NOS Parts
NOS stands for "New Old Stock"—original Ford parts manufactured in the 1960s-70s that were never installed on a car, sitting in warehouses or dealership shelves for 50+ years. Also: the holy grail for concours restorations, priced like vintage wine, hoarded by collectors who know exactly what they have, and the reason you'll pay $800 for a carburetor when a reproduction costs $200.
What 'NOS Parts' Actually Means
NOS parts are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts from the era, factory-sealed in Ford packaging, never used.
What qualifies as NOS:
- Manufactured by Ford or Ford suppliers (Autolite, Motorcraft, etc.)
- Produced during original production era (1960s-1970s)
- Never installed on a vehicle
- Original packaging (box, bag, or wrapping)
- May have Ford part number stamped/labeled
What is NOT NOS:
- Reproduction parts (modern manufacture)
- Used original parts (pulled from cars)
- Remanufactured parts (rebuilt originals)
- "NOS-style" parts (reproductions mimicking originals)
Why NOS matters:
- Concours judging (original parts score higher)
- Date codes (NOS has correct date codes)
- Quality (original Ford engineering and materials)
- Authenticity (provable originality)
- Investment (rare parts appreciate in value)
The scarcity problem:
After 50+ years, NOS supply is dwindling. Popular parts (alternators, carburetors, trim) are nearly gone. Obscure parts (brackets, clips, fasteners) sometimes still available.
I bought NOS windshield weatherstripping for my Mustang. Cost: $450. Reproduction cost: $80. Why pay 5x more? Because the NOS rubber was softer, fit better, and sealed perfectly. The reproduction required trimming, leaked slightly, and looked cheaper. Sometimes NOS is worth it. Sometimes it's concours snobbery. You decide.
Why It Matters for Your Mustang
NOS parts represent the gold standard for authenticity, but at a significant cost premium.
When NOS makes sense:
- Concours restoration (judging requires originality)
- Numbers-matching build (maintain authenticity)
- Rare/valuable car (Shelby, Boss, K-code)
- Hard-to-find parts (reproduction doesn't exist)
- Critical fit/function issues (reproduction doesn't fit right)
When reproduction is fine:
- Show quality build (appearance matters, not originality)
- Driver quality build (function over form)
- Budget constraints (can't justify 3-10x cost)
- Common parts (reproductions are excellent)
The value equation:
- NOS alternator: $400-$800
- Reproduction alternator: $150-$250
- NOS premium: $250-$550
- Benefit: Date codes correct, original appearance, concours points
- Worth it? Only for top-tier builds.
Cost Impact
| Repair Type | Typical Cost (LA) | Labor Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alternator | $400-$800 | Reproduction $150-$250, premium 2.5-3x |
| Carburetor | $600-$1,500 | Reproduction $250-$400, premium 2.5-4x |
| Weatherstripping (full car) | $1,200-$3,000 | Reproduction $300-$600, premium 4-5x |
| Trim pieces (set) | $2,000-$6,000 | Reproduction $500-$1,200, premium 4-5x |
| Complete NOS build premium | +$40,000-$80,000 | Reproduction build $40,000-$70,000, NOS build $80,000-$150,000 |
*NOS parts cost 2-10x more than reproductions. Worth it for concours builds, ultra-rare models, or parts where reproductions don't exist.
Ask me how I know these numbers.
Common Issues
Scarcity
After 50+ years, NOS supply is dwindling - popular parts nearly gone, hunting takes months
Storage Condition
50 years of storage takes toll - rubber hardens, metal rusts, packaging deteriorates
Authentication
Fakes exist - reproduction parts in NOS-style packaging, verify Ford part numbers and packaging
High Cost
NOS parts cost 2-10x reproductions - $800 carburetor vs $200 reproduction
Investment Value
Rare NOS parts appreciate (Shelby components) but common parts don't - selective investment
See This in Action
- NOS vs Reproduction Parts Guide
Decision frameworks on when NOS is worth the premium and when reproductions are smarter
Want to Learn More?
Download the Mustang Restoration Starter Kit (LA Edition) for:
- Complete terminology reference guide
- Cost estimation worksheets
- Pre-purchase inspection checklist
- Shop interview questions
- Project timeline planning tools
No upsells. No bait-and-switch. Just the information Dorian wishes he'd had before he bought his first project car.