For many classic car owners, when the leaves start falling off the trees, that’s an indication that tooling down the road in your classic car or vintage truck may be winding down for the year. Driving your car for only half of the year may make you yearn to move somewhere more vintage-car-weather-friendly, and the restoration and restomod professionals at Wrenchers LLC understand.

If you’ve been putting off winterizing and storing your car for the snowy months, you may want to give this a read before you put on the tarp and bid your car farewell until spring.

Can You Drive Your Vintage Car In The Winter?

Driving your classic car in the winter doesn’t have to be a no-go. But if you do decide to take your restored vintage baby out on the roads in winter, there are some precautions you should take.

You can take your classic car out for a spin, but do it with an abundance of caution and consider these tips.

1. Why do you want to drive it? Is it just because you want to get more miles out of enjoying it and don’t want to pack it away for the winter? That’s understandable. Remember, just because you’ve winterized your car doesn’t mean you can’t fire it up and take a spin, but you want to bring it out of hibernation slowly, and you will need to plan to re-winterize it after you’ve had it out.
2. Check the weather forecast. There are always those days or weeks when the snow melts, the sun shines and you’re yearning for a drive in your classic car, and why not? If the weather permits, take your car out. Remember, though, that even if there’s no snow, there is probably road salt, and you will need to ensure you’re cleaning your car completely – undercarriage included – once your drive is over. Road salt is the enemy of your paint job. Don’t wash your car if below-freezing temperatures are predicted because you don’t want water freezing and damaging the car or its engine.
3. Taking your car for a drive just might help extend the life of the engine – if you do it with care. Starting the car will send a film of motor oil through the internal engine surfaces, help keep them lubricated and protect the engine from corrosion and oxidation. Don’t just start the car; take it for a quick spin and turn it back off. Depending on the outdoor temps, it can take up to twenty minutes for the oil to warm up, burn off the gunk in the system and offer protection. Taking it for a short spin could do more harm than good.

If you’re determined to drive your classic car or truck this weekend, make sure you’re not revving the engine when it’s warming up. Just let it idle for a bit before you put it in gear and take it for a spin. Check the temperature needle, and when it’s in the “normal” operating temp, you’re ready to hit the road. You may need to bundle up for the drive because it could take about ten minutes for the interior to heat up.

Once you’re done with your drive – or drives – this winter, clean off the road salt and undertake the winterizing steps to protect your car until the next thaw or until spring arrives.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Vintage truck and car ownership is rewarding, but you may find there’s a learning curve if you’re a first-time classic car owner. You don’t want to be a trial-and-error owner, so we think you’ll appreciate these tips. Our advice is also a great refresher for long-time vintage car owners.

5 Tips For First-Time Classic Car Owners

1. Under the hood. On a scale of 1 to 10, how knowledgeable are you about the inner workings of cars in general and vintage and classics specifically? If you are a classic car owner, you know that these babies require more loving attention than many modern cars. If you’re at the upper end of the mechanic scale and can perform routine maintenance on your classic truck, then go for it. If not, we urge you to not be tinkering under the hood. Find a mechanic who is knowledgeable about classics and put your car in their capable hands.
2. Sourcing parts. When you own a classic car or truck, it’s inevitable that you will need to find replacement parts. When you buy your vintage vehicle, that is the time to start looking for sources for replacement parts. Don’t wait until the need is imminent and you’re feeling pressured to buy a part that you may not want or might not be able to truly afford.
3. You’ll be part of a vintage vehicle community. Owners of classic cars know that when they become the owner of one, they are also granted entrance into that elite club of vintage car aficionados. The other vintage car owners you meet may also be great resources for mechanics and sources for parts.
4. Set realistic goals. When you pick up a classic car that is in need of “some” restoration, be prepared for more restoration than you anticipated. When we get under the hood or behind the chassis, we sometimes find restoration items that can’t be seen until we take it apart. Restoring a vintage vehicle can be a costly hobby, but oh so worth it.
5. Get out and drive. If you’ve bought a vintage truck or classic car, don’t just leave it in the garage and admire it. Get it out and get it on the road. You don’t have to plan a cross-country trip, but take it out for a Sunday drive. Attend classic car shows and show your vehicle off. You’ve put so much time and energy – and money – into the car, it is meant to be seen, appreciated and enjoyed.

Owning and driving a classic car or truck is a feeling that cannot be described unless you’ve been there. If you’re searching for your first vintage car or truck or want to talk about an upgrade to your current vintage vehicle, give us a call.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Keep in mind that many of the classic cars you see on television or even driving down the road have been restored and refurbished. Not all vintage cars are discovered in pristine, drive-ready condition. If you’re thinking about joining the ranks of vintage car owners, we want to help you make the best decision.

