Taking your Classic Car out of Storage

The snow has all melted and the air is filled with signs of the coming Spring. Yes, Spring around the corner, the anticipation of taking your beauty back on the road is building but before you do it is prudent to give your classic car a though exam.

First check for holes in the air intake ducting or chewed-on wiring harness parts. Those are signs that a rodent may have moved into your car over the Winter. 

Next, Check under the car for any leaks. Pop the hood and check all hoses for softness. Cold temperatures can do a number on rubber, so check for cracks and brittleness.

 Are there any moist places or signs of leakage in the engine.  Check that all the hose connections still tight and top off any fluid levels that are low.

If you do see a leak, the color can help you pinpoint it.

Red-Automatic Transmission

Black or Brown-Used Motor oil

Yellow or amber- Fresh oil or gear oil

Yellow or clear, smells- Gasoline or Diesel

Green, Yellow, Blue, Red or Orange and has a sweet smell- Engine Coolant

Check the color of your oil. If its dark, an oil change would be in order.

The next thing to check is the battery. Does it have any sign of corrosion on the battery terminals? 

It is important to check the charge on the battery. Unless you had the battery on a trickle charger all Winter, the cold temperatures could have drain the life out of your battery.

Another thing to check is the air pressure in your tires and any signs of cracking on the side walls. As you know cold weather is unkind to rubber and unlike the body of the car, your tires are exposed to the cold all Winter.  Refer to the manufacture’s guidelines on the proper tire pressures.

Once everything looks fine, its time to start the engine. To hear that throaty roar once more.

Its ok to pump the throttle a few times to get extra gas in the carburetor but don’t do it too much or you will risk flooding the engine.  Let the engine warm up a few minutes before putting it in gear.

 The first trip should be a slow, gentle ride around the neighborhood.  After you get back to your garage take another look around the engine for leaks.  If the engine sounded rough, some throttle adjustment would be in order.

Happy Motoring and make this coming show season be you best.