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My 1964 Corvette (non-original but correct year/type replacement engine done in 1970) is showing wear and I’m looking at modernizing it with an updated engine (so I don’t have to worry about high-octane fuels plus octane boosters and lead replacement) of similar power, adding disc brakes and power steering. Will this diminish the value? Any suggestions?
A Hagerty Plus member called wanting to speak to our Concierge service. He is trying to replace his drum brake set up with disk brakes that will work with his stock 14" tires, and wanted to know if you have any suggestions, because he can only find aftermarket systems for 15" tires.
Our client had checked all of the major US suppliers, but I found a website and telephoned a Canadian supplier to check on availability, and they assured me that 14" x 7" wheels, and "some" 14" x Continue reading >>
Our Hagerty Plus member wondered how long tires were good in terms of age (not miles) before it was best to replace them. The tires on both his collector cars are 10 years old, and they still have the casting nubs on them, and get very few miles annually.
The experts say that 7 years is the maximum life of a new tire, regardless of mileage. Factors such as how they are stored, how often they are treated, and the amount of UV they are subjected to" Continue reading>>
A Hagerty Plus member wondered if he should put shocks with coil-overs on the rear of his '52 Chevy since the rear end is sagging about 2 inches.
I suggested air shocks instead, since coil overs are likely to change the height too much and are not adjustable. At least with air shocks, you can adjust the height with an air hose. He thought Continue reading >>
A Hagerty Plus member inquired about theft prevention devices – in addition to LoJack, as his vehicles are stored in an area that has seen an increase in vehicle thefts.
There are lots of new products on the market to either deter theft (battery cut off switches, alarms, physical deterrents) as well as GPS tracking devices that will locate a stolen vehicle (with" Continue reading>>
One of our Hagerty Plus members wanted to have a general conversation on how to best look after and care for his new collector car. – both for appearance in the summer and storage in the winter.
I walked him through our website, encouraged him to use his Member Discount with Griots for products to clean & care for the car. Continue reading >>
A member inquired about V-rated tires for his 1966 Jaguar XKE, and wondered if the car originally come with blackwalls, whitewalls or red line tires? It appears that V-rated tires were stock for this vehicle when new, and Coker only offers V-rated tires in blackwall.
A member inquired about V-rated tires for his 1966 Jaguar XKE, and wondered if the car originally come with blackwalls, whitewalls or red line tires? It appears that V-rated tires were stock for" Continue reading>>
Our Hagerty Plus member called for advice on "claying" his car in order to prep it for waxing. He also he has a couple of small rust pin-hole sized spots on the doors - what to do? He informs us that the paint on the 1959 Ford is probably no older than 10 years, not 49 years old.
The concensus here at Hagerty is that our member could clay the entire car except the tiny rust spots, and do the areas of rust stain below the rust spots last. Check with Continue reading >>
A Hagerty Plus member called in - wanted a set of sockets which are lined, and the only company he knows of that made these was Protectools, and they are out of business. He hopes to find a source for sockets that won’t scratch stainless steel and chromed nuts & bolts.
This one was a challenge, because the leads I found on suppliers for Protectools had nothing in stock, and I was able to confirm the company is out of business. However, at Continue reading>>
This Hagerty Plus member called to give me a litany of problems he's having that he is attributing to the ethanol in the fuel. Are we aware of this situation with other customers?
Yes, we are aware of the situation - aware enough that we're currently spending $50,000 with Kettering University to do a study on how ethanol in gasoline affects old car parts. There is an Continue reading >>
Do you know where I can get a replacement VIN plate stamped, the same as the original metal plate? My car was stolen and recovered. The State Of Michigan is giving me my original VIN, but the plate is plastic and I don’t want that.
Unfortunately, there are no legal options here - whatever the state gives you is what you must use. It’s totally illegal to make “reproduction” VIN plates. Possession of blank antique style VIN" Continue reading>>
This Hagerty Plus member owns a set of original 1968 Magnesium wheels for his 1968 Camaro. He's wondering if they are safe to use or if there are any safety concerns. He indicated he has heard that these wheels can burn under certain circumstances – should he be concerned?
