“It’s all in the preparation”, says Eric Collins from Classic Car Mechanic.
Maintaining classic cars and previously British Army tanks has taught me one thing about recommissioning – it’s all in the preparation! Whether they have been stored over winter in a climate-controlled garage to being left outdoors under canvas are all criteria that influence recommissioning. Ideally before a car goes into storage it should have a good service to refresh all the fluids and then repeated when it comes out of storage. However, customers think they’re being charged twice not realising that harsh laws of chemistry take over in an hibernating car. Let’s start with modern fuel which contains at least 5% bioethanol which is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water which builds up over winter creating corrosion in the fuel tank and throughout the fuel system. However, if you’ve drained the fuel or run it to empty and then replaced it with a specialist storage fuel you’re protecting the system from all these problems. Storage fuel can last three years and its additives clean the engine and prevent oxidisation which of course extends the engine’s life. It’s not cheap but cheaper than replacing carburettors or fuel injection components. I’m amazed at how many classic car owners are not aware of storage fuel.
Some items will deteriorate over time particularly rubber, so a good check of belts and tyres is essential. Tyres can look to be in good condition but should be renewed once they have been fitted for six years. Similarly check hoses for leakage stains or cracking.
I mentioned hygroscopic earlier, and this also applies to brake fluid which should be replaced every two years whether the car is in store or regular use. Even a relatively small amount of water in the brake fluid can cause brake failure when they are needed most.
Batteries are best maintained on a smart charger over winter. I hear of people running the engine periodically to charge the battery and exercise the engine. Running the engine and not driving the car results in condensation in the cylinder bores creating premature wear.
Meanwhile the exterior needs attention especially if the car hasn’t been in a climate-controlled garage. The best thing to do with the exterior paint and chrome is to coat in wax and leave applied. This is especially important for cars kept outdoors under a cover because there’s tendency to trap moisture. Recommissioning is then simply a case of buffing off the wax.
Drain holes need thoroughly cleaning before use. Very often they’re overlooked for years. I’ve seen cars with the doors two thirds full of water. You can hear it sloshing about.
Finally take your cherished classic for a steady test drive. Most people get to know and understand their classic and know what it should feel and sound like. If it doesn’t feel right or is making a noise you weren’t expecting, trust your special relationship and even if you’re not mechanically minded it is telling you one thing – get it checked!
classiccarmechanic.co.uk
Tel: 01428746648 or email service@classiccarmechanic.co.uk.
Unit 4A Passfield Mill Business Park, Passfield, Liphook, Hants GU30 7QU
