If you are a die-hard car enthusiast, there is a specific car that you have always wanted to save from the scrap heap. There are millions of cars with drive trains and everything you need to get them running again, but what about getting it from the scrap heap, driving and taking it to test out on race night. The following are the steps you will need to take to take your car from the scrap heap to the drag strip:
Step One: Getting The Car Out Of Its Place And Cleaning It Up To Assess Damage
The first step to reviving an old car that has been sitting in a junkyard or field is getting it out of its place. First, clean out the area where the car is, and free it of any dirt and vegetation. If you do not have equipment like forklifts to get it out, you may want to use a tow strap to pull it out. If you want to limit damage to a car that is not rolling or driving, use a winch to pull the car on a trailer and move it to a garage, or to another place where you have plenty of space to work on it. Now, clean the car so you can clearly see every part and all the repairs that need to be done.
Step Two: Inspecting The Car For Obvious Signs Of Damage And Making A List Of Repairs
When you have the car in a place where you have space to work on it, the step after cleaning is to inspect the car. You will want to look for obvious signs of issues, such as missing or broken parts that could be the reason why the car is sitting. Make a list of all the repairs that need to be done and start on them in order of priority to get the car running and driving again.
Step Three: Changing Fluids And Repairing The Drive Train To Get The Car Running
On your list of priority repairs, you will want to start with changing the fluids and repairing leaks. When you have a car that has been sitting for years, it is a good idea to replace all the rubber hoses and lines. There may also be parts like water pumps that need to be replaced and seals or gaskets that need repairs. After changing all the fluids, your goal will be to do repairs to get the car running again, such as changing plugs and wires, and installing a new battery.
Step Four: Brake Job And Safety Inspection To Ensure Your Car Is Ready To Drive
Once you have the car running and driving again, you will be ready to start with repairs to make it safe. Doing the brakes should be a priority, and you will also want to check brake lines to make sure they are in good condition. After the brakes, you will want to make sure that you have good tires, check the suspension, and take your car in for an alignment to ensure it is safe to drive.
Taking the right steps to get your car from the scrap heap to the drag strip will ensure your project brings you lots of joy and smiles. If you are ready to test drive your car for the first time, contact a car alignment service and have the wheels aligned to ensure good handling and safety.