Nothing will make you feel more victorious and ecstatic than hearing your old classic car roar back to life. The sense of accomplishment, mixed up with the inexplicable amount of pride and nostalgia after the tedious and intensive restoration, will surely bring you to tears. That is when you realized that you overcame the common classic car restoration problems and you deserve a pat on the back for a job well done.

Restoring a classic or vintage vehicle is a huge challenge. It requires a lot of time (sometimes reaching about 1,000 hours), skill, patience, the right tools, pieces of equipment, and the so-called labor of love. That is why classic car restoration is not for everyone. Aside from the aforementioned challenges, you should have firm dedication and a motto of “Never Give Up” when faced with multiple failures. However, it is not over yet because you are just about to face and expect more.

And here are more things you have to understand to better deal with and solve them:

Finding the “Pricey” Parts

Imagine yourself scouring every corner and junkyard of the city for a particular car part that existed in the 70s or 80s. Finding a missing authentic part of a car that might be 50 to 70 years old will not be easy. And let’s face it, some parts are either no longer available or no longer manufactured. Moreover, if you were able to find that missing piece you desperately needed, even if it was fabricated, it would come at a high price!

Overheating

Constant overheating is a common problem that classic car owners often face. Old vehicles are known for their old cooling systems, making them prone to constant overheating. Additionally, their engines are not designed for today’s driving. There are a handful of reasons why classic cars often overheat. They have a low coolant level, a damaged cooling fan, a defective thermostat, a broken fan belt, and clogged radiator pipes.

Engine Breakdown and Troubles

You have to check the level of your engine oil every 2,000 miles. The engines of classic cars are susceptible to damage if you keep them running for too long. And with every inspection, you have to make sure to check the texture of the oil on the end of the dipstick. Wearing, tearing, and other engine troubles might cause leakage and oil burning.

Brake Trouble

We all know that vintage cars usually do not have brake warning lights, which makes it difficult to see the status of your braking system. While brake pads are expected to wear out in time, you have to prevent their premature replacement. So you should always fill it up with brake liquid.

Wheel Bubbling

Another critical and common classic car restoration problem is the balance and alignment of its wheels. You can quickly determine this if your car strangely pulls in one direction and vibrates on the road. An alignment by a wheel specialist is needed if bubbling or drifting continuously occurs.

Weathered Paint

Restoring an old vehicle and rashly deciding on its paint is a big no-no. The restoration of the paint on your old car should be meticulously done. You have to be mindful of using harsh products to prevent possible stripping and ruining of the natural sheen of the paint and its chrome parts. Bear in mind that even using a dry cloth to dust off dirt is not recommended! Simply use a soft sponge and pH-balanced car wash soap.

Maintenance and Functionality

After restoring your classic car, understand that the tedious restoration process is not going to be the last. Like any other car, you will have to change some of its parts again to maintain its functionality.

 

Are you up to the fiery challenge of restoring your classic vehicle to its former glory? Or will you be seeking help from professionals? If you are opting for complete classic vehicle restoration in Naperville, IL, then choose Justice Automotive and Collision Centers. Reach us at 630-514-8400.