TMCP #635: ASK RICK! – FIFTY YEARS of National Parts Depot! The REAL Story of Surviving and Thriving in Restoration Parts
About this episode
Celebrating 50 years of National Parts Depot, Rick Schmidt shares the inspiring story of how the family business evolved from selling Thunderbird parts to becoming a leader in Mustang parts. He discusses the challenges faced in the early years, including financial struggles and the decision to expand into other markets. The episode also touches on the importance of setting goals, both personally and professionally, and includes insights into the current muscle car market, auction strategies, and the future of the classic car industry.
National Parts Depot is celebrating an incredible milestone — 50 years in business — and we’re sitting down with Rick Schmidt for a special Ask Rick episode to talk about the journey that built one of the most respected names in classic car restoration. From its humble beginnings in a family basement to becoming a global leader in restoration parts, Rick shares the story of how his father Jim Schmidt built NPD through hard work, vision, and a relentless commitment to serving enthusiasts. We also dive into Rick’s leadership philosophy, the evolution of the restoration market, and what the next fifty years may hold.
It’s also auction season, and Rick is ready to help us make some money. We break down what it takes to buy right, sell smart, and turn a profit with a quick flip. With a goal of keeping the upfront cost under $30K, Rick walks us through which cars make sense to chase at the January auctions — and which ones to leave on the block. If you’re looking to sharpen your auction strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
The post TMCP #635: ASK RICK! – FIFTY YEARS of National Parts Depot! The REAL Story of Surviving and Thriving in Restoration Parts first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.
Ford Mustang
"...the big leap into the future, Ford Mustang Parts."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that many people recognize. It has been around for a long time and is loved for its speed and cool design.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its performance, style, and cultural significance in the automotive world.
American muscle cars
"...dedicated to people worldwide who love American muscle cars. If you're buying, selling, restoring, even racing them..."
American muscle cars are fast cars made in the U.S. that often have big engines. People love them for their power and cool looks, and they are popular for racing and collecting.
American muscle cars are high-performance vehicles that originated in the United States, typically characterized by powerful engines and aggressive styling. They are popular among car enthusiasts for their speed and performance.
stick shift
"I want the real thing with a stick shift and a handbrake."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that you control with a gear stick. It lets you change gears manually, which some drivers prefer for better control.
A stick shift refers to a manual transmission system where the driver uses a gear stick to change gears. This type of transmission allows for more control over the vehicle's power and speed.
Dodge Charger
"...m, I want to see a real photo of a real new Dodge Charger with a real V8 in it. Yes, I realize the new V8 ..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and has strong engines, especially the V8 ones. It's famous for being fast and stylish, which is why people often talk about it when discussing cool cars.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its muscular design and powerful engine options, particularly its V8 variants. It has a rich history in American automotive culture, often associated with performance and style, making it a popular topic in discussions about classic and modern muscle cars.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"...ind of on the nice to have list. Chassis for the Chevelle, engine for the generally in a transmission, eng..."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a car that was made from the 1960s to the 1970s and is loved for its powerful engines and classic look. Many people enjoy collecting these cars because they represent a fun time in automotive history.
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-size car produced from 1964 to 1977, known for its performance variants, especially the SS models. It is celebrated for its classic muscle car appeal and remains a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
legends car
"...I wouldn't necessarily mind racing a legends car if I have the time, because that's certainly the most direct thing that I could do, but I need to drive something..."
Legends cars are mini race cars that look like old classic cars. They're fun to drive and are used in local racing events because they're cheaper and easier to handle than full-sized race cars.
Legends cars are small, purpose-built race cars designed to resemble classic American automobiles. They are typically powered by four-cylinder engines and are popular in grassroots racing due to their affordability and ease of use.
Auburndale Speedway
"...at Auburn Dale Speedway at Winter Haven, Florida on January 2nd. The first big event of the year there is called the Winter Nationals..."
Auburndale Speedway is a racetrack in Florida where people can watch and participate in car races. It's a well-known place for local racing events.
Auburndale Speedway is a short track located in Winter Haven, Florida, known for hosting various racing events, including legends car races. It's a popular venue for local racing enthusiasts.
late models
"...this will be the end of legends. It's time to move on to the next thing after this, probably late models..."
Late models are a kind of race car that are faster and more advanced than legends cars. They are often used in professional racing and have special designs to help them go really fast.
Late models are a type of race car used in various forms of stock car racing, characterized by their aerodynamic design and powerful engines. They are typically used in professional racing series and are known for their speed and competitiveness.
rally car
"...I want to get him some experience in a rally car weekend, and I want him to go to a session..."
Rally cars are special cars made for racing on different types of roads, like dirt or snow. They are built to handle tough conditions and are very fun to drive.
