There is a great responsibility that comes along with owning a classic car. To preserve their original beauty, and function, extra TLC is required. For most collectors, this is the appeal of owning in the first place. The desire to spend time intentionally fussing over the maintenance of these beauties is something to look forward to, not a chore to loathe. Having said that, there is a level of know how that needs to be present so that you do not unintentionally cause damage in the process. If that is not innate for you, not to worry, you can reference how-to guides on almost every aspect of classic cars to get you comfortable and knowledgeable in no time.
Be Vain
In many scenarios, being worried about the look of something would be considered shallow. Regarding classic cars, this thought process is anything but. You can research classic cars to understand how they looked when they were originally designed and introduced to the market and use that as a guide for how to maintain the look of the one in your garage. Materials were different back then, so caring for them with modern methods might not actually be the best laid plan. Follow how-to guides when researching products like soap, waxes, and sealants so that you can be assured that the chemicals you are putting on to facilitate preservation and protection. When you take yours out for a drive, or to show, having focused on the vanity aspects is going to really pay off.
Safe Storage
Storing your classic beauty in the optimum temperature controlled, enclosed space is the ideal. If that is not an option for you, then it is up to you to do everything you can to protect your car from the elements that might cause it harm. Modern vehicles can tolerate more than vintage ones, so do not assume that what you do for your current car is going to be enough for your classic one. Moisture and sunlight can really impact the wear and tear on the body. Having yours elevated at least enough to avoid any potential for sitting water to damage the exposed mechanics on the underbody can go a long way in terms of preventative measures. At the minimum, you will want to invest in a car cover that is specific to your geographic location. Researching classic cars and how to protect them against the elements specific to your location will lead you to the cover that makes the most sense.
Get Familiar
Researching classic cars and learning about them virtually is one thing but getting familiar with what is happening under the hood of your specific vehicle is essential as an owner. Pop the hood and look around, older cars are probably not going to have an owner’s manual in the glove box like a new car would, so it will be a learn as you go disClassic Car Care: Tips and Trickscovery process. If you find yourself feeling brave, tackling some DIY repairs can be extremely rewarding. How-to guides and videos are all over the internet for all skill levels so be sure to check those out in advance of any projects to avoid having to stop midway through and defer to a professional to fix anything you may have done incorrectly.