Restoring a historic aircraft is as much about patience and precision as it is about passion. Whether it’s sourcing authentic vintage bolts and nuts, identifying obsolete AN part numbers, or tracking down accessories and fittings that haven’t been in production for decades, the right aircraft restoration supplies are essential to keeping aviation history alive.
At JP Aero, we specialise in solving one of the most persistent challenges in aircraft restoration: finding the exact aircraft parts you need, no matter how rare or hard to identify.
Why Fasteners Matter in Aircraft Restoration
When most people think of a vintage aircraft, they picture the wingspan, the cockpit, or the engine. But restorers know that it’s the small details — the fasteners, fixings, and fittings — that keep everything together. Using the wrong screw or substituting a modern bolt can affect:
- Airworthiness – safety demands the right materials and tolerances
- Authenticity – collectors and museums value original specifications
- Engineering heritage – fasteners were designed with specific stress loads, corrosion resistance, and fatigue properties in mind
In short, getting the right fasteners is not just about appearances; it’s about respecting the engineering integrity of the aircraft.
The Challenge of Aircraft Restoration
For engineers, restorers, and collectors, the beauty of vintage aircraft lies in their detail. From airframes to aircraft wheels, every component tells a story. But with manufacturers long since retired and original supply chains gone, even a single missing fastener can halt progress.
Obsolete AN and MS part numbers often leave restorers relying on trial-and-error sourcing or piecing together parts from multiple suppliers. That’s where JP Aero’s expertise comes in. Our deep stock and global supplier network give us unique reach into the world of vintage aviation parts.
Obsolete Part Numbers Explained
Fastener part numbers such as AN, MS, and NAS were once industry standards. Over time, as specifications evolved and manufacturers consolidated, many of these numbers became obsolete or were replaced with newer versions.
For restorers, this creates two problems:
- Obsolete codes – the original part may no longer appear in supplier catalogues.
- Cross-referencing issues – modern equivalents may not be a perfect match for vintage aircraft.
Understanding these systems — and knowing when a substitute is acceptable — is part of what makes restoration such a specialist field.
Common Challenges in Restoration Projects
Restorers face a unique blend of engineering and detective work. Beyond sourcing rare fasteners, challenges often include:
- Corrosion and wear – decades of exposure leave many fasteners unusable
- Incomplete documentation – drawings and manuals may be missing or inconsistent
- Mismatched substitutes – previous repairs may have introduced non-original hardware
- Balancing authenticity with safety – deciding when to replace like-for-like and when to use a safer modern alternative
These challenges underline why restoration projects benefit from suppliers who understand both the technical and historic dimensions of aviation.
Engineering Support Beyond Just Fasteners
Aircraft restoration is rarely a straightforward project. Often, original drawings and specifications are incomplete, and sourcing requires more than just knowing a part number.
JP Aero’s technical and engineering support goes hand in hand with our supply capabilities. We work with clients to:
- Interpret obsolete or incomplete documentation
- Cross-reference old AN, MS, and NAS part numbers
- Provide alternatives where production has ceased
- Ensure compliance with current standards without compromising authenticity
This combination of supply and engineering knowledge helps restorers avoid delays and ensures accuracy down to the smallest detail.
Precision Reproduction for Restoration Projects
When original stock no longer exists, JP Aero can reproduce legacy fasteners with precision. Using specialist processes, we manufacture vintage bolts and nuts, rivets, and other fasteners that match original specifications.
For historic aircraft, where authenticity and safety must go hand in hand, this capability bridges the gap between past and present. Every reproduction is backed by our rigorous aerospace quality systems, ensuring that each part meets the highest standards for airworthiness while respecting the heritage of the original design.
Stock, Accessories, and Hard-to-Find Parts
JP Aero’s extensive stock of more than 35,000 line items includes not only modern aerospace fasteners but also legacy aircraft parts and accessories suited for restoration and repairs.
From specialty screws and washers to structural fasteners, our inventory covers the full spectrum. If it isn’t on the shelf, our sourcing team can locate it—or reproduce it—to keep your project moving.
Engineering Heritage: Then and Now
Another challenge in aircraft restoration is the difference in how fasteners were engineered decades ago compared to today. Many older fasteners were designed with heavier materials, different plating methods, or less corrosion resistance than their modern counterparts.
Understanding these differences helps restorers make informed choices: when to stick with the original specification for authenticity, and when a modern equivalent may offer safer long-term performance without compromising the look or function of the aircraft.
Why Choose JP Aero for Aircraft Restoration Supplies?
For over four decades, JP Aero has been trusted by restorers, operators, and collectors across the globe. Our tailored service for aircraft restoration supplies combines:
- Historic aircraft expertise – experience with obsolete and legacy parts
- Global sourcing – connections with specialist suppliers worldwide
- Engineering and production services – reproducing parts where none remain
- Commitment to detail – ensuring authenticity and safety in every fastener
Keeping Aviation History in the Air
Every restoration project represents a piece of history brought back to life. From classic warbirds to heritage trainers, maintaining authenticity requires more than just mechanical skill—it requires the right partners in supply.
At JP Aero, we are proud to support the preservation of aviation’s legacy with fasteners, parts, and expertise you won’t find anywhere else.
Ready to Source Aircraft Restoration Supplies?
If you’re embarking on a vintage aircraft restoration project and need help finding obsolete AN part numbers, sourcing rare fasteners, or producing custom vintage bolts and nuts, JP Aero is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your restoration project and discover how our expertise in aircraft restoration can keep your aircraft in the air where it belongs.