Rally cars are specially modified vehicles designed for rally racing, which takes place on a variety of surfaces including dirt, gravel, and snow. They are built for high performance and handling in challenging conditions.
top fuel NHRA driver
"...he's also in a very specific lane. He's a top fuel NHRA driver. For Dallas, this is the year to keep trying stuff..."
Top Fuel is a type of drag racing where cars go really fast in a straight line. The drivers use powerful cars that can reach incredible speeds in just a few seconds.
Top Fuel is a class of drag racing in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) known for its high-speed, powerful race cars that can reach speeds over 330 mph. These cars are powered by supercharged engines and are designed for short, straight-line races on a drag strip.
Ford Thunderbirds
"...what he knew best was the 55 to 57 Thunderbirds, because that's, he bought one for himself as a daily driver when he turned 16. And he restored another one all through the 60s. He knew those cars from bumper to bumper..."
The Ford Thunderbird is a famous car made by Ford between 1955 and 1957. It's known for being stylish and comfortable, and many people love it for its classic look.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car produced from 1955 to 1957, known for its distinctive styling and luxury features. It was originally designed as a personal luxury car and has become an iconic symbol of the era.
Hemmings Motor News
"...just a savvy marketing decision. It is also a tip of the hat and our support for the Bible of the automotive hobby Hemmings Motor News..."
Hemmings Motor News is a magazine where people can buy and sell classic cars and car parts. It's very popular among car lovers and collectors.
Hemmings Motor News is a well-known publication that focuses on classic cars and the automotive hobby. It serves as a marketplace for buying and selling vintage vehicles and parts, making it a key resource for enthusiasts.
new old stock
"...mostly just a new old stock, commonly available Ford parts..."
New old stock means items that were made a long time ago but are still brand new and unused. This is often used for car parts that are no longer in production but are still available.
New old stock (NOS) refers to unused products that were manufactured long ago but have never been sold or used. In the automotive context, it often pertains to parts that are still in their original packaging and condition.
National Parts Depot
"...that's why he chose the name National Parts Depot, which he pretty much ripped off from Ford."
National Parts Depot is a company that sells parts for older cars, helping people fix and restore them. They focus on classic models like the Ford Thunderbird.
National Parts Depot is a company that specializes in providing reproduction parts for classic cars, particularly for models like the Ford Thunderbird. They offer a wide range of parts to help restore and maintain vintage vehicles.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"...he was very, very cognizant that the new upcoming big thing Corvettes were already monopolized. That market was already saturated with suppliers..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a well-known sports car that many people admire for its speed and unique look. It's been popular among car lovers for many years.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. It has a strong following among car collectors and enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Camaros
"...At that time, second gen Camaros were just used cars. Nobody thought of that being a restoration parts business at that time..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is another classic American sports car that came out after the Mustang. It's known for its performance and style, and many people enjoy restoring them.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a pony car that was first introduced in 1966 as a competitor to the Ford Mustang. It has become a popular choice for car enthusiasts, especially in the restoration market.
Mustang parts
"...and then beyond that was three separate bays that comprised a full service restoration facility of the highest order."
Mustang parts are the different pieces that make up a Ford Mustang car. People buy these parts to fix or upgrade their Mustangs.
Mustang parts refer to the various components and accessories specifically designed for Ford Mustang vehicles, which are often sought after for restoration and customization.
body shop
"...the second bay was paint, and the third bay was bodywork, which is a very, very filthy bay if anybody's working in the body shop."
A body shop is a place where cars are fixed, especially when they have dents or scratches. They help make the outside of the car look good again.
A body shop is a facility where vehicles are repaired and restored, particularly focusing on the exterior bodywork, including collision repairs and painting.
Ford Mustang Gt8
"...inished the first job number one, which was a 67 Mustang GT8 coupe that we own. We've had in the collection no..."
The Ford Mustang GT is a fast and stylish version of the Mustang, which is a famous American sports car. It's known for its strong engine and cool looks, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Ford Mustang GT is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang sports car, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design. It has been a symbol of American muscle since its introduction in 1964, making it a frequent topic in automotive discussions.
restoration
"...one of the marquee shops for a restoration that was really over the top for the time as far as thoroughness and quality..."
Restoration means fixing up an old car to make it look and work like it did when it was new. It can take a lot of time and money to do this right.
Restoration refers to the process of returning a vehicle to its original condition, often involving repairs, refinishing, and replacement of parts. This can be a meticulous and expensive process, especially for classic cars.
Cadillac 1971
"...Car number one is a 1971 Cadillac..."
The 1971 Cadillac is a luxury car from the early 1970s. Cadillacs are known for their comfort and style, making them popular among car enthusiasts and collectors.
The 1971 Cadillac is a classic American car known for its luxury features and distinctive design. Cadillacs from this era often represent a significant part of automotive history and are sought after by collectors.
