You've bought a great classic British roadster and now want to fix, correct or restore the little things that either went wrong or just weren't right to make your baby perfect.  Ebay is the perfect place to find these parts.  But, often people look in the wrong places and end up either not finding what they need or pay way too much for a fairly common part.  From my experience, here's a few tips that should make your life a little easier.

1.  Know what part you need.  Before looking on eBay, check the web to get as much info as possible on the maker and part number of what you need.  Sellers often list parts with a list of cars, but they aren't quite right.  for example, a Lucas RB340 Voltage Regulator is used on an Austin Healey BJ8.  But not all RB340s, only the 30 Amp models.  There are also 20 Amp (and others) which are used for four cylinder cars.  So if the listing says RB340, that doesn't mean it will work for you.  Make sure you know what you need and ask questions before you end up with an expensive paper weight or a fried battery.

2.  Don't rely on a search for your make and model to find what you want.  Many LBCs (little British Cars) from the 50s and 60s used the same parts.  If you're looking for a part for your Triumph, it may be available but listed for an MG.  If it's an electrical part, search for Lucas as Lucas made almost all the electrical components used by all these LBCs.  Don't limit yourself to your make or model when the parts may be readily available for another make and model.

3.  Buy working parts!  There's no point in buying a part that is original but DOA.  If a seller lists a part but states that he doesn't know if it works, take a pass.  Sellers want to get the most for their items, and they will get more for a working item than an "I don't know" item.  This is almost always a guarantee that the part is not going to work.

4.  Buy Across the Pond.  Parts that are rare in the US may be plentiful in the UK.  After all, that's where these cars were born.  They may have some different words that you need to recognize (such as tyre for tire), but spend a few minutes on ebay.uk and you'll get the hang of it.  The shipping costs are higher, and it may take a little longer to get your parts, but they are often more available and usually less expensive than in the US.  It's definitely worth a look.

5.  Think outside the box.  Some people sell some very rare parts, but have no idea what car they go to.  Others sell parts that work for more expensive classics, like E-Types or DB5s, listing them for Spridgets.  There is often a huge price difference between the two, even though it's the exact same part.  If you really want a part, search for it by asking yourself, how would someone describe this part if they had no idea that it was for a Jag. 

Hope these tips help you to make your LBC the best it can be.  Now go out there and DRIVE!