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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Pulsating Vibration Noticable at most speeds
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Question
I have a '58 Ford Custom 300 2dr. that has the original ford-o-matic with a '78 351w. Notice the pulsating vibration through-out the car starting at speeds as low as 20mph. Steering wheel, outside mirrors, etc. Car is stock except for the motor. Perhaps a flexplate? I've asked several technicians and they all give me the, "Well, it could be...." with no single tech saying check this first. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
When I am faced with this problem I usually start with a road test. I get the car up to speed and then shift the gear selector into neutral and let the car coast. If the vibration is still there the problem is from the back of the transmission to the ground and could be drive shaft, differential, or wheels and tires. If the vibration disappears the problem is transmission, flex plate, or engine and components. Also I would look for changes in the vibration with acceleration or deceleration. Wheels and tires will be constant while drive line components will most likely vary. I also turn the car right and left while the problem is happening. This loads the wheels on the outside of the turn and unloads the wheels on the inside of the turn. If the problem changes that could be a sign of a tire or wheel bearing. Once the road test has been done and the problem broadly identified then start checking components that the road test pointed to, but do not start tearing the car apart before narrowing the search down.
Brad
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank You! Your response has been the easiest and straight forward I have encountered. It only needs to stop snowing and dry out so I can get the car back on the road for a proper test. I tried a dry run on the jack stands but could not really tell if anything was out of whack with the driveline. Your response has been greatly appreciated! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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