Bring a Trailer
"...three cars that are all for sale right now on Bring a Trailer..."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell special cars, like classic or rare models, through online auctions.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It connects buyers and sellers, providing a marketplace for unique cars.
Cadillac El Dorado
"El Dorado convertible. Black with red interior. Is that black or is that like a dark gray? No, it's a dark blue in this picture."
The Cadillac El Dorado is a fancy car made by Cadillac, known for being stylish and luxurious. It was made for many years and is often sought after by collectors, especially the convertible version.
The Cadillac El Dorado is a luxury car that was produced by Cadillac from 1953 to 2002. It is known for its distinctive styling and was often available as a convertible, making it a popular choice among collectors.
low miles
"...that's a sweet spot for mileage for 51,000 miles on it. It's quote unquote low miles and it's probably the original engine and driveline..."
'Low miles' means the car hasn't been driven very much, which is usually a good thing because it means it's likely in better condition than cars that have been driven a lot.
'Low miles' refers to a vehicle that has been driven a relatively short distance compared to typical usage. This is often considered a positive factor in determining a car's value and condition, as lower mileage can indicate less wear and tear.
Cadillac Coupe de Ville
"...I think the Coupe de Ville's and the mainline Cadillacs of this era were actually more attractive cars than the El Dorados..."
The Cadillac Coupe de Ville is a large, fancy car that was popular in America for many years. It was known for being stylish and luxurious.
The Cadillac Coupe de Ville is a full-size luxury coupe that was produced by Cadillac from 1949 to 1993. It is known for its elegant design and was a symbol of American luxury during its time.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28
"...wo, another convertible and a nice one? The 1991 Camaro Z28 convertible, white, which is a nice color for th..."
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a special version of the Camaro that is designed for speed and performance. It's been around since the late 1960s and is popular for its racing background and sporty feel.
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a performance-oriented version of the Camaro, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. First introduced in 1967, the Z28 has become an iconic model in the muscle car segment, often discussed for its racing heritage and performance capabilities.
five liter
"It's a five liter automatic transmission, 16 inch wheels. It's just like a nice clean cruiser."
A 'five liter' engine means the engine is big and powerful, which helps the car go fast. It's a common size for sporty cars.
The term 'five liter' refers to the engine displacement, indicating that the engine has a total volume of five liters. This size typically suggests a V8 engine, which is known for providing strong performance in muscle cars.
automatic transmission
"It's a five liter automatic transmission, 16 inch wheels."
An automatic transmission helps the car change gears by itself, so you don't have to do it manually. It's easier to drive, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears.
F bodies
"I've never been a huge fan of the third gen F bodies just from a kind of a build quality and standpoint."
F bodies are a type of car made by GM that includes the Camaro and Firebird. They're known for being sporty and fun to drive.
The term 'F bodies' refers to a platform used by General Motors for the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird models produced from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. These cars are known for their sporty design and performance.
Pontiac Firebirds
"... literally ruled the streets and the Camaros and Firebirds at a hard time dealing with us. Were these good ..."
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic car that was made for speed and style from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. It was very popular and often raced against another car called the Camaro, which is why it's often mentioned in car discussions.
The Pontiac Firebird was a classic American muscle car produced from 1967 to 2002, known for its performance and distinctive styling. It competed closely with the Chevrolet Camaro and became a symbol of the muscle car era, making it a significant part of automotive history.
Chevrolet Z28
"I'm leaning towards the Z28 based on the premise..."
The Z28 is a special version of the Chevrolet Camaro that is designed for better performance and handling. It's often sought after by car lovers.
The Chevrolet Z28 is a performance-oriented variant of the Camaro, known for its powerful engines and sporty features. It's a popular choice among muscle car enthusiasts.
Plymouth Roadrunner
"...t's car number three? 440 powered, 69th to myth, Roadrunner hard top. Illicolor combination. This is like a ..."
The Plymouth Roadrunner is a classic car that was made in the late 1960s and 1970s, known for being fast and having a fun horn that goes 'beep-beep.' It's popular among car fans because it was a cool and affordable option for speed.
The Plymouth Roadrunner is a classic muscle car produced from 1968 to 1980, known for its performance and distinctive 'beep-beep' horn. It was designed to be a more affordable muscle car, making it a significant part of American automotive history and a beloved choice among enthusiasts.
440 engine
"...whether or not it's fitted with a 440 under prior ownership. So it didn't come from the factory with the 440..."
The 440 engine is a big V8 engine made by Chrysler. It's known for being powerful and is often used in fast cars from the muscle car era.
The 440 engine refers to a 7.2-liter V8 engine produced by Chrysler, known for its high performance and power, commonly found in muscle cars like the Plymouth Road Runner. It was a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking speed and acceleration.
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