Yes, Magnesium wheels can burn, and once ignited, nearly can't be put out. After checking with a few experts, our own Jonathan Stein concurred - don't use 40 year old magnesium wheels - Continue reading >>
My dad and I have a 508 cu.in. all aluminum big-block Chevy V8, we're looking for ideas of what to put it in for a fun show-ride? Brainstorm with me?
We brainstormed many ideas – some a little crazy - including bolting it to a 66-78 Toronado automatic and putting it in the middle of a Corvair or a Subaru SVX, to 1973-1975 Pontiac Gran Am, to an" Continue reading>>
A member explained they have dented their 38 Delahaye, they need to ship a part of the car that is 6 ft wide (it's the lid that covers the soft top) to a body shop and is wondering if we can recommend a high end company to handle that.
The insured is better off not shipping the panel. There are three shops within driving distance that can do a fine job on the paint. D.L. George Coachworks (30 minutes from insured) Automotive Continue reading >>
Yes; there is a very good chance that the mice took up residence and/or used the seats to supply themselves with nesting material. You’ll want to pull the seats and inspect them." Continue reading>>
Q: Client called regarding his 1966 Mustang. He is concerned about reformulated oils, specifically those without ZDDP.
A:We discussed, I brought up aspects of our article (Hagerty’s Volume 3 issue 3 Fall 2008) and since he has a stock of oil, he is most interested in additives; I provided him with the web Continue reading >>
Q: Client called to discuss his 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88, with 330 cubic inch V8; the car has 9 1/2 " drum brakes from the Cutlass series, instead of 11" brakes as used on most 88's and 98's and he wanted me to look in the Hollander Interchange Manual to see if anything else will work (front spindles) since he wants to retrofit safer front disc brakes.
A: I looked; the 1964 and 1965 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88 with 330 cubic inch V8 did indeed have unique spindles to fit smaller brakes onto the bigger body shell. Therefore we surmised that he will" Continue reading>>
Q: Client has a 1977 MG B in which the fuel pump has gone bad. He says that he has a British Victoria catalog in which they offer an original SU “type” fuel pump, or an alternate plastic bodied fuel pump (I’m presuming these are electric fuel pumps). He first question is – which is better? His next question is – are there are other MG fuel pump suppliers “out there” that we could recommend he look into?
A: The SU Pump should be just fine. The best source for the SU pump is Joe Curto, Inc. 718/762-7878 or www.joecurto.com. It's a small business where Joe is the boss, the tech and the phone guy Continue reading >>
Q: Client is looking for a battery trickle charger as he is leaving his vehicle for 7 or 8 months.
A: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about your battery question. Yes, indeed, by the look of things the Deltran Battery Tender advertised in the recent Hagerty’s magazine might just be" Continue reading>>
Q: Client wanted to know if he should put some Permatex or something on the head gaskets for the rebuild he is doing on his 312 Y-Block Ford engine (1956 Thunderbird). The gasket instructions say to go dry. Also, what does he put on head bolt threads?
A: I checked with Jonathan Klinger and we agreed that if the gasket manufacturer says "go dry" then do so. Also, Jonathan stated that he should put a little anti-seize on the threads of the head Continue reading >>
Thanks for your question about emissions testing in California. In fact, all cars 1976 and newer (this year will not change) must be tested if registered in California, and must pass before being" Continue reading>>
I looked at the pictures we have on file of your car - it's very cool. I checked with our GM expert, who reports that a range of 160 - 200 degrees is typical, and that he’s struggling to Continue reading >>
Thanks for your inquiry. I know of no specific product which may be applied to tires to slow down the natural aging process. It’s considered that tires will only be “good” for about 7 years before" Continue reading>>
I have a few possibilities for older vehicles (specialty salvage yards) as follows:
Parts of the Past 603 523 4524
Doc’s Auto Parts 269 657 5268
Golden Sands Salvage 608 375 Continue reading >>