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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| 12 Volt conversion | 1/26/2012 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I have a 1951 Chevy half ton pickup that I recently purchased and am trying to restore it to a daily ... A: Twelve volt conversions on a 6 volt system require conversion/replacement of some components like ... | ||
| car will not start | 1/26/2012 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I have a 1954 packard clipper straight 8.It used to start and run very well.A while back it started ... A: Ok, so far so good. The ignition system is doing exactly what it should be doing. But the last test ... | ||
| 72 Chevy Impala | 1/22/2012 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I can't get it started. New battery. It seems like it wants to start but it won't. A: I'll try to give you an approach here as the reasons a car won't start are numerous. You have to ... | ||
| car will not start | 1/19/2012 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I have a 1954 packard clipper straight 8.It used to start and run very well.A while back it started ... A: Ok, do you have a voltmeter? If not a digital can be purchased at most auto stores for less than a ... | ||
| 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Alternator | 1/18/2012 | Brad Sears |
| Q: Brad, I am taking possession of a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville, it has been in the family since new. ... A: 1963 was the first year that Pontiac used an alternator in general production. So this means that ... | ||
| 1951 chevy 216ci engine | 1/16/2012 | Brad Sears |
| Q: Why do mome 216ci engines have oil filters and some dont. My 1951 chevy doesnt have one. I see ... A: The oil filter on these cars was an option like the heater or the radio. Many were added on at the ... | ||
| 1951 chevy 216ci engine | 1/15/2012 | jack bahm |
| Q: why do some 216ci engins have oil filters and some dont. A: I'm sorry, but I know Model A's and not too much about the modern iron. In your case, I think the ... | ||
| falcon upholstery | 1/15/2012 | Robert Russell |
| Q: the thing is that, cleaning my father workshop found some stuff that, as i've been told, belongs to ... A: I applaud your desire to use your interior material to help a restorer. Some of the original ... | ||
| MOdel A Ford 1929 | 1/12/2012 | jack bahm |
| Q: I have a restored Model A Ford 1929 and I have recently noticed that the gas gage is not registering ... A: We all have had that problem. Here is what you do: Get the red book, Model A Ford mechanics ... | ||
| model a gen | 1/10/2012 | jack bahm |
| Q: To get more or amps with band removed the 3rd brush is moved clockwise 0r counterclockwise ??? A: It goes up to decrease the output and down to increase it. I guess this means up is opposite the ... | ||
| 56 Chevy, wont restart after shut down | 1/9/2012 | Brad Sears |
| Q: 56 Belair, 8Cyl 2 barrel, 210 - When it shuts off, stalls or I shut it down, I have to wait about 4 ... A: My little company here in Florida rebuild carburetor, starter and generators. Not an assembly line ... | ||
| 56 Chevy, wont restart after shut down | 1/7/2012 | Brad Sears |
| Q: 56 Belair, 8Cyl 2 barrel, 210 - When it shuts off, stalls or I shut it down, I have to wait about 4 ... A: Sounds like it might be the carburetor but please explain "fueling issue". It might all be tied ... | ||
| 1941 chrysler fluid drive m4 transmission | 1/3/2012 | Robert Russell |
| Q: Robert: I wanted to ask if you would have any images of the m4 transmission and fluid drive in a ... A: I think you need to see/talk to a person with a real car. The best alternative I can suggest is to ... | ||
| 1965 thunderbird wont start | 1/1/2012 | Robert Russell |
| Q: my brothers and i recently bought a 65 thunderbird and the engine and transmission was rebuilt ... A: Glad the answer is of some assistance. You don't need a new carb. if your old one is in good shape. ... | ||
| 1965 thunderbird wont start | 12/30/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: my brothers and i recently bought a 65 thunderbird and the engine and transmission was rebuilt ... A: Happy New Year!! Lets get your T-bird started to start it on the right track! It sounds like you've ... | ||
| 1965 thunderbird wont start | 12/30/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: my brothers and i recently bought a 65 thunderbird and the engine and transmission was rebuilt ... A: Your mechanic may be a very good one for the newer fuel injected cars but it is not a good idea to ... | ||
| 1952 Packard won't start when engine hot | 12/30/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I've purchased a 1952 Packard for my father as a surprise but I haven't been able to give it to him ... A: Well it is time to stop guessing and do a little testing. A simple volt meter, around 20 bucks at ... | ||
| 1953 ford crestline | 12/29/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: could you guide me through the procedure in removing the steering column from the steering box ( non ... A: Ok, I resume that you have the steering wheel off. Down at the base of the column where it goes ... | ||
| 1953 ford crestline | 12/24/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I would be grateful if you could guide me through removing the original steering wheel off a 1953 ... A: Removing the steering wheel on this car is real simple. First push down on the center of the horn ... | ||
| 1950 Chevy 3100 5 window truck | 12/17/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I have rebuilt all door hinges on truck. no problem installing lower door hinges. Top hinges will ... A: There's a magazine called Auto Restorer which provides hands on help for auto restorers, both ... | ||
