image by mishigoss/Deb

As winter approaches, many classic car enthusiasts put away their vehicles for the chilly months to come. They do this to save their beloved cars from, rust, rot, blistered paint, seized parts and dead batteries. Here are some easy steps on how can you store your classic car for the winters more effectively.

To reduce the amount of water that can be absorbed by the gasoline, make sure you fill your fuel tank, as it will also slow down the risk of it turning in to varnish. Use a fuel additive and to make sure it circulates through the entire fuel system, keep the engine running for a while.

If you live in much colder areas, use a 50/50 ratio of water mixed with the antifreeze in the radiator.

Once again make sure you keep the engine running for a while to ensure proper distribution of the mixture throughout the cooling system.

Check and make sure that the clutch and break cylinders are properly filled with brake fluid. This will greatly reduce the chances of any water absorption. If it is possible bleed the brake and clutch systems to completely push any air out.

To save your engine from any damage, make sure you change the engine oil, as the dirty oil contains acids and water that can cause rust or corrosion inside the engine. Squirt some form of upper-cylinder lubricant in to the cylinders before replacing the plugs, this will save the piston rings from rusting.

Use a lubricant spray like WD40 inside the engine bay, this will remove provide a protective film on all the engine parts, belts and pipes

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Wash and wax your car thoroughly, make sure you clean every part including the underside of the car. Blow or vacuum the interior properly and apply liquid leather solution to all leather seats and interior parts. Last but not the least, polish any wood components if present in your car. Make sure you give your car enough time to dry out properly before you store it.

To avoid any bugs and insects from entering the car, make sure all vents and windows are properly closed. Buy some moisture absorbers, and place then inside the car, this will help in protecting your interior against any moisture built up.

Thoroughly inspect areas like the engine hood and the boot to make sure that there is no water left from the washing. Check all compartments of the interior to make sure they are empty and free of moisture. Another most important thing is to pack all joints with fresh grease.

Don’t forget to let the hand brake off when you park your car for the storage. If possible chock the wheels or leave it in a gear to prevent any drifting. Stack your car on jack stands and remove the tyres. Store the tyres flat and make sure to cover them.

Depress the clutch and hold it with a piece of wood. This will prevent the clutch and pressure plates from sticking together. Disconnect the battery and attach it to a trickle charger to keep it alive. Cover your car with a breathable fabric, try not to use any plastic. If you live in a region where winter last longer, try to take your car out for short rides when ever it’s completely dry and sunny.

In case the car is a convertible, leave the convertible roof on to prevent any permanent creases which may appear due to long storage.

Start working on your storage plan 10 to 15 days before the winter hits, this will help you in drying the car properly and to avoid any mistakes made in a rush.

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In the recent years it has become quite a trend to customize a classic car according to one’s own specifications. Its human nature to customize their most prized possession in a way they want it to be. Same is the case with classic cars.

Another more practical reason can be that classic cars were produced many years back and lack a lot of features you might want to have in your classic cars, like fancier paint jobs, more powerful and sophisticated engine, better wheels, better safety options like seat belts or airbags, and some hydraulics.

Always keep one thing in your mind before customizing your classic car, that its market value will suffer. But quite frankly it’s a personal choice between market value or a comfortable and safe ride.

Here are some practical tips to assure a good and cost affective classic car customization.

The Master plan:

As opposed to restoring a classic car to its original or stock specs, there is a lot more you need to consider when you decide to customize a classic car. Well the most important is how you want your car to look and feel as that’s what customizing is all about.

Visualize, look before you leap.

Be 100% sure what you want in terms of look and feel of your car, some people like flames and skulls and some may like pinups and chrome, whatever the case its all about personal choice. For start, look at some nice customized cars on the internet or maybe a magazine. Make a list of all the things you like and all the stuff you will like to add or remove. Try and sketch or visualize what you want your car to look like, if you are not very good with sketching, ask for some expert help, its better than ruining or overdoing your classic car.

Details and Specs:

The most important part of a car is its engine, choose an engine very wisely. If you wish to add a supercharger, make sure your engine can handle it. Also keep in mind that you don’t choose something that will unbalance your car. Make sure to upgrade or replace your cars suspension according to your new engine. It’s always wise to involve someone with good knowledge to inspect your car and provide you with practical and balanced options before you actually make any changes in term of engine and suspension.

Do not anything that will fatigue the delicate body of your classic car, for example adding to much hydraulics will wear down your classic car and you will need more repairs.

