Classic Car Tech Articles

Suspended Decisions

January 2, 2020 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Choosing the right rear suspension system for your classic car or street machine.

Door Skin Therapy

July 29, 2019 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

“The truth often lies beneath the surface and is not revealed until you scrape away the layers.” As work progressed on one of our project cars, we realized no truer words had ever been spoken. We chose to remove the old paint chemically, as rust was minimal and we did not want to risk warping…

Cutting Threads: An introduction to using a tap to thread bolt holes

June 3, 2019 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Threading a drilled hole may seem like an easy task, but plenty can go wrong if you don’t take the proper precautions when using hand taps. Knowing how to use a tap properly will reduce the risk of tap breakage and make the process more enjoyable.

New Life for an Old Hemi

June 30, 2017 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Having built my share of street rods and customs over the years, I’ll be the first to admit my engine of choice was most often a small-block Chevrolet. Its compact size, availability of inexpensive performance parts, and power potential made it an easy choice. These simple facts make it the go-to choice for thousands of…

Engine Vacuum Troubleshooting

March 15, 2017 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Years ago, a good friend introduced me to using a vacuum gauge to diagnose engine problems, in-fact it was often the first tool he would reach for when confronted with a poorly running engine. I’ll admit to being a little skeptical at first, but over the years I have become convinced that engine vacuum is…

Preparing Your Classic Car for Upholstery

September 28, 2016 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog, Classic Car Tech Articles.

For most classic car enthusiasts, a trip to the upholstery shop is about as welcome as a trip to the dentist. Yet with a little planning and preparation, the experience can certainly run smoothly, and can actually be rewarding. “It’s going to cost how much?” “You can’t take my car in for how long?” Those…

Tips for Choosing Steering System Components

September 21, 2016 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Often the result of any classic car build is reflected not in the components selected, but rather in the quality of the products used to connect them. The greatest battery in the world is no better than the cables that deliver the power. Similarly, when it comes to steering components, a trick steering column and…

Single vs. Dual Reservoir Master Cylinders

August 3, 2016 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

I have heard the arguments many times, claiming a properly maintained and working single reservoir master cylinder is just as safe as a dual reservoir system. My response is always the same, “if a single reservoir system is so good, then why are they no longer offered?” Often when things go wrong with a car…

Are Expensive Brake Fluids Worth the Extra Cost?

July 13, 2016 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Let’s be clear up front – if your brake fluid has not been changed in over a year, you are past-due to replace it. Brake fluid is hygroscopic- it naturally absorbs water from humidity present in the air. Therefore, it requires regular maintenance. This article is meant to help you make an informed choice when…

Modern LED Lighting for Classic Cars

March 4, 2016 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Tech Articles.

Building a custom or classic car often includes a mix of time-tested performance and appearance improvements, matched with the latest technology has to offer. An advancement we were excited to see was the introduction of LED (light emitting diode) lighting for cars and trucks. LEDs are nothing new, but the application in automotive use is…