Technical Q&A for Classic Cars

Missing Fuse Block

October 23, 2019 By Mark Simpson & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I was asked by a good friend for assistance resolving some electrical problems he was having with his 1949 Ford F1 pickup. After searching for awhile I could not locate the fuse block. Where is the fuse block located? A. Cars and trucks prior to the 1960s seldom have what we think of as…

Partly Cloudy Continental

July 10, 2019 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I have a 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV 460 V8 7.5L. When I start vehicle each day a cloud of smoke rises from drivers side exhaust manifold and quickly dissipates. However, car idles rough thereafter. If I let vehicle sit for a couple hours and restart the smoke is less. A. When you claim,…

Welding Blow Through

April 25, 2019 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. In an ideal world this would never happen, but I sometimes find that I cannot cut away all damaged metal and must deal with blow-thru when welding patch pieces in. Do you have any tips/suggestions for minimizing blow-thru (other than cut more metal away)? A. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re…

Mystery Armstrong Starter?

January 10, 2019 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I have been annotating correspondence between my grandparents from the mid-1930’s, from before they were married. During this time, my grandfather had what I think was a 1929 Essex. He frequently complains about keeping the thing running and at one point, has to replace the clutch. Because he was short on cash (as was…

Classic Car Gas and Oils

September 6, 2017 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I just purchased a 1957 Ford Skyliner and have questions about correct gas and oil uses. It is un-restored and looks like it just rolled off the assembly line in Kansas City where it was built minus the 60 year old normal where and tear because it was not in a museum. My question…

Early Mustang Engine Numbers

August 30, 2017 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I have a classic car question that pertains to the engine size and year manufactured. I have a 1965 Ford Mustang and I can not find the location of the engine block serial number. Where is the serial number located and can you tell the block is a 260 64 1/2 by the serial…

Lowering Twin I-Beams

August 30, 2017 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. How would you lower a 1965 ford 1/2 ton short wheel base pick up with the Twin I-Beam front suspension? Also, can you add power steering to this truck? A. There are a few options to lower the front end of your F100. The easiest way to lower it would be to install drop…

Window Crank Extensions

August 24, 2017 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. Years ago when building custom vans, we used to attach extenders to the crank window crank posts for the handles to work with all of the plywood and shag carpeting. Where can I find door handle extenders today? I made new custom door panels for my car and the window handles won’t fit anymore.…

Low Geared F1

August 24, 2017 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I have a 1949 Ford F1 pickup (Hope I can sneak in a Ford question). Is there a later differential with higher gear ratios to “speed” things up? A. Low gears are a common issue for many early truck owners as most were used as tools to move stuff and rarely seen as a…

Hard Pedal, No Brakes

August 21, 2017 By Editor & filed under Technical Q&A for Classic Cars.

Q. I have a 1962 Ford F100 with a new master cylinder installed. No leakage. All manual drum brakes. No booster. Hard brake pedal, but no fluid going to the wheel cylinders, even with bleeders completely removed on all four wheels. I can’t bleed the brakes. Any suggestions? I have bled many brakes in prior…