Be very careful if you decide to make drastic changes to your car like turning a hard top in to a convertible. Such huge body alterations are irreversible and just might destroy the market value of your car.

Safety First:

Don’t make any change that will compromise the safety of the car and its passengers. If you have used a big engine with superchargers, make sure you add sports grade brakes. Don’t forget to add good seatbelts an airbags. Plain looks are nothing if safety and comfort are missing. Always double check every nut and bolt before you take your ride out on its maiden drive.
Customizing your classic car may bring down its market value, but I some cases losing a little money to fulfill your dream means nothing. The other good thing about customizing a classic car is that you don’t have to go on a safari to look for original spare parts, you have an ocean of choices.

Photo by FrogMiller

One thing that is a must for a classic car is its proper restoration. Restoring a classic car can be a quiet painstaking and some time frustrating job if you have never done it before. There are numerous factors involved in restoration, like how and from where to source proper and good quality spare parts and how it is going to affect your classic car insurance. Now let’s take a look at some very important tips and tricks one might need in order to properly restore a classic car.

Work Space:

The very thing you should consider before starting you restoration project is to make sure you have ample room for this. Always keep in mind that the place you choose should out of the way and should not be a valuable or important part and by no means should make mess of the house. One very good option is the garage.

Organize and plan:

Take very good time and inspect your car inside out and make a complete list of the parts you intend to restore, take your time don’t hurry make sure you inspect very thoroughly, this will save you a lot of time and trouble later.

What to Inspect For:

While inspecting your car keep in mind that what are the most important that you need to replace, what parts can still be used or repaired, which are where are the rusted and corroded parts, broken windows and mirrors, missing nuts and bolts, condition of the chrome can it fixed, worn out mechanical parts, and last but not the least check for the electrical parts.

Choosing the right parts:

Make sure in your mind that you are restoring a classic car, do not by any mean try to alter anything. Make sure that your car is restored closest if not exactly to its original state and specifications. If you cannot figure out something its always better to go to an expert and ask, this will save you from a lot of trouble and money loss. For the mechanical and engine parts it bet advised to look for the stock parts. These parts may be expansive but will definitely last much longer and are obviously safer.

Paint and touch-up:

Try looking for paint shop that specializes in classic cars paint jobs and have a vast variety of paint colours. The best option is to look for the paint that very much matches the original colours your classic car models were manufactured in and by no means has to be the colour you bought your car in.

Now if the chrome parts in no shape to be restored just by polishing them, you should detach all of them from the car and get an expert to re paint them. But if you have the expertise, it’s always best to do it yourself.

Interior:

The best way to restore the leather seats and interior is to look under the seats for less worn out pieces of leather, this will help you in knowing the original colour of the leather. Buy the exact same shade of liquid leather solution to restore all the leather in its original shade. Before applying the liquid leather solution make sure that the seats have been properly cleaned.
In case the leather is totally worn out, it always better to get new covers, and make sure they are a very close match if not exact.

Putting It All Together:

Once all the parts have been bought and paint job and interior complete, it’s now time to put everything right back where it’s supposed to be and enjoy your newly restored classic car, go on admire it as much as you want, as that’s what restoring a classic car all is about.

What makes a car classic?

Before we can get started with classic cars, it is very important to understand the difference between a classic and an antique.

Classic Cars:

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Well, there are many conflicts on the definition of a classic car. According to Classic Car Club of America, for a car to become classic, 1948 is the last year. A classic car can be either American or foreign but it should have been produced between the years 1925 to 1948. Of course, there are many other factors involved, like make and model, components like, power brakes and other luxury accessories. A very strict rein is kept by Classic Car Club of America on what cars are allotted the tag of a classic car. Many people mistakenly think that cars from 1960’s and 1970’s are classic, but in reality they are not. The right term for these cars is Modern Classics, which is entirely something different.

Antique Cars:

Antique Automobile Club of America has defined that a car must be at least 25 years of age or older and is currently functioning and restored to comply with the manufacturers original specifications. By the passage of time the definition has been refined to include several classification of vehicles, for example, a new class 18 – Antique Cars with four-wheel brakes was added to the definition.

Photo by Martien@Holland (Happy 2010 to All)

Now that we have some idea about antique and classic cars, we can move on to the our main topic, classic cars and their types.

