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Vintage Cars/Questions Answered by Expert Ace Mechanic, MT
| Subject | Date Asked |
| MGB Radiator refill | 2/3/2012 |
| Q: I just installed a new radiator in my 1979 MGB. I have to put in antifreeze but it only has a ... A: There is a plug on top of the thermostat housing. It will be difficult to unscrew because of time ... | |
| Still ruff | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a 1985 380 SL what is the correct spark plug gap? I bought this car it has BOSCH ro 970 plugs ... A: Use 8mm ignition wires from MSD or Belkin. That will eliminate the troublesome reistor plug contacts ... | |
| Correct plug gap & options? | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: I have a 1985 380 SL what is the correct spark plug gap? I bought this car it has BOSCH ro 970 plugs ... A: It would appear that the vehicle has been poorly maintained. Plug gap should be 0.030" to 0.035". It ... | |
| Vintage Cars Weight | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: Normally what is the weight of a vintage car - total weight. Best regards A: There are two stated weights for motor vehicles. Dry weight and curb weight. Dry weight is without ... | |
| Avanti | 5/1/2011 |
| Q: Was crazy about an Avante in the '60s, I believe. Can you tell me who made it and why it went ... A: I would like to know why you think a knowledgeable FIAT/Alfa Romeo mechanic would know about the ... | |
| Retrofitting crumble zones | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: I have another question regarding safety. I just saw a video about IIHS celebrating its 50th ... A: You are taking the lawyer bit out of context--if you sell to others in the usa lawyers need to be ... | |
| Retrofitting crumble zones | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: I have another question regarding safety. I just saw a video about IIHS celebrating its 50th ... A: NO--NO--NO Of course, with enough time and resources you could do it--but, whats the point. The ... | |
| Question on headrests | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: I am interested in purchasing a 1962 Cadillac, but I feel somewhat conflicted with one major safety ... A: Your question is about being hit from the rear. The majority of accidents involve the front or side ... | |
| Questions about the1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: I am seriously considering getting a 1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille for various reasons. First, ... A: 1. two doors are a more rigid package. 2, luxury car doors were easy to open and close. 3. I ... | |
| Questions about the1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: I am seriously considering getting a 1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille for various reasons. First, ... A: 1. By todays standards--yes, very yes 2. There are many options today for mounting a modern unit ... | |
| TR3 ignition | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: I installed new wiring harness and crane xr700 electronic ignition on my TR3A. The car runs fine ... A: The generator is feeding back through the ignition light. At the voltage regulator, at the left end, ... | |
| gear shift stick rattle | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: arattle in the gear shift stick has just started in my 1984 alfa spider. touch the stick & it quits, ... A: Sorry, I thought I had already replied to this follow-up. Check the guibo joint, a year is more ... | |
| gear shift stick rattle | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: arattle in the gear shift stick has just started in my 1984 alfa spider. touch the stick & it quits, ... A: Still check the guibo joint before disassembling the shift lever to check integrity of the fasteners ... | |
| gear shift stick rattle | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: arattle in the gear shift stick has just started in my 1984 alfa spider. touch the stick & it quits, ... A: The rattle could just be that the area where the lever engages the shift rods needs renewing of the ... | |
| 1965 Dodge Dart 270 Manual. | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: Ok. I'm the proud owner of a 1965 Dodge Dart 270 with a slant 6. I have a 360 in the garage, ... A: Vehicles before 1982 are not provided for online in the manner you want. "books4cars.com" can ... | |
| Thermostat dilemma | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: Greets sir I drive my dad's fiat 131s, 1600cc carburetor, SOHC engine. The engine uses a bosch ... A: Since you have a leaking head gasket, it is best to not use the vehicle until that problem is fixed. ... | |
| Saleing | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1946 pontiac chieftain canadian made It's a flat head 6 four door sedan Verry good body ... A: The 8 cylinder commands a higher price. Be aware that you can only get what someone is willing to ... | |
| FIAT Chrome part, old, don't know what it is | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I have two heavy chrome flat matching pieces that are squarish circles (not true circles - just a ... A: I have no problem with your request except this: my answer is not private and I cannot change that ... | |
| Window Removal | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I need to know how to remove the door glass in a 1979 vw convertable Not a one of my manuals tells ... A: My experience is mainly with Italian vehicles. However, I have dealt with many doors on many ... | |
| VIN location | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe sedan and need to find the VIN number. do you know where to ... A: Not specifically. I went and looked at a 1926 Chevrolet we have in the shop and it has no id ... | |
| Ignition Coil Fiat Spider 124 1982 | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Why the ignition coil overheat after 15 min of driving the car, It is defective or something else is ... A: Coils do get warm--they are transformers. Does it stop working or just seem too hot. If it just ... | |
| 1975 280s hesitates when accelerating | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: i just bought a 1975 280s Mercedes in mint cond i guess the guy never drove it im having a problem ... A: First check that ignition timing is to spec. then look for all the rotted vacuum hoses and replace ... | |
| pontiac g8 gt | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: I am thinking about buying a new pontiac g8 gt I was told that this is not the first generation for ... A: I know more about European cars than American. However, I have repair manuals for US cars going back ... | |
Vintage Cars
Ace Mechanic, MT
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Post war Alfa-Romeo sold in the USA. 1958 on FIATs sold in the USA. Cannot answer questions on vehicles outside of the USA.
Experience
Dealership mechanic on both marques. Plus many factory schools.
Publications
Was on allexperts for Alfa-Romeo in the past.
Education/Credentials
taught fuel injection for awhile
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