Car Club: Being part of a community can help you get in touch with like-minded enthusiasts who can guide you to reputable sources for spare parts or even help you find people selling parts directly.
- These clubs often have networks of people who restore these cars and know where to get specific parts.
5. Authorised Tata Motors Service Centers
- Since Tata Motors now owns the rights to the Ambassador brand, their service centers might be able to help with some parts or direct you to authorized dealers for hard-to-find items.
6. Auto Scrap Yards
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- Kolkata has several scrap yards where you can find old cars being dismantled. Sometimes, these places may have spare parts for vintage Ambassadors. You might need to visit a few yards and talk to the owners to find what you’re looking for.
7. Specialty Suppliers
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- Some suppliers in Kolkata focus specifically on vintage car restoration, and they may offer a wide variety of parts for the Ambassador, including body panels, mechanical components, and interior accessories.
Tips:
- Know the Model and Year: It’s crucial to know the exact model and year of the Ambassador you’re restoring. Parts from different periods (pre- and post-1970s, for example) can differ quite a bit.
- Patience is Key: Finding the right part can take time, so be patient and persistent in your search.
In summary, while finding spare parts for vintage Ambassadors in Kolkata can be a challenge, there are plenty of places to explore, from bustling markets like Burrabazar and Chandni Chowk to online communities and restoration workshops. Happy restoring.