Types of classic cars:

We can categorize them in to following types,

1. Saloons & sedans
2. Sports cars
3. Commercial vehicles

Saloons & Sedans:

There is a huge variety in this segment as these cars were produced in large numbers. When it comes to choosing from this category, it all depends on what you want to use the car for and which time period really attracts you. May be you like to drive a mini through the crowded streets, or maybe you like to cruse in style and luxury in 1930’s longest jet black American sedan.

Photo by Steve Brandon

Last but not the least you can make a practical choice by choosing a more affordable sedan, a modern classic from 1960’s, the best balance of practical and interesting cars that won’t make a huge dent in your wallet and t the same time does not cost a fortune to run. Another important thing one should keep in mind is the availability of spares.

In 1950’s and 1960’s Britain was world leader in car manufacturing, and the choice there is great. For example, a classic Austin, A35, Mini, A40, A60 Cambridge or an earlier A40 Somerset or maybe, a Ford Escort, Corsair, Cortina, 105E Anglia, 107E Perfect, 100E, 103E. Standard Triumph, Vanguard, Herald. Some other good options are, Vauxhall, Hillman, and Wolseley.

Photo by Stuart Axe

Despite the above some very common and famous options can be a VW’s Beetle, Citroen,  Renault, Saab and Volvo.

If you fancy something older, there are some very interesting and maintainable options. A Standard Austin, Morris, BSA, Wolseley, Riley and so on.

Classic Sports Cars:

A lot of people admire and aspire to a classic sports car of some type. Well there are lots of details attached to a classic sports car than just appealing looks and style.

These cars encompasses a wide range of potential machinery, varying from cars like Triumph Spitfires and MGB’s of more recent times, back to true classics such as Rileys, Singers, 1930’s MG’s. In reality the later cars are more drivable, more practical and comparatively easier to run and maintain. Some older models of classic spots care have a very good availability of spares, but most of the more unique cars like Singer 9 and Le Mans 9 have very low availability of spares. But for people who admire something a lot more unusual and from the 1930’s, then Wilseley Hornet or a Bentley are excellent options.

Photo by Jojo Cence

For every day usability something from 1950’s or 1960’s are more appropriate. There are plenty of sports cars from this era.

Commercial Vehicles:

One has a vast choice when it comes to classic commercial vehicles, but in reality most of the classic and historic trucks barely qualify for day to day use, most can ideally be used for weekend drives and classic car shows. This segment includes large commercial busses, heavy Lories, light weight pickups, and even ice cream vans, racing car carriers, and police vans.

But such large vehicles are quiet difficult to store and require a lot of space. Another huge issue is maintenance and restoration.

Some of the more popular commercial vehicles are, 1940’s WW2 trucks, and some commercial coaches.

Photo by classic vehicles

Popular small vans include Fords 1950’s 10cwt and 5cwt range from 1938 to 57, Bedford CA and HA vans, Morris J-Type and similar JB and Austin 101, and Ford Anglia. The only problem with commercial vehicles is that spares are very hard to find and not interchangeable.

Photo by Martien@Arnhem

We’ve heard it time and again – “Classic cars are just so expensive to buy and to maintain!” Many people consider them overpriced, not worth it – call it what you may, but you would be surprised to know that there are many affordable classic cars out there in the market. Yes, the economy is changing, so if you are a collector of classic cars or if you just like them – now is the time for you to skim through the online auctions and the classified sections in the newspapers to find some of your choice. This article too will give you some valuable information, in case you want to buy a classic car that’s not just affordable, but also easy to maintain.

Firstly, let’s define affordable classic cars – they should cost 10,000 dollars or less – they should be easy to maintain. You need a car that not only looks swanky, but also fits into your budget. The next time you see a Rolls Royce or a Pierce Arrow, you needn’t feel jealous and think, “When will I get one of those?” Like we said, if your hobby is classic car collecting, or if you simply want to pick up a classic car for no reason at all – this is the time to do so.

You would be pleased to know that there are many affordable classics out there – don’t go by the rarity restriction, instead, we suggest you look at the volume produced cars, those with unique features. We list the top 5 affordable classic cars for your benefit:

1. De Tomaso Pantera Road Racer – this car has a high 822 BHP and a 220 MPH, it’s highly powers, and a great investment to make. The speed is wonderful, and it’s a racing car as well. The acceleration is decent.