| power window motor | 12/17/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: Have a 1968 Cadillac convertible with a bad left rear power window motor. I have all the upholstery ... A: Not knowing what others have told you and after doing a search of my own, I could not find any free ... | ||
| What is this body from? | 12/12/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I came across this old frame in an old=growth tree line, while deer hunting. I am not sure what it ... A: It is no doubt a body part from a GM car in the late twenties to early thirties. The logo that you ... | ||
| 88 CHEVY CAPRICE CLASSIC 305 ROUGH RUN | 12/11/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: HAVE 88 CAPRICE CLASSIC WITH 305/8 THAT IS MISSING TERRIBLY. HEARD CLICKING NOISE FROM UNDER HOOD, ... A: The symptoms you describe point to bad wiring between the coil and the spark plugs, including the ... | ||
| CHRYSLER CERTICARD INFO | 12/5/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I HAVE A 1966 CHRYSLER NEWPORT THE VIN INDICATES A 383CI (GIN POSITON 5) HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN TOLD ... A: John, There is another way to verify factory options in addition to the Certicard. There is a metal ... | ||
| starting engine in 1930 ModelA | 11/26/2011 | jack bahm |
| Q: I will be selling my fathers Model A that he lovingly restoreed35 years ago. However, the engine has ... A: Connie, check around to see if there is a Model A club in your area. If you find one, contact them ... | ||
| 1957 Chevy 2-speed Powerglide | 11/26/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: The transmission seems to be slipping..hence figure need to adjust the bands. Would like to get a ... A: Your best reference is a factory service manual. The closest I could find to your Powerglide was the ... | ||
| 1968 beetle horn issues | 11/22/2011 | jack bahm |
| Q: Where exactly is the horn located on a '68? On early models there's little grills that have the ... A: Phil, I have no idea where the horn is. I will take a look on the net to see if I can find any info ... | ||
| 1982 Corvette fuel Pump location/replacement | 11/20/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: Brad, I read your article on the 82 corvette relay location, Great answer. Do you have to completely ... A: To replace an in tank fuel pump you will need to at least lower the tank far enough so that you can ... | ||
| classic car | 11/20/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: i have a 1954 packard clipper super straight 8. i cannot get spark into the points.i have changed ... A: If you can't get power to the points, the problem is in your primary ignition system. This means ... | ||
| '83 Buick Electra | 11/19/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I have an '83 Electra. The window motor's ceased to function. I've gotten the bottom of the door ... A: The basic construction of a car window is a scissors arrangement where the window glass is mounted ... | ||
| 1947 Fleetline overheating | 11/10/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I have a 1947 Heavy Fleetline. I bought it with a 235 engine out of a 1954 pickup. It had a blown ... A: It sounds like the radiator cap is not holding pressure. The increase in temperature when you shut ... | ||
| 73 lincoln power windows | 11/6/2011 | Vern Bullock |
| Q: I just recently purchased a 1973 lincoln continental and the power windows do not work, I press the ... A: If the motor turns, then either the window is stuff on the track or the gear in the motor is ... | ||
| wiring harness | 11/2/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: Sears, I am restoring a 1938 Chevrolet two door sedan with no intention of showing it. It will be ... A: I am not sure what you call expensive. Chevs of the $0's sell wiring using the modern wire in the 5 ... | ||
| 1967 Cadillac Calais Brakes | 10/31/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I just replaced the master cylinder on my 67 Caddy,now the brake peday goes nearly to the floor, and ... A: It sounds to me like you've got 2, possibly 3, related problems. The first is the new master: for ... | ||
| mercedes 500 SL | 10/30/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: In the market for a used Mercedes SL. From the info i'm getting the 380's are way under powered and ... A: Be very careful when considering a Euro. spec. Mercedes. There are many pros and cons for these cars ... | ||
| Old car, 1929 Chevrolet | 10/30/2011 | Robert Russell |
| Q: I would like to post the attached photograph in our police department lobby. I would also like to ... A: Answer Revision: Officer Parzygnat, In thumbing through my old car magazines, I found a vehicle ... | ||
| 1928 Model A Overheat | 10/27/2011 | jack bahm |
| Q: I have a 1928 Model A that I recently restored. Went on my first outing last Saturday and it ... A: I wrote a paper on this some time ago. I'll give you the short version of it. You very likely have a ... | ||
| 1962 Rambler Classic, white smoke | 10/21/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: My daughter has a 1962 Rambler Classic 6, with an automatic transmission. Recently she had it worked ... A: The fact that a spark plug was loose after all that work kind of sends a red flag up the flag pole, ... | ||
| Idle Problem | 10/17/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I have a 1951 Chevrolet 3100 with a 235 ci motor. I have set the timing and idle properly but I ... A: I went through all of my reference material and cannot come up with a picture of them. They are more ... | ||
| Idle Problem | 10/17/2011 | Brad Sears |
| Q: I have a 1951 Chevrolet 3100 with a 235 ci motor. I have set the timing and idle properly but I ... A: I have a question. When you did the head job and re-installed the manifold on the head, did you ... | ||
Classic/Antique Car Repair
Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Top Expert on this page
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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