STORY LINE:  That Time Of Year Again                                          

It  is that time of year again, the old cars are coming back out, Eddie’s Drive-In is open, car shows abound, and cruises-driving the car is the best. BUT …. Have you pulled the proper maintenance on your ‘toy’ either before the winter storage or now that its back on the road. Some quickie but all important car ‘stuph’ to check before you hit the road.

  If the car has been put away with old oil in the crankcase, change it, along with installing a new oil filter … old/used oil contains and holds acid deposits so dispose of the old ‘stuph’ properly. And lube the chassis/suspension fittings too and, don’t forget to check suspension/steering systems for wear and/or excessive ‘play’. Check the drive shaft for grease fittings also and or ‘slop’ where it should not be. It ‘ain’t’ no fun to have a drive shaft come apart … when it should not have. Check ALL the fluid levels and make sure tire inflation is proper.

  Sometimes that aforementioned excessive steering play is in the steering components like worn tie rod ends, But it is not uncommon to find that unwanted extra ‘play’  in the steering box itself. An adjustment to the steering box may just be the ticket here-if not, look really good at repairing or rebuilding what needs to be repaired. 

  Tire Pressure. The only way to be correct on tire air pressure is to read the sidewalls. Most of the older radial tires-and current-are rated 35psi. maximum cold. At least 32psi minimum is typically recommended for road use. Any pressure less than that may damage the tire. On the newer design radial tires the sidewall may read 44psi. maximum. Your vehicle may ride a little stiff at that inflated number and, you may find yourself financially compensating your dentist a little more often. Typically I find at least 35psi. the right number these tires. MANY new cars and trucks use these higher rated pressure tires-be sure to check yours properly as doing it right will keep you and yours right-side-up.  Know what I mean Vern. Belted or bias ply tires, them be different as I find that most sure do not ride well above about 28psi.

  Electrical problems are a real bugaboo, but most times stem from corroded connections and/or a dirty battery cable. Sometimes just a battery that will not hold a charge, a bad battery and/or defective charging system. Simply make sure connections are clean and cables tight. Troubleshooting; If the car will start only with a jump, you may have a bad starter or battery. If it will not run after you start it and disconnect the battery or jumper cable … it may be the alternator/charging system. Memories: I have had to ‘beat’ on the starter of some ‘toys’ while cranking to upset the internal short of the starter so it would crank faster. And … that was usually after observing submarine races in some deserted …   parking area. Some of you … will understand that one.

Engine oil. This is an area that is extremely important as the oil is virtually the engines life blood along with being a coolant. Quality clean oil is absolutely essential to trouble free mechanical longevity, be it in a daily driver or specialty vehicle. Change it often, like every 3,000 miles and at the end of every old car season for the toy. I personally like a 10W30 multi-viscosity product that have both the S and C ratings-S representing the additive package for spark fired engines and C for the additive package on compression fired engines-a little added extra strength in the fluids.

Be sure the ant-freeze solution in your cooling system is no more than two years old and be sure to check the thermostat. This last item-the thermostat-can and will cause you fits in the heating, cooling regulation of engine operating temperatures. To check it, I used one of The Vixsters kitchen pots filled with warm water, put it on the stove and slowly brought it up to temperature, observing the Fahrenheit scale on, again, one of The Vixsters trusty cooking temperature checker-outer thing-amabobs. Cooking utensils do have a usefulness ….

  Lastly, make sure hoses, belts and caps/covers are all in place. Just a couple of to do’s. Enjoy the drive.

  TOP HAT JOHN can be contacted for story leads, vehicle appraisals, or questions at: P.O. Box 46024, Mt. Clemens, MI., 48046-6024; or call 586-465-1933