Pros & Cons Of Vintage Car Ownership

1. We can’t sugarcoat it. Vintage and classic cars and trucks can be expensive. Depending on the body shape yours is in when you buy it, a full-body restoration can make a dent in your wallet. That being said, there is nothing like the feeling of sliding behind the wheel of your newly restored vintage car.
2. Maintenance requirements. Not all cars are created equally, and that goes for vintage cars as well as new vehicles. As with anything you own, parts wear out. When it comes to vintage vehicles, the worn-out parts may be harder to come by and could cost you more than a replacement part for a newer vehicle. That being said… newer vehicle parts are not cheap.
3. The joy of driving. There is nothing like tooling down the highway in your vintage vehicle. Heads turn, and envious glances are tossed your way. You’re all right with that though, because you know how much love – and money – you put into that baby, and you’re now enjoying it to the fullest. When you get behind the wheel, turn the key and hear the roar (or hum) of that engine, all is right in your world!
4. Safety matters. Today’s cars are designed to keep passengers safe, especially from crashes. Airbags, seatbelts and other safety accessories help ensure you’re safe in the event of a crash. The vintage car you’re driving is not equipped with those safety measures. That means you need to be more of a defensive driver when you’re on the road. In truth, that might be why many vintage car owners are happy to stay close to home and show their cars off at classic car shows that are not far away.
5. You’ll find “your people.” If you want to make new friends, drive a classic or vintage car. Other vintage car owners will strike up conversations, and you can share stories about your cars. People who don’t drive or own a classic will come up to you and just want to talk about you and your car. Vintage cars and classic trucks are conversation starters for sure.

There are certainly more pros and cons to owning a vintage vehicle, and the experience is different for every driver, but we have never spoken with a vintage truck or classic car owner who is anything but thrilled with their road-worthy baby.

If you have any questions about a frame-off restoration or are looking for further insights for protecting your classic car or truck, give us a call or stop by our shop.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Open and honest communication is crucial in any relationship, and it seems to be even more important when it comes to major financial investments. And making the jump into a vehicle restoration project, whether a frame-off restomod or other upgrade, can bring a substantial price tag. In fact, some vehicle restoration projects can cost upwards of $25,000, and in many cases, the price tag is substantially higher.

The Power Of Communication When Discussing Car Restoration Plans

While we certainly aren’t passing ourselves off as financial gurus or marital counselors, we do know that heated discussions can ensue when one of the people in a relationship doesn’t have any idea of just how much a vehicle restoration project can cost.

Here are some tips for bringing up the dollars and cents conversation of getting your beloved vintage car or truck back in show-worthy shape.

1. Don’t hide the fact that you’re taking the vehicle in for a restoration. If you’re unaware of how much the project can cost, you certainly don’t want to be blindsided when you receive the estimate. You also don’t want to try to explain the dent in your bank account after the fact.
2. Weigh the costs. What other financial obligations do you have? Is there a savings account set up for “fun money,” and could the vehicle restoration project fall into that? Are both of you on board with the project?
3. Is the cost of the vehicle restoration feasible? There comes a time when you need to weigh your sunk costs and decide if it’s worth it to keep putting money into the car. Sure, it could be the car of your dreams, but how much do you truly want to spend? Ask yourself, what rewards will you reap from the money you’re putting into the restoration? If this is a project you’re both on board with and your aspiration has been to have this car of your dreams to use on cross-country road trips when you’re both retired, then that could be your reward/return on investment.
4. Be financially transparent. The talk about the cost of the vehicle’s restoration could open the doors to other talks about money, how you’re spending and how you’re saving it. Don’t walk into the restoration project “blind” and with the idea that you’re going to be writing a blank check to the restoration professionals. It might also make a lot of sense to let us – or whomever you take your vehicle to – know just what your budget is. If you have a $10,000 budget, but the work you want done will cost in the $50,000 range, it’s best to scale back your expectations. We can walk you through what you can get for the money you have set aside. You may decide that this restoration project will be done a little at a time, and you will want to focus on what can be done to make it as usable as possible and then work on the aesthetics later.

Bottom line: Regardless of what you’re doing with a shared bank account – especially if you’re looking to have your vintage or classic car or truck restored, it’s best to get your financial house in order first. Once you do that, we’re here to help get the car of your dreams into your hands!

