Questions tagged [old-cars]

Old cars cover oldtimers as well as youngtimers, i.e. nearly all cars without electronics, or cars that have been designed and built first multiple decades ago (but maybe still being built somewhere around the globe).

Questions which should be tagged "old-cars":

  • Anything concerning oldtimers or youngtimers
  • Anything about cars being built for multiple decades without much modification, e.g. including recent Brasilian VW Transporters which are based on the 2nd generation of the VW Transporter, recent Hindustan Ambassadors which are based on Morris Minor from the '50s.
  • Anything concerning cars which are officially registered as Oldtimer, e.g. Germany-registered cars with an "H" suffix or "07" prefix on the number-plate.
  • Anything concerning cars without any electronics.
  • Anything concerning used cars whose prices are already rising again.

Questions which should not be tagged "old-cars":

  • Anything concerning cars which have first being built less than 10 to 15 years ago.

Examples:

  • VW Golf 1 ('70s + '80s) or VW Golf 2 ('80s + '90s) are surely on-topic
  • VW Golf 5 or VW Golf 6 are off-topic
  • VW Golf 3 ('90s) maybe on-topic nowadays.
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Are classic cars safe?

Are classic cars safe? I am interested to know the differences between modern vehicles and vehicles of old from the 1960s. In the event of an accident, how does a classic vehicle compare to a modern machine? Are safety features on new vehicles…
Jonathan Musso
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How do you un-seize an engine?

I have an older engine that is seized. It is a 1953 Desoto Hemi. How can I un-seize it? I have sprayed Sea Foam Deep Creep down the plugs and let sit for weeks. As well as transmission fluid. To no avail, this bad boy won't crack. I have attempted…
Jonathan Musso
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How to restore and care for leather?

I have an old car and I am wondering about the processes involved in cleaning the leather on it and bringing it back to an almost new looking state. The roof exterior is leather and the whole interior is tufted leather. What does the process look…
Jonathan Musso
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What does it mean to have a stiff first gear?

This problem is a small one and it can only occur with manual cars, but I have been curious to find out more about it for a while now. Sometimes, when the car is attempting to pull away from a standstill (at traffic lights, for example) the driver…
Max Goodridge
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Are used tires valuable?

I'm in the process of having my 1994 Corolla being picked up for recycling. Currently the car is equipped with relatively unused winter tires with excellent tread. Are used winter tires valuable? Should I consider paying the $30 to have someone…
Paul Belardi
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How to extend the life of a worn motor?

I know several people (mainly broke college kids) that have aging cars (read: beaters) that, while they have their share of issues, have motors that are on their last legs - losing compression, burning oil, maybe some smoking. What are some ways…
NoCarrier
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Does an Engine Strut Bar have any effect on performance?

I just bought a 1988 foxbody and I'm currently working on restoring it and then maybe in the future do some engine improvements. I've had many people tell me to avoid this, as my car isn't going to be used for drifting or racing. I feel that there…
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What is this lever?

Recently I parked next to a (beautiful) 1957 Buick "Special" and took a bunch of photos. But I also noticed a lever to the left of the steering wheel, between the dash and the driver's side door, that I can't figure out what is for. I hope these…
KlaymenDK
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1968 Mustang 200: Vibration when accelerating

I have a 68 Mustang 200 CID automatic I have a vibration that I feel in the floor pan, that is only felt while under power. I looked under the car and found nothing loose. Any ideas what could be causing this?
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alignment not straight after alignment

So I just had my front tie rods replaced, and the front wheels aligned on my 97 Grand Caravan (the alignment was previously way off), and now it's a lot better, but the alignment is still a bit off... if untouched, the wheel pulls slightly to the…
Jordan Magnuson
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Bubbling sound from coolant and increase coolant liquid level

I drive an old Daihatsu Charade 1993. Just 2 days ago, I heard a bubbling sound from the coolant when I turned off the machine. I didn't really care much until yesterday when the car got hot abnormally (3/4 of the gauge, usually 1/4) while idling,…
nogias
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Easily serviceable/maintenance cars

I really want to get a little bit more familiar with whatever is going on under the bonnet, so I thought to buy an old car to conduct my experiments on it. What I had in mind - is trying basic servicing by myself and, as I gain a better…
Eugene S
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How can I clean an old oil filter for re-use? [no one makes 'em anymore]

I have an old Honda n600 from the 70s, but no one makes a filter for it anymore. The word from the n600 forums is that if you want a new filter you have to use one meant for a Honda motorcycle that's about 5mm shorter than the original. The n600…
Evans
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How much leaner can you responsibly run an old engine?

I've got a '76 Triumph TR7 and I was wondering this after I got its carbs tuned after its restoration. As many of you may know, old engines are initially not capable of running as lean as modern engines, due to less (local)cooling capacity, and…
Bart
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Getting Stale Gas Out of a Gas Tank w/out Dropping the Tank

I've got an old Chevy ('75) with a top-opening to the gas tank. The car has been sitting for 3 years without use. I want to clean the stale gas out of the tank. I have drained it as well as I can by disconnecting the fuel pump supply line.…
N8sBug
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