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How to Correct Heavy Steering

Old, balding or incorrect tyres can make for heavy steering on a classic car – and correct pressures are important too. Note that radials are usually inflated by about 3-5psi... Read Article

How to Lap in Valves

The valves' job is to open to let fuel mixture in and exhaust gas out – but also to seal perfectly when closed so everything's kept firmly inside the combustion... Read Article

If your classic car has been laid up for a long time, there is a chance that the clutch may have ‘stuck’. The friction disc is held tightly between the... Read Article

Exhaust Assembly: Grease or Paste?

It’s a question the SkillShack with Practical Classics team are often asked: when assembling a new exhaust, should you use an assembly paste or copper grease? Well, exhaust paste expands... Read Article

Steering Wobble

If your classic car steering wobbles, first check the condition of the wheels and tyres. They may be slightly distorted. Replace the tyres if they’re old irrespective of tread depth.... Read Article

Spark Plug Cash Saver

Did you know?... Spark plugs can last far longer than the stated service intervals suggest. In fact, if the engine’s running correctly they can last almost indefinitely. Check the gaps... Read Article

Distributor Maintenance Check

It’s important to keep the cam in your distributor lightly lubricated to prevent premature wear of the heal of your points. A light smear of grease is best, unless there... Read Article

Inertia Seat Belt Problem

If your classic car seat belt is reluctant to pay out, the inertia reel of the belt may be sitting at the wrong angle. It has two elements. One triggers... Read Article

Brake Bleeding Fault Finder

If you’re having trouble bleeding your classic car brakes, there’s a possibility that the nipples are open too far. A quarter-turn should be more than enough. If it’s still drawing... Read Article

Starter Motor Testing

If your starter motor is refusing to turn your engine over, first check the battery has sufficient charge and is in god condition. Next, scrutinise the ends of both battery... Read Article

How It Works: Twin Cylinder Brake Master Cylinder

The principle of operation of a twin-circuit master cylinder is as follows: The pedal pushrod pushes the first piston, pressuring the first circuit. This pressure is equal throughout the system... Read Article

How to Check Classic Car Brakes

One of the best ways to preserve classic car brakes is to use the car on a regular basis. Mechanisms move around, cylinders scrape themselves clean, friction surfaces de-rust themselves... Read Article

Tips for Classic Car Starting Problems

If your classic is reluctant to start, here are some top tips on how to get it going. Get an assistant to pull the choke out. Look underneath the carburettors... Read Article

Revive a Smelly Classic Car Heater

A festering ventilation system is a real health risk, and if yours smells dank and musty when switched on, it’s something well worth combatting. It's possible that at some point... Read Article

How to Remove Silt from a Classic Car

If the cooling passages of your classic are clogged with silt, it can lead to hot spots in the block and potentially cause catastrophic failure. If you don’t want to... Read Article

How to Loosen a Distributor

Question: Do you have any suggestions for loosening a distributor fitted to the cast-iron engine of my Triumph GT6? I fitted an Aldon Ignitor electronic ignition to the car and... Read Article

Improving Fuel Flow

If your classic is having difficulty drawing fuel, it can manifest in symptoms from not starting to regular cutting out particularly under load as fuel runs out in the carburettor... Read Article

How to Give Your Brakes a Post-lay-up Health-check

Sometimes, a braking system just requires a few miles' use to regain its function after a winter lay-up. We strongly advise, though, that it’s visually inspected for fluid leaks and... Read Article

Get Better Brakes by Fitting a Brake Servo

In certain circumstances, a brake servo can be a great upgrade for a classic car. However, many people use an aftermarket brake servo as a sticking plaster solution to mask... Read Article

Checks to Make When Your Car Won’t Start When Warm

Question: My 1973 1200 Beetle will start perfectly from cold but sometimes if the engine is warm it is as though the battery has gone flat and the engine simply... Read Article

How to Remove a Jaguar XJS Droopy Headlining

The headlining in many 1980s and 1990s classics often sag down as if the adhesive holding it to the card has let go. With many classics, including the XJS pictured... Read Article

Tyres Checks for Selling Your Classic Car

Never underestimate the importance of good wheels and rubber, especially when buying and selling. The wheels and tyres may not be in the eye-line but they constitute a significant percentage... Read Article

What to Check When Your Classic Car Is Losing Water

If your classic is losing water, the first thing to check is underneath to see if it’s escaping through a perished hose or water pump gasket. If it isn’t you... Read Article

How to Cure Starting Problems

If your classic is reluctant to start, here are some top tips on how to get it going. Get an assistant to pull the choke out. Look underneath the carburettors... Read Article