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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1. Get there early. If there aren’t any designated parking spaces, you can grab the best parking space and get your vehicle ready to be seen!
2. Make sure your car is ready. Before you get on the road and attend a car show, make sure your own vintage car or truck is in tip-top condition. Wash and wax it. Top off the fluids. Clean the interior until it’s gleaming. It might make sense to bring a clear car cover or use a clear car bra when you’re traveling to keep any bug detritus off the car.
3. Research the best car show for you and your car. Remember, not all vintage car and truck shows are created equally. There are small, local shows; there are model-specific or even decade-specific shows and there are those that are nationally recognized on the vintage vehicle circuit. Know what’s best for you and for displaying your car.
4. Get to know the crowd. Meet the organizers. Make small talk with the other vehicle owners. What better place to discuss your passion than with other vintage vehicle lovers and collectors?
5. Above all – have fun! A car show is not only a great way to show off your car and all the restoration you’ve put into it, but it’s an ideal place to make connections and build relationships. Relax. Have fun. Get the most out of the chance to display your car or truck.

Taking Your Vintage Car To A Show: 5 Tips

Here are a few more tips that are great for people who are new to the vintage car show circuit or a great reminder for long-time vintage car pros.

1. Capture the memories.
2. Bring something comfortable to sit on – the days can be long.
3. Don’t forget snacks and drinks.
4. Sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses should be part of your traveling accessories.
5. Be willing and excited to talk with other car enthusiasts about your car and ask questions about theirs.

Now is the best time to pull out your calendar and plan your summer vintage car show schedule. If you live in Michigan, summer is short, and you don’t want to miss a day to show off your car.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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It may be tempting to pull your antique auto out of its storage facility and just take it for a tiny spin around the block, but the vehicle specialists at Wrenchers LLC urge you to resist until you properly prepare your beloved antique car, vintage truck or hot rod.

For those car owners who took the steps to properly store their vehicles over the winter months, the Spring prep should be a breeze. Here are a few steps you need to take:

1. If you removed your battery, you will need to reinstall it.
2. If the battery wasn’t on a trickle charger over the winter months, now is the time to get it attached and charged.
3. Check the tires for any cracks or air leaks.
4. Gently lower the car off its jack stands.
5. Give the wires under the hood a good going over. No matter how well your vehicle was stored, critters sometimes wriggle their way in and gnaw on wires and insulation. Make sure there is no rodent damage.

How To Prepare Your Vintage Car For Spring

Now we’re on to the “fun stuff” for getting your vintage car ready for that summer road trip.

1. Check the fluids. Is the oil in your vintage baby a golden honey hue? If it’s black, change it. If it’s milky, it has moisture in it and needs to be changed.
2. Radiator fluid levels need to be checked. You can use a 50/50 antifreeze mix when you’re topping it off.
3. Check the fluid levels in the battery. Fill it to the proper levels with distilled water if it’s low. Check and clean battery terminals and charge the battery fully.
4. Belts and hoses need to be checked – as mentioned above, for rodent damage – but also for wear and tear and dry rot. If you notice that, change the belts and hoses. If the hoses are not taut, tighten or change them. In fact, when you’re under the hood, check all the wiring for corrosion or brittleness.
5. Check the wiring to ensure nothing is loose or dangling. That is a fire waiting to happen. Tighten any loose wires; you can use electrical tape or zip ties.
6. The fuel lines and hoses leading from the carburetor to the tank and/or the throttle body need to be inspected for corrosion, dry rot or leaks. Replace all fuel lines that are suspect.
7. Check your brakes. Disc brakes can be checked without taking the car apart – you should be able to check the thickness of the pads quite easily. If your vintage truck has drum brakes, check the brake lines and brake fluids. If you see brake lines or bad calipers, don’t drive the truck. Pump the brake pedal – does it feel normal? Not spongy? Not so stiff it won’t move? If you experience either of these extremes, it’s a problem, and you don’t want to drive it.
8. Slide behind the wheel and… turn it on.. but don’t put it in gear. Resist the urge until the operating temp rises to optimal temps and they’re high enough to get the antifreeze flowing through the heater core and radiator. Listen to that engine purr.
9. Now get out of your antique truck or vintage car and do a walk around it. Do you see any fluids leaking? Are you hearing any noises that you shouldn’t be hearing?
10. If it all checks out, get back behind the wheel, slide the vehicle into drive and ease your way out of the driveway and onto the highway for a brief test drive.

Owners of vintage and antique vehicles who live in Michigan count down until Spring so they can get their vehicles out of storage and enjoy the open roads! If you need assistance getting your vehicle road-ready, give us a call.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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Doing your due diligence is important no matter what purchase you make, but that is especially true when you’re investing in a classic. Perhaps you’ve always had that dream car in mind and thought, “Once I find the car of my dreams… and can afford it, it’s going to be mine!” There are some car enthusiasts who just want “a” classic or vintage car and haven’t had their minds and hearts set on a particular make or model.

No matter which side of the road you’re on when it comes to vintage car ownership, here are suggestions based on our experience and expertise in the vintage and classic car field.

