Owning vintage cars is one of life's great pleasures. There's nothing like the feeling of engaging the throttle of a 1960s Maserati Sebring or an Aston Martin DB5. Then there's the elegant appearance and class that iconic vintage cars possess. But along with the sensation of speed and the aesthetics of classic cars, there's another experience that motoring connoisseurs understand --the beautiful purr and rising growl of a perfectly tuned engine.
However, engines can deteriorate. Many classic cars are forty or fifty year old. When you purchase them, there's no guarantee they will be in perfect condition, and the noise they make might not even closely resemble the roar they were designed to create.
Here are some things to remember when it comes to repairing a classic vehicle to help it rediscover its original voice.
Find Out What Your Car Should Sound Like
The first thing to do is an assessment of how your car sounds. Over the years, there's a strong chance that it will have developed flaws and idiosyncrasies that weren't intended by the creators. Thankfully, you can easily research how almost any models should sound. If you have access to skilled mechanics who specialise in your mode, by all means ask them for their opinion. Failing that, check out online videos or sound effects of your car in action. You should be able to compare the authentic sound of your prized car with one that has been properly serviced.
Before you buy, do a little online research to find out whether your model has any well-known noise issues. Some cars have a tendency to develop coughs and rattles. These sounds could be signs of deeper problems, so it pays to be aware of them.
Arrange Any Necessary Exhaust Repairs
If you decide that action needs to be taken to make your car sing again, the most common remedy is to replace or repair the exhaust. Look on the internet for OEM suppliers (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
These companies generally don't have stocks of original components. Instead, they have the ability to custom-make exhausts from stainless steel tubing. By working to the car's original specifications, they can exactly replicate the exhaust your car would have possessed when it was first sold. Don't cut corners by sourcing generic exhausts. The only way to restore the exact noise of your vehicle is by installing the same components.
Have Your Engine Assessed
If the problem isn't related to your exhaust, book your car in for an engine assessment. Strange noises could be due to a variety of factors, from loose rod or main bearings to loose flywheels or piston pins and faulty valve lifters. Unless you have specific expertise, the only way to know for sure is to check your car into a specialist garage that is certified for work with your make. Don't send your classic car to the local mechanics. Restoring the perfect sound requires in-depth knowledge about every model.
When you have restored your car, you'll be grateful for making the effort. When the required action could be as simple as forming a stainless steel exhaust pipe or replacing a ball bearing, perfecting the noise of their vehicle should be a priority for all vintage car owners.
Share22 August 2016
I really want a cool old fixie like some of the people at my university have, but they are actually more expensive than I had first thought. Then I was going through the shed at home, and I found a really old rusted bike my dad used to use. The bike needed a lot of work, so it's been a project for the last few months to get it working properly and get it looking great again. This blog has all of the repair and restoration steps that I have used, and pictures of my progress as the project progressed.
