What You Need To Know About Classic Car Servicing And Restoration

If you own a vintage or classic automobile, you are most likely a car aficionado. You're presumably interested in it for reasons other than the convenience of your commute. You appreciate the elegance, history, and experience of driving one of the most beautiful automobiles on the road.

This comes with the burden of antique and classic automobile maintenance. It takes a lot of effort to keep your car in its original condition, but it's well worth it.

Here, we'll talk about how to prepare for any prospective repairs with proper vintage and classic vehicle care in our vintage & classic car service guide.

Vintage models, like any other automobile, cannot be left alone or neglected for too long if they are to remain in perfect shape and eventually retain their worth. However, the maintenance required for historic automobiles differs from that required for a more contemporary vehicle.

It’s important to stay original and stick to the blueprint

Although it may be tempting to make some "tweaks," sustaining the value of your antique automobile entails adhering to the blueprint and keeping it as original as possible - that includes minimising physical alterations, engine improvements, and even attempting to locate the best-suited components if and when necessary.

Always use the right cleaning products on the interior

Vintage and vintage automobiles are more prone to rust than more current models, so be sure to wipe off your vehicle every time you take it for a spin - especially if you live near the water. Before you wax your classic, make sure you do your homework on what products are appropriate.

Hold onto the original owners manual or find a copy online

Take photos and videos of everything before, during, and after the stripping process; it's almost difficult to recall how everything fell apart. Make a list of the pieces that need to be replaced, repaired, or repainted. Label everything as well, since this will save you a lot of time during the reconstruction process. This may also be a terrific selling feature for potential purchasers who are curious about how the job was completed.

Store It Properly

Classic automobiles should ideally be housed in your garage, away from dirt and factors that might affect mechanical performance, chip paint, or contribute to rust. Instead of utilising a tarp as additional protection, invest in a bespoke vehicle cover for a tight fit.

Drive it regularly to avoid the mechanisms breaking down

"If you don't use it, you lose it," as the old adage goes, and the same reasoning applies to your prized classic car. Get the wheels going, the engine running, and the gears shifting to minimise any possible deterioration from sitting still for too long. Even if the vehicle in issue is many decades old, all automobiles were designed to be driven.

Optimal temperature

Many historic car owners keep their vehicles in a garage during the winter to protect them from the weather. But have you thought about the temperature of your garage? Many are just slightly warmer than the outside air. Invest in heating or insulation to maintain the temperature of your car's surroundings around 20°C throughout the winter.

Look after your tyres: 

If you leave your automobile parked for a lengthy period of time, the tyres may deform or get flat. Every couple of weeks, reverse your vehicle into and out of your garage to get your tyres back in motion and prevent damage. If you won't be available for a month or more, try removing the wheels and storing them horizontally in a dry place, while keeping the vehicle on jack stands.

Contact the professionals

Whether you're undertaking a full restoration yourself or hiring a professional, it's always a good idea to consult with the professionals before you start tearing things apart. Make a list of firms or persons you may need to contact and advise them of your project and timeframe so that they may order everything necessary to avoid delays.

The 3 Different Kinds of Car Repairs Service That You Should Know

So, whatever your motives might be, whether it’s car servicing or restoration, you need to make sure that you follow the above-mentioned tips to keep everything in check.