The acronym "NOS" stands for "New Old Stock", or, parts that were never installed or used on a vehicle from the factory and probably are still in the factory packaging,  They can also be parts that were manufactured by a licencee of the factory.  This term does not necessarily mean that they are in pristine condition, are flawless, do not have nics, scrapes, dents or are missing paint. so buyer beware!  In many cases these parts were going to be used on the assembly line, but for one reason or another, were found to have small defects and were tagged as such, re-packaged and sent out to the dealers as "replacement parts" for dealer stock.  Don't necessarily take this as a bad thing though,  there are many very good NOS parts still out there, and in many cases you will be pleased with what you have purchased.  The whole idea of this guide is to make the new restorer aware of the fact that in many cases, what you have is sometimes just as good as what you are going to replace it with.  Automotive restoration is a time consuming and more likely than not, a very expensive task to undertake, but once you have a few basic buying skills under your belt, it not only can save you some money, but time in hunting the parts down as well.

In many cases, the NOS parts that you purchase will have to be restored, or refurbished anyway, for such reasons as shelf wear, bad handeling over the years or for no other reason than there age.  Plastic and wiring along with gaskets dry out over time and can become brittle,  cardboard that houses many parts will soak up condensation and can rust, discolor or corrode parts as they have no fresh air to dry them out.  In many cases it's actually better to use the parts, rather than store them, and remember, most of these parts have been in there original container for 30 years or more. 

Take a good look at the parts you plan to replace and call a few restorers.  In many cases you will be able to restore your original part for the price of the NOS part you are looking at buying.  This will not only save you some money from purchasing the part and then having to restore it anyway's, but will also save you the time in tracking the part down and then waiting for the part to be restored and you still have the original part that was installed on your vehicle at the factory!!!

I have been restoring muscle cars for over 30 years now, they include a 1963 Corvette, 1969 Dodge Dart, 1973 Plymouth Road Runner, 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Pak, and I am presently doing a one-of-one 1967 Mustang Fastback 390 GTA.  

I will add to this guide as I  have opportunity to do so and will pass on information that I find helpful.

Good Luck with your projects!   

   Remember.....Don't Crush Em'.....Restore Em'!!!!!