Installing some accents to your classic car to make it look more appealing is good. Still, there are cases where selecting a more straightforward style is way better. Getting vintage auto parts for replacements can be tricky and costly, especially if you need an obsolete item.
So if you plan to restore a classic beauty like a Camaro, Nova, or an old Chevy truck, then brace yourself for either a dream come true or a nightmare experience. Luckily, there is the Internet, technology and innovation, rampant auction values, and even the emerging online vintage auto parts store, like www.sunwayautoparts.com, which can help your given budget. Now, searching and buying auto parts for your old car have gotten easier.
Here are the most commonly replaced auto parts on a classic car restoration project. Let us start!
Engine
If your vintage car has been staying for several years in the backyard, then grab this chance as an initiative and starting point. First, note that few vintage autos have an excellent working engine. To figure it out, you have to do a quick test to check any signs of external leaks, oil in the radiator, and antifreeze in the oil pan. The problem happens mostly at the gaskets and freeze plugs, so check them out.
Next, if those signs show, the block is likely cracked from a blown head gasket, and a replacement engine is necessary. Then, other tests can be recommended if only the signs mentioned are nonexistent. These tests are:
- A compression test for seats and auto valves.
- An oil pressure test to check the idle mode according to the maker’s specifications.
- A running compression test to determine cam wear and valve lash.
- A test for the consistent temperature at different locations after the engine has idled for a few minutes.
The temperature around the block and from the heads should be constant. Still, keep in mind that the temperature from the block compared to the heads will not be consistent. If the engine for your restoration project passes these tests, then you can keep it. The last part to note about the engine section is the possible time to replace your engine to upgrade your car’s performance.
Transmission
If the car’s issue is the manual transmission, you will also require to reserve an additional budget for the clutch for your project. Let us assume that the car’s engine cranks, but the car is still drivable. Although it is not that ready for a road drive, you can still verify and shift it into gear. Did it reverse or move forward after you shifted it? If there is no functional movement, then it shows that a new tranny is needed.
However, if it did move, verify if the transmission slipped or it took its sweet time engaging. Suppose it made a clunking sound when you shifted into or out of gear or whenever you attempted to speed up, and the fluid smells burned. In that case, a replacement transmission is necessary.
Body
An old car restoration will not be complete without changing its body parts. You can apply a thick body filler called Bondo, which is a two-part polyester resin component. It is great for sealing and patching holes on the vintage car’s exteriors, so be sure to put it the right way. Do it like an art form. Take your sweet time, prepare, and do it fittingly.
If you plan to resell your finished project, keep in mind that those classic car enthusiasts will search for painted-over body putty signs. Once they do, they will definitely ask for a price reduction, so be meticulous on doing the body part.
What’s more, you can also replace the headlights, tail lights, and signal lights to LED lights for long lasting use and other benefits.
Cloth and Vinyl Interiors
Last but not least, do not forget to replace the headliners, seat covers, and door panels for a holistic interior finish. If you anticipate that you might experience a hard time looking for replacements for these vintage auto parts, then think again. Everything you need can be quickly searched and bought with just a click. Moreover, there are stores and restoration specialists that offer tailor-made products.
If you want to have customized interiors, you can simply leave the covers in place on the frames. However, your upholsterer will need to see how the finished product should be like upon completion. Also, he needs to know where all the wires and fitting go, how the covers come off, and how they can be put back in place. This may sound like a tiresome job, and it really is. That is why you should expect a high price point for the given custom service.
Conclusion
And that concludes our list! Hopefully, this article has been helpful to you. What do you think about our recommendations? We would like to hear your thoughts. Please type in your comments and suggestions in the box provided below.