Tips For Choosing Your Vintage Car

1. Do your research. Whether you go online and research cars, talk with friends, attend vintage and classic car shows or stop by and talk with us, you’ll want to know what you’re getting for the money you’re laying out.
2. Choose wisely. There will always be vintage cars that are better – or safer investment – choices. Know the going rate for the car you want. Consider the purchase price and any improvements necessary to make it drivable or upgrades to make it your dream car. Cars typically depreciate over time, but there are some classic cars that appreciate. Naturally, if you can buy a car that will increase in value, that’s a solid choice, but if having the perfect vintage vehicle in your driveway isn’t about the money, then go with your heart and your budget.
3. Unique is nice… but potentially more costly. When you’re a full-on classic, hot rod or vintage car collector, you may want that unicorn among the classics. That’s great, but then again, that unicorn could mean parts are as rare as a unicorn, too. A concept car, for example, is certainly unique, but will you be able to sell it and recoup your outlay or afford the parts (if you can even find them)?
4. Decide whether unique is more important than having a classic car that others also own. Just because you’re driving a 1971 Ford Thunderbird or a 1938 Volkswagen Beetle and your neighbor is driving the same, it doesn’t mean your vehicles will be mirror images, nor should they be. The beauty of being a vintage car owner is you can opt for classic styles and colors for your vehicle, or you can think out of the box with upgrades, updates and paint colors and designs. Owning a more “common” classic car means you can find replacement parts more easily, and you’ll be able to find an experienced classic car professional that can work on your car.
5. Know your non-negotiables. Are you sticking to a budget for the purchase alone and have an additional budget for repairs and perhaps even a frame-off restoration? Know your numbers and stick to them. If you don’t know the potential costs of a restoration of the car you’re considering, give us a call and let’s talk numbers; keep in mind there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the price of restoration until we get under the body and the hood. How much of the work do you want to do on your own? Is the vehicle you’re looking at going to be within your skillset? Do you want a vintage vehicle that is road-ready, or do you dream of putting your own elbow grease into the restoration? Be prepared to negotiate with the seller of the vehicle you have your eye on but know where your line in the sand is when it comes to making compromises on the car of your dreams.

At the end of the day, the vintage, classic or hot rod you take possession of will grow near and dear to your heart. And there is nothing like hitting the open roads in your vintage vehicle.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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“Survivor” cars – those rescued from obscurity or brought back to life with a complete, frame-off restoration – are at one end of the spectrum of the vintage car restoration ideal. A restomod project “Frankensteins” old and classic car styling and body parts with new technology. This is thought – by some — to be the “best of both worlds” for classic car lovers who want to embrace new tech – like electric vehicle technology. Restomod enthusiasts believe when they have a vehicle that matches the classic style and aesthetic they love with modern-day performance, reliability and comfort that the car of their dreams is parked in their driveway.

The beauty of a classic car is, well, because it’s classic…vintage…unique. But let’s face it, vintage cars weren’t always as comfortable as drivers wished they were. They also didn’t have the safety features today’s cars are equipped with to protect the driver and passengers. If you’re accustomed to having power steering or brakes, you won’t get that in a classic car unless you invest in extensive upgrades or go the restomod path.

What Is A Restomod?

The idea of a restomod isn’t completely new. Car enthusiasts and professional vehicle restoration mechanics remove and replace engines and update and upgrade interiors and wheels to get the vintage car that suits their unique ideal.

The difference in a professional restomod project is that rather than the backyard car enthusiast scouring junk yards and online auction sites for parts to cobble together, the pro uses new parts specifically designed for restomodding.

With the introduction of new stock parts, the professional builder adds in modern performance and also has the ability to return the car to a stock state because they can retrofit original parts. The restomod wave started with niche parts like air conditioning kits to make long road trips more enjoyable. The trend has moved into transformation into electric vehicle tech, digital gauges and more. Many of the upgrades in a restomod are for both safety and comfort on longer-distance drives or to make the vintage car more usable as a daily-use vehicle.

In addition to car parts, what are other projects a restomod specialist could do for your car?

1. Install disc brakes
2. Add newer transmissions
3. Upgrade vehicle suspension
4. Addition of tech usable with smartphones and other digital devices
5. Electronic fuel injection engines (EFI)
6. Electronic ignition system
7. Air conditioning
8. 12-volt system upgrade
9. Radial tire upgrade

As with most vehicle restoration projects, the classic car owner needs to set their budget for both time and money. A full vintage car restoration to its original condition can be a long and expensive journey. A traditionalist vintage car enthusiast won’t likely ever embrace a restomod vehicle. The modernist classic car owner is middle-of-the-road when it comes to comfort and adherence to traditional vintage vehicles.

Whether you’re looking for a complete frame-off restoration or want to talk restomod with our classic restoration vehicle specialists, give Wrenchers LLC a call – let’s talk cars.

At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.

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