People like classic cars because they are like works of art, and most of the time, a good investment. Unlike many modern cars that depreciate with the years, classic cars like the Jaguar Mark II, the Mini Cooper, or the Renault 5 GT Turbo get more expensive and more valuable the older they get. Of course, this is assuming that they are well maintained. As a classic car owner, there are some things that you can do to make sure that you get the top resale value for your classic car should you decide to sell it to another owner.
What Is A Classic Car?
Before we go and discuss the tips for upgrades and repairs you can make with your classic cars, let’s define what a classic car is. As it turns out that there is no consensus on the definition of a classic car. The Antique Automobile Club of America defines classic cars as vehicles that are more than 25 years old. However, the Classic Car Club of America defines a classic vehicle as a “Fine” or “Distinctive’ vehicle foreign or American made only between 1915 and 1948.
Repairs and Upgrades To Get Top Resale Value for Your Classic Car
Whichever definition you agree with when it comes to classic cars the thing to remember in upgrading or repairing your classic car, is not to ruin its classic look or feel. This classic look is one of the main reasons why people buy these types of cars. If you are looking to repair or upgrade your classic car to get the best price possible, you want to make sure it enhances its roadworthiness without running its classic appeal. Keeping your classic car also keeps your insurance down when you shop for the best car insurance.
Change the Oil
Starting to Maintain your classic vehicle to get top resale value begins as simple as changing its oil. Granted that an average vintage vehicle, especially a collectible vehicle, travels fewer miles than your average car, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to change its oil that often. Oil in a vintage engine sitting idle for months can break down from the contaminants from running. No matter how many miles you use your vintage vehicle, you should change its oil once every six months.
Flush the cooling system
The cooling system of your classic vehicle should be ideally flushed out at least once a year. Flushing will help prevent the cooling system from rusting or developing deposits that can restrict the flow within the system. It’s suggested you use a mixture of 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water for flushing.
Wash Your Car
Another easy way to maintain your classic car’s paint finish is to wash it after taking it out on a trip because salt and road grime can eat away your car’s finish faster than regularly washing your vehicle. Make sure to use the correct type of soap to wash your car and clean the vehicle’s underside and all the car’s exposed surfaces.
Upgrade the Brakes
Many classic cars have braking systems that are not as efficient when they are at their prime. Old brakes mean your vehicle is harder to stop, especially when you’re going at high speed – and this can be dangerous for you as well. In addition to the safety concerns, old breaks can also wear the tires down faster.
You can upgrade the braking system by switching to modern braking discs. They will make sure your car is safer, easier to handle, and put minor wear and tear on your tires.
Oil the Ball Joints
The classic car’s ball joints connect the control arm to the steering knuckle. To ensure they are working correctly, they should be regularly checked and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. When you do an oil change, make sure the ball joints are well greased. Remember, a dry ball joint tends to fail quickly, while a well-greased one can last for a long time.
Upgrade the Insulation
Modern cars are quieter, and you hear less noise from outside, and driving is more comfortable. There is usually no insulation between the inside and outside in classic cars, so you can listen to almost everything when you are driving.
You can improve the driving experience in your classic car by installing car insulation discreetly throughout the vehicle. You can install insulation underneath the carpet or behind door panels. Doing so will add an extra layer of insulation and make the car warmer, especially during colder months. Well, hidden insulation also won’t destroy that classic car feel.
Upgrade the Fan System
If you have a classic car, you might want to consider upgrading the fan system in your engine bay. In classic cars, fans turn on depending on how fast your vehicle is going. If you’re driving at a rapid speed, the fan will kick in and cool down your engine. The problem is when you’re moving slow, like when you’re going uphill. The fan will usually not turn on, and you can overheat. Modern fan systems, on the other hand, turn on when they sense the engine is hot.
These seven repairs and upgrade suggestions are sure to make your classic car work in tip-top shape and have top resale value for years to come.
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