What Makes a Car Vintage?

By Levi Quinn

Several people may assume that just because their cars are old, they automatically qualify to be characterized as vintage. While old age is indeed a significant characteristic, it is important to note that this is not the only determinant since old cars can also fall under the category of classic or antique. It is for this reason that most people may wonder how they can determine whether their cars can be termed as vintage or not?

One can confidently consider his/her car vintage if it was built between the start of 1919 and the end of 1930, commonly referred to as the vintage period by most specialists in the automotive world. Most vintage cars are said to have been manufactured after World War 1 since most automakers had gained knowledge from the war which motivated them to make improvements on cars. As a result, automakers designed advanced cars with more features and manufacturers experimented with internal combustion engines.

Most vintage cars are more comfortable than cars that were manufactured before this period. They are specially characterized by such features as in-car heating as well as in-car radio system. These are features that were unheard of in cars manufactured before the vintage period. What is more, as compared to older cars, vintage cars have the passenger side as well as a foot brake. Additionally, vintage cars surpass older cars with the presence of an anti-freeze for cars that use a radiator for cooling.

Vintage cars can also be easily spotted with their outstanding outlook. Most of these cars have big font-mounted headlamps whereas they are also popularly known for their spooked wheels. Besides, one can easily spot a vintage by looking at how the car’s roof has been built. Most vintage cars have roofs that are popularly designed with a canopy style. It is also common to notice some extent of gentility in a vintage car just like it is normally portrayed in quite a number of movies with a post war era setting.

Quite a number of automotive advancements were realized in the vintage period and most cars were manufactured with better features than the ones that had been manufactured before. Some of the features that are characteristic of these vintage cars include vacuum tank fuel systems as well as oil and air filters. It is also common to find both vacuum and electric windshield wipers together with higher compression engines in these cars. Vintage cars are also popularly known for headlights that have high and low beam as well as stop lights.

A car is not a vintage if it does not have radios and heaters coupled with synchromesh transmissions. It is also common to find balloon tires as well as chrome plating on vintage cars. Still, these cars have headlights that normally turn with the movement of the steering while the electric system is 12 volt. What is more, these cars can not miss boat tail speedsters, vent windows, rumble seats as well as front wheel drive. Therefore before gauging if your car is a vintage confirm that it has various if not all of the aforementioned features.
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Maintenance Tips for Your Vintage Car

By Levi Quinn

Vintage cars call for greater effort and time on the part of the owner to guarantee its true value. The long rest period given to these vintage cars that see the world once-in-a-while make it highly prone to all types of wear and tear. From the rusting of metal parts to short circuits in the wiring to locking up of the brakes; the dangers to which it can fall into are enormous. It is, therefore, inevitable for the owner of a vintage car to reduce the scratches or other damages to prevent the chances of depletion of its true worth.

Here are some basic tips that can go a long way in maintaining the performance and appeal of classic cars.

1 Caring under the hood

Overheating of the engine is one major problem faced by owners of vintage cars. As a preliminary measure, make it a point to use proper gasoline without any traces of ethanol while refueling. These cars are designed to run on normal gasoline. The introduction of ethanol will result in corrosion of metals in the engine, causing a greater amount of damage. Also, check the belts and hoses for cracks and make occasional replacements irrespective of the miles driven.

Radiators are another part that is prone to dirt accumulation over time. Through the use of a high pressure nozzle, water can be pumped into it to clean it off any debris and dirt. The proud owner must also take measures to check for deposits on the tank or tubes as it is a sign of leakage that can impair fuel efficiency.

2 Protecting the interior

The old leather seats of classic cars are highly prone to mildew and dust. So, make sure that your seats are securely covered to reduce damage to the interior. If your car is parked in a garage for a long period, make it a point to roll down the windows a small degree to permit air circulation. Many people take advantage of baking soda to absorb moisture during this period.

3 Replacement of parts

Acquiring spare parts and replacements calls for a great amount of time and patience on the part of the owner. Always take measures to replace vintage parts for your particular make, model, and year of the car. This will ensure maximum value to the car.

4 Care while in storage

If the car is kept in storage, pump out and drain the fluids while the engine is hot. Leaving the petcock open and removing the radiator cap will ensure maximum air circulation during the storage period. Then, the battery has to be removed, cleaned with water and baking soda solution, and topped-up with distilled water before placing them in a cool dry place for safe keeping.

Once every single aspect of the vintage car has been gone over in detail, you can cover the car with a cotton flannel cloth as this offer better breathing space for the car. A soft cover is recommended -- it makes things easy on your paint and the car through better air circulation.
Vintage cars are a jewel in the crown. A detailed and soft care program for your car and its components will ensure maximum enjoyment to the owner and to the world.

About The Author

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips on finding low cost auto insurance and helpful information about finding the cheapest car insurance from Auto Insurance Rates Direct today.

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