Overhaulin'

what are general things to look for when buying a classic car?

For example: 1. Cars before year XXXX are not required to be smogged, or passengers are not required to wear seat belts. 2. Accesibility of parts 3. Etc.

Public Comments

1. ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuust. It can be repaired, but at what price? You can never really tell just how bad it is. There are a million things. You need to be more specific. Not only did you not mention the vehicle type your interested in, but also your intentions. Personal? Resale? Investment? Fun for all? c'mon mang.
2. Cars before year 1974 are not required to have seat belts, defrosters, etc. where I live. I would look for rust more than anything, especially in the frame and body mounting areas. This is going to be the deciding factor when buying a classic car. Most american automobiles have aftermarket repair parts available to fix body and drivetrain, if it is foreign such as Fiat or MG, then it gets more difficult to find replacement parts, but they are still available if you look hard enough.
3. Cars before 1968 are not smog equipped, not meaning they don't get tested. Check the laws in your state on that. On seat belts, I thought every state required seat belts, lap belts at minimum, check state laws on that, too. GM. Ford, Chrysler all have decent OEM replacement out there somewhere. 60's built cars are better-made classics than newer stuff.