Tips And Tricks In Buying An Old Classic American Car

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by: gregberwitz
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Word Count: 1042

There is something about old cars. They have got a special kind of, I don’t know, soul. Ever since I was a kid and my father took me to the old hangars where the cruising crew always hung out, I have had a special relationship with an old American car. A couple of weeks ago I finally made up my mind. I’m getting one! Buying an old car require pretty much research, I mean, there’s a lot of traps to fall into. The last thing you need is a car that falls apart when you take it up your driveway. I feel kind of lucky though, my best friend is a car mechanics. He is specialized in old American cars and he won’t let me buy a car without examine it first. The thing I like most about buying a car is searching for it. I can spend days or even weeks on the internet, doing my research and eventually I score. I’d bought a lot of cars over the years, but never an old classic car. I really wanted a big old Buick, but I wasn’t sure I would find one in the condition I required. Everything except mint condition was a no no. After lots of sleepless nights, browsing every corner of the internet I finally found what I was looking for. There are a few sites specialized in old classic cars and I found my precious on one of those. A black 1956 Buick Special Riviera, original and mint condition. She wasn’t cheap, I must say, but she was worth every penny. My friend, the mechanics, was stunned when he saw it. Just take her, was all he could say, and I did. Most of the time she is in my garage, but every Sunday morning I take her for a ride. Driving out on the country, cruising slowly, and feeling the breeze in my hair is probably the happiest moments in my life. I can’t really explain why, it’s just something special about an old classic American car. So ok, let’s talk about some important stuff here. There are a lot of things to have in mind when you’re buying an old car. Let me inform you about some of them.

Be careful when inspecting cars that have been sitting for awhile. If the car has been sitting for a long time, sometimes critters take up residence in the vehicle. So beware of wasps, bees, ants, mice, etc. Be sure to check for evidence of mice, as they like to make houses in the roof system. Both forms of mouse excrement are extremely corrosive to metal. Appearances can be deceiving! Rust is a big issue on old cars, here is a quick checklist. The mounting points of the radiator core support. The cab support mounts (if it's a convertible, off course). Check along the bottom lip of the hood and around the turn signal lenses. Just above the windshield on the inside and outside. Once the roof leaks, the roof pillars are subject to failure - if this happens then the rear of the front fenders are being hit by water from the road as well as raining down from above. Look in cab corners and check for dirt or old rags as this area may be rusted out so badly that there is a hole. Inner kick panels (the vertical side area next to your feet if sitting in the seat) and floor boards (also climb under the car and look). Pull back the rubber floor board mats if you have to. Inner and outer rocker panels. Bottoms of the doors, inside and outside. The bottom of the front fenders, next to where they line up to the doors. Check the vent windows in the doors to make sure they still swing back and forth. Sometimes the "'pivot" point at the bottom of the frame of the vent window has rusted out. Give the metal a good "poke" with some kind of object, especially if the car has been sitting for awhile. If it has a shiny paint job, this might not be a bad idea either but be careful what you try to poke it with so as not to irritate the current owner. Check catalogs or online sites of parts vendors to see what patch repair panels are commonly sold to see what areas are more prone to rusting. This will give you a well-rounded idea of rust issues to check out.

Functional tests. Does everything work? Turn all switches on/off. Check any and all after-market utilitarian things that were added. Air conditioning - does it blows cold. Check all lights: dome light, dash lights, headlights and turn signals. Roll the windows up and down. Open the vent windows. Check how the doors open and close. Do the doors lock? Does the glove box door stay shut? Check to see if the speedometer and odometer work. Are they at all accurate? Crawl under the dash and check out the electrical wires. Is it neat or does it look like a bird have been nesting in there? This can give you insight into how the car has been used and treated over the years.

Now, the engine and transmission. If you don’t have any mechanical skills what so ever, and don’t have anyone to help you out, you can just follow a simple rule. If it’s sounds and look bad, there’s a big risk it is bad. If the engine is knocking or sounds strange, be cautious. If the gearbox is making strange noises, maybe you should be looking for another car. I’m not saying this really has to be an issue, but with no skills you have to play it safe.

So, now you have some hints about what to look out for. The most valuable tips I have – use common sense. If it is a bargain or a one in a lifetime prize, there is probably a reason. People don’t give away these cars for free.

Well, that is probable it. Now, spend a decent amount of time searching for that special car you’ve always dreamed of. With a bit of work, you’ll find it. A good place to start is http://www.oldclassics.net
Good luck.

Greg Berwitz