Photo by wikimedia.org

2. 1973 Aston Martin DBS Vantage – this is an incredible car that gives you the feel of the vintage 70’s, and what’s more, the coordination of the engine is just awesome. It’s definitely a special car, one that deserves to be bought!

Photo by wikimedia.org

3. 1957 Bentley S1 Saloon – this car is absolutely affordable, and on top of that – it’s easy to maintain! The design is really quite original, and with this Bentley, you’re tempted to just jump in and drive off into the sunset. The chrome color is unique, and the body is quite solid.

Photo by willemsknol

4. Ford Mustang – one of the classic cars of all time – it’s still a huge favorite today, you must check out the 4.0L VL6 engine, and the red hot body isn’t bad either! It has great features which you’re bound to love, and even though there are many Ford models available in the market today, this one still remains in the hearts of classic car lovers.

Photo by dafreaky73

5. 1962 Pre-Proteus Jaguar C-type – this has the 1962 Proteus look, and it’s an attractive car that has a 4-speed manual gearbox, plus there’s even an overdrive one.

Photo by nicksoft

So go ahead, pick up one, two or even three classic cars today – because they’re so affordable!

Credit: wikimedia

The levels of care should go even higher when it comes to classic cars. Get a favorite parking place that your car likes and not somewhere where the birds are attracted to mess it. You will have to spend extra time and hassle cleaning it that way. Car paints are susceptible to natural mini disasters like car paints, etc.

Bird poop or ka ka is highly acidic and can damage the paint. So it is required that you are careful to choose your parking place. They can even damage more in the process of removing than just by the dropping itself. Birds ingest a lot of gravel to digest their food which actually makes their excreta even harder to be wiped off, once it gets dry. Wiping out the ka ka in that instance can be better but that is not what all of us can do at any given time at all! So these mini disasters can pose to be quite expensive and challenging for the management of a car.

A fresh bottle of salt seltzer in your car can be your savior most of the time. You can trunk or boot any of your old classic cars through this way. The carbon dioxide in the solution will not harm the paint either. You can just take the lid off and rub some or spout it out if you are using a spray bottle.

Credit: wikimedia

You need to shake up the salt solution really well in order to get a blast of water on the fresh acid. This will in effect reduce a lot of the paint wrecking agents coming with the bird ka ka. However if you happen to be too late to catch the bird bombing then any good paint polish can be used to fix this damage.A bird bomb does not have to be catastrophic for your car if you know how to deal with it!

Source: classiccars.about

The auction was held between 13th to 15th August and got concluded with a big bang! There were about 836 cars in all that were held up in the auction. Out of this there were about 558 cars being sold at over $118,296,823.This was a hugely impressive amount but it got to be actually 17% and less in comparison to last year’s sales.

The giant money maker from the whole auction days have been Gooding and Company which sold over $50,735,850 worth exotic cars themselves. They just had a 1962 Ferraru 250 GT SWB California Spyder being sold at a whopping $5.1 million. The special edition Phill Hill Jaguar C-Type also got purchased among $2.5 million, being among the top high priced cars auctioned at the show.

Source: edmunds

Hagerty Insurance Agency for instance is a great insurance business that keeps the years rolling for vintage cars, bringing them in lively state. One really gets to benefit from the premiums and insurances. The Agreed Value coverage can bring immense benefits to the liability charges. These are also good for securing the adequate protection of the cars and keeping them in good state.

The charges don’t matter as long as there are no in-house claims which can come to be hefty. The repairing shops can also be chosen according to the specialty of the vintage cars. Different cars would have separate needs and thus it is always wiser to go by the unique need of your car and consulting your insurance dealer of course. For vintage car customized insurance not only help to save the costs long run but also keep the car in great shape.
The CHROME specialty car insurance for instance, insures cars like Classic, Hot Rods, Original, Modified and Exotic.

This is how the acronym of CHROME is derived. There are additional value coverage too that gets charged through the use of CHROME insurance. Overall it is a great thing to work with! You can get spare body parts worth $500 for the maintenance of the car. There is a generous system working for your vintage cars when you are having wide mileage coverage. The mileage coverage could go up to 10,000 miles. There are roadside, service as well as flatbed towing that are often available through the incurring of insurance like this.

Grundy worldwide insurance has to be over 60 years with the insuring collector having used their cars to have new cars to offer. The Agreed Value coverage is a great thing as well for unlimited mileage and careful preservation of old cars, to keep the best of their looks and performing abilities.

Source: Autos Craze