Classic Car Maintenance class

wingding

Hi,

I'm quite keen on getting myself a classic car, however being a classic girl all I know about cars is how to check the oil or change a tyre. :pI figure if I decide to purchase a nice classic I should learn to look after it. Is there any such thing as car maintenance classes for classic cars? Or would a general car maintenance class be of help?

carchaeologist

A car maintenance class would be a good start,and go from there,what kind of classic do you think you will buy?

wingding

MGB Roadster or a Triumph Stag. Not fully decided yet, something else could take my fancy!

I'll get myself to a car maintenance class... I'm abit dubious of the amount of time spent on classic cars. I don't mind a bit of effort but I also don't want it becoming a chore...

corktina

a workshop manual and a socket set will teach you more than any class....my opinion is:

buy the car you want (make it the best oine you can afford) and cope with any problems as they occur yourself if you can and refer to (for instance) here or the Owners Club for advice if you cant manage it , but still have a go....as a last resort someone will help you out...make sure to get to know the locals with similar cars....

Max_Damage

A Haynes manual and you can't go wrong. Also, if you can 'obtain' (;)) a computer program called 'Autodata', it'll tell you alot of things you need to know about a wide selection of cars (i.e. timing belt setup, torque figures, etc.)

TRNIALL

Dont know how old you are but do your homework first your insurance on your choice of cars might be costly,a Tiumph stag for your first classic is in my opinion a bit of a big step, would you not be better with a Triumph spitfire or herald both of which are easy to work on and are not that expensive to buy.

carchaeologist

wingding wrote: »

MGB Roadster or a Triumph Stag. Not fully decided yet, something else could take my fancy!

I'll get myself to a car maintenance class... I'm abit dubious of the amount of time spent on classic cars. I don't mind a bit of effort but I also don't want it becoming a chore...

An MGB roadster is quite expensive,the GTcoupe would be alot cheaper for what is basically the same car,with a webasto roof you would have wind in the hair motoring,parts availability is very good on these too.

wingding

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll take it all on board. As I said I know sweet FA about cars, but I'm happy to learn. I don't mind spending a fair bit, but it would be my first classic. I've had my own insurance for 10 years so my insurance isn't too steep. I'll investigate it though. Thanks again:p

carchaeologist

wingding wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll take it all on board. As I said I know sweet FA about cars, but I'm happy to learn. I don't mind spending a fair bit, but it would be my first classic. I've had my own insurance for 10 years so my insurance isn't too steep. I'll investigate it though. Thanks again:p

Read up on the car you have in mind,spend as much as you can afford on the best car you can buy,and you should be ok.If in doubt bring a mechanic friend or other car buff with you when you go to view cars.

And when you do buy post pics up here!!:D

Dades

wingding wrote: »

I'll get myself to a car maintenance class... I'm abit dubious of the amount of time spent on classic cars. I don't mind a bit of effort but I also don't want it becoming a chore...

I did a course in basic car maintenance evening course in Stillorgan (Dublin) before I got my first classic.

Very helpful to know the basics when you are on internet forums trying to troubleshoot why she won't start and experts are telling you to check the flux capacitor or whatnot!

carchaeologist

Dades wrote: »

Very helpful to know the basics when you are on internet forums trying to troubleshoot why she won't start and experts are telling you to check the flux capacitor or whatnot!

:DYes,it can sound crazy if you are not familiar with cars!!The basics are easy to grasp though.
Older cars are generally easy to work on,unless you have a V12 Jag or somesuch motor:D

Kevin_Herron

carchaeologist wrote: »

:DYes,it can sound crazy if you are not familiar with cars!!The basics are easy to grasp though.
Older cars are generally easy to work on,unless you have a V12 Jag or somesuch motor:D

I always found the V12 Jaguars rather straight forward to work on.
A walk in the park

carchaeologist

Kevin_Herron wrote: »

I always found the V12 Jaguars rather straight forward to work on.
A walk in the park

Yes,in the same way Paul gilbert finds the guitar "easy to play"......:p