The Do’s and Don’ts of Classic Car Repairs

Owning a classic car can be a rewarding, but as with all hobbies, they do require a certain amount of upkeep and work. For the classic car enthusiasts, deciding whether the vehicle should be restored or completely customized might come as the greatest challenge, but when it comes to repairs, understanding the do’s and don’ts can make all the difference when maintaining the safety and drivability of the automobile.

The Do’s:

Do Your Homework: While some auto repair shops claim they can “fix” your classic car, they may lack the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. Do your research by visiting local mechanics and verifying their experience. Talk with other classic car owners in the community to get recommendations and reviews.
Get Written Estimates: Once you’ve narrowed down your search and have a couple of repair shops in mind, discuss the repairs and get written estimates on the work to be performed.
Find the Right Parts: When restoring a classic vehicle, finding original parts is ideal, but can be quite difficult, depending on the make and model. Choose to go with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, when available.

The Don’ts:

Don’t Go Cheap: When repairing your classic car, going the cheap route isn’t always the best alternative. Hiring an experienced mechanic to perform the work and using aftermarket or OEM parts can be a little more expensive, but as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”.
Don’t Forget to Upgrade the Safety Mechanisms: Authenticity is great when investing in classic car restoration, but going original on brake lines or hoses, for example, can compromise overall safety. Always opt for new parts versus original when it comes to wear-and-tear items on your vehicle.
Don’t Remove the Thermostat: Some believe that removing the thermostat is a quick fix to keeping the engine from overheating. Not true! Without a thermostat, the coolant can’t absorb the heat, thus, causing the likelihood of overheating.

If you own a classic car and need an estimate on repairs, call the experienced, ASE certified mechanics at Best Auto of Longmont. We look forward to providing you with trusted, quality service on any of your vehicles, old or new!