A Member called and would like information on changing the transmission on his 1972 Jag, which is currently a 3 speed automatic, which he would like to replace with longer geared 5 speed automatic if possible.
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 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>>
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 >>
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 >>
A member asks – Hagerty covers my GTO, but I also have a street rod that is in progress – can I get that covered now, or does it have to be 100% completed – I’ve got a fair amount of money into it already.
We agree, and are happy to offer you insurance on any active restorations or builds you are involved in. We can’t cover vehicles that are parts cars or “maybe someday” projects, but if your" Continue reading>>
Our Hagerty Plus member asks: Hagerty insures my freshly restored Lincoln, and if it gets damaged in any way, am I able to specify the shop that built if to handle the repairs?
We make every effort to allow you to use the shop of your choice for your repairs. Situations may arise that prevent that – your shop can’t get at the repair in a timely manner, the work needed 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>>
As you know, Packard parts of any description are difficult to locate, with 1958 being more difficult Continue reading >>
Try contacting Alan Gun Leather Accessories at 800 780 4500, or Wheelskins at 800 755 2128.
My family and I are in the last stages of restoring a 1963 Studebaker Hawk Grand Turismo, and we have been told we need an “RF fender emblem”, but in all the photos I can find there is no emblem on the fender, just a molding on the top edge and the “Grand Turismo” on the door. Any ideas?
To correctly complete your restoration, you’ll need to determine the engine type. If your car had an optional “R” motor you’ll need either an R1 or R2 fender emblem. R1 was the high Continue reading >>
Q: Client asks: “I’ve purchased a rust free 1967 Sunbeam Alpine recently with the intention of restoration. It doesn’t need much; paint, carpeting, and soft top. I haven’t started on it yet, but would like to determine how much time I should devote to it because of the economic times we’re in. Whom would you suggest I contact to see what the value of the vehicle might be at this point?”
A: We use Hagerty’s Cars that Matter Price Guide. I can give you an idea of what it is worth. Obviously, we hope you’ll want to insure the car with us, and our customer service number for the" 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 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 >>
To answer your question, essentially if you want to restore your car, you should consider whether the car is unusual enough to make a good candidate for restoration. Generally speaking, that means" Continue reading>>
Thanks for your questions about D&D and Kennison’s. As you can see here by our link to the Hagerty Resource Directory, they are actually both listed. We have no specific reports on them Continue reading >>
The only glass resource that I have listed is here. You might also try Hemmings Motors News if this source does not work.
Continue reading>>
Thanks for the question. I had a good discussion with our Chevy guru (he has 3 Chevelles from the 1960’s) and his recommendation is “It depends”.
For mostly highway use at 70-75 Continue reading >>
I wasn’t able to locate your Hagerty Plus file from your email address. Nevertheless, I’d suggest that any competent restoration shop should be able to handle the restoration of a 1967" 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 >>