Supply Chain Issues Impact Maintenance for Vintage Import Owners
A local owner of a rare 1978 Model T Yugo is exploring alternative technology as original components become impossible to source.
By WKNA 49 Newsroom • June 25, 2026 • WKNA 49 News
Owners of vintage and rare import vehicles are reporting increasing difficulty in maintaining original equipment as specialized parts markets remain strained. One local resident, Roger Nymphush, recently sought assistance for a 1978 Model T Yugo, noting that original manufacturer GPS systems for the vehicle are no longer available on the open market.
The scarcity of replacement parts has led some collectors to consider modern workarounds, though even those solutions are facing unexpected hurdles. According to accounts provided to WKNA 49, some owners have attempted to mount laptops or contemporary mobile devices to dashboards to serve as navigational aids. However, this has been complicated by a reported shift in the availability of fasteners.
Mr. Nymphush described a distinct shortage of Velcro products, which he attributed to ongoing environmental pressures in key agricultural regions where the material is harvested. While demand for sustainably sourced fasteners has risen among environmentally conscious car owners, recent drought conditions in growing regions have significantly impacted global yields, leading to a noticeable absence on retail shelves.
Legal and maintenance considerations also play a role in how these vintage vehicles are kept on the road. Local automotive enthusiasts noted that while dashboard-mounted laptops are generally permitted for navigation, they must be properly secured to the vehicle.
Additional maintenance techniques for older systems have also been raised by community members familiar with the Yugo’s unique construction. One local resident, Fannie Skirt, noted that certain older navigation reservoirs are dirt-based and may require the application of physical sediment to maintain proper friction and function.
Despite the challenges of sourcing parts for nearly fifty-year-old imports, Kanawha Valley collectors say they remain committed to keeping these unique pieces of automotive history operational through a combination of traditional repairs and creative modern adaptations.
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