The ugly truth about messing around with old cars.
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| It's always a roll of the dice! photo source unsplash.com |
Maybe not ugly, but unfortunate.
But that doesn't make it any less true.
I was reading a thread posted on the AACA forum that asked if a blown water pump would ruin an engine. The party asked about this because his brother's '89 Cadillac sustained a failed water pump, and they were wondering whether or not the engine would still be good, and would it be worth spending any money on repairing it.
The OP ( original poster) said that they were quoted a hefty price just to have the motor evaluated. The estimate, for the water pump replacement, was an even more costly repair.
Forum members, including myself, gave advice on how to restart the motor and make their own evaluation of it's condition.
The OP stated that they really couldn't afford to have any of the work done.
The forum members also weighed in with their ideas on how the OP should try to fix it themselves.
The OP answered that this wasn't going to be practical or realistic. They didn't have the tools, space/facilities/place, or the "know how" on how to perform the repair. In addition, they were not physically able to try to perform the repairs.
This is a hard reality for a lot of people. They are unable to become a DIY hobbyist for a variety of valid, tangible, reasons.
That means that they have to depend on a mechanic to perform most, if not all, of their cars repairs and maintenance.
This hobby has always been very expensive, and it's getting even more expensive now, as the cost of labor sky rockets. With an old car, something is always very likely to go wrong, and this will happen continually. The expenses never seem to stop.
Many would say that owning an old car is a money pit.
That's why most people buy a new or newer car, where the cost of vehicle expenses can be predicted and budgeted for. If you buy a new car, you get the service and use of the car, with known monthly payments. If the car has a mechanical problem, it's covered by a warranty.
There are many people who only buy new cars, and never keep them beyond the warranty period. If you want to avoid drama and hassles, that is probably the best idea. For many people this is a luxury that they do not want to abandon. At least willingly!
A car is a complex machine built around numerous systems. A new car is constructed with all brand new parts. Each of these parts was designed and engineered with a "satisfactorily long" service life before they wear out and need replacement. The shortest lifetime parts are considered consumables; like wiper blades, tune up parts, batteries, brakes, and tires. Long time service parts are the drive train and chassis components. The vehicle has to last through the warranty period, and provide the original buyer with satisfactory service. If not, the manufacturer will lose the customer for the next purchase.
However there is no manufacturer that will build a car that is intended to last forever. Where would the profit be in that? However, almost any car can be kept in constant and long term service by performing the needed maintenance and repairs on a regular schedule.
Over the years modern cars have become much longer lived, a lot of that was due to governmental mandates concerning emission compliance. The vehicle had to pass emission tests for a given mileage, which I believe was 50,000 miles. The mandate for increased fuel economy called for engines with more efficient fuel injection systems, engine controls, and that had engines with reduced internal friction and long life lubricants. When cars adopted catalytic converters, they also went to stainless steel exhaust systems which produced life long mufflers and tail pipes.
When was the last time you had a muffler replaced?
Nowadays a buyer expects their engine to last well over 100,000 miles. Service of over 200,000 miles is not uncommon. Most cars will never need an engine "rebuild" during their entire service life, through a long string of different owners. By the time a total rebuild is needed, the car will probably be scrapped.
This is a tangible improvement over earlier cars from the '50's and '60's that needed a valve job at 40-50,000 miles, and a complete rebuild by 100,000 miles. It is true that the increasing cost of newer cars reflects this better engineering.
So what happens when you buy an old car from the '50's, 60's, 70's, or even the 1980's?
You are buying a vehicle, that even if it has been kept in constant service, is probably worn out. Or at least some of the systems of the car will be worn out, or on their way there.
You will generally have no accurate idea of how much maintenance has been done, or what repairs have been completed.
In a rare instance, you might find a vehicle whose owner has kept an accurate and complete service history. This is the gold standard in old car buying, but is pretty rare, as old cars change hands frequently, and following owners have the habit of delaying or ignoring the need for regular maintenance and repair. It's called "deferred maintenance," and this is the condition that most old cars exist in.
So is the purchase of an older car just a crap shoot?
Pretty much yes. You usually don't know exactly what you are getting.
The super well kept, documented, original car is the most valued. At one time, a documented full restoration was the prize. Either perform it on your chosen car, or buy an already completely restored example.
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| Better have a few extras of these on hand. photo source: Istock.com |
The truth is that the old car hobby is not really a low buck hobby. Even if you do a lot of the work yourself.
Most people will never get the full use out of a hobby car, especially a truly vintage model. Owning one is a luxury and an expense.
Do I think that hobby car ownership should only be indulged in by DIY gearheads?
Or maybe it's only for affluent folks who are able and willing to pay for needed repairs and expenses?
I hope not, but...
I find it hard to imagine wanting to own a vintage car if you are incapable of doing at least some of the routine maintenance and repairs. I suppose that's why the guys on the forum are so hot to buy documented restored or original cars.
When I hear someone that has no mechanical experience or expertise say that they want an old car as a project, I think that it will probably not end well for them.
Buying a project, or a car to completely restore is just filled with so many potential pitfalls and big expenses.
Of course the new owner may develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful, but it's a big challenge. However, most people can, and will learn how to do some work on their hobby vehicle. If you can find some new friends that can help you out that will be a big help in dealing with future problems. That is the attraction of joining a real or informal club. It sometime takes a village to raise an old car, and it makes it easier and more fun.
If you've always repaired or "Mickey Moused" old cars to keep them running, just for basic transportation, you've already become familiar with the needs of a cranky, finicky, and needy, older vehicle. You are already in the "old car hobby," whether or not it was by choice or need! It's not much of a stretch to work on even more vintage cars when your tastes and resources allow you to indulge in that aspect of the hobby.
So to the total neophyte who wants to own an older special car I say, "God bless you and good luck!"
Hopefully things will work out for you, but if they don't, don't hesitate to cut your losses and just walk away when you have to. Old cars are all about having fun with them. Once it's not fun anymore, due to too much hassle or expense. it's time to rethink your position.
On the other hand, you can still be an enthusiast while being the owner of a brand new or very late model car. One that is still covered by a warranty and still has many thousands of miles and years left on it's original service life. I remember years ago, how excited friends of mine were when they bought a new Trans Am, Mustang, or even a new Harley Davidson. One of my fellow retirees recently bought a late model Camaro SS and a Hell Cat! He told me that he enjoys driving the cars as well as taking them to Cars and Coffee events.
Maybe all you will be able to realistically do is go to car related events and enjoy the cars on display. There's nothing wrong with that, and it sure is cheaper.
As I always say, find a way to enjoy the car hobby on your own terms, in a way that works for you. Just be sure that you're having fun, or what's the point?
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