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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-04-10, Page 21THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008. PAGE 21. Classic car restoration: Tough but rewarding Keep your car looking new Mother’s Day car gift ideas “It looks like new! I would have never guessed that car was eight years old.” That is what we owners want to hear, but keeping our cars looking like the late models is tough, even with today’s long-lasting finishes. Dents, dings and cracked glass are several items that age the appearance of a vehicle. Fortunately, technology has helped advance the solutions to these problems, making the fixes quicker and less expensive. A new trend is mobile repair units, where these items often can be repaired on site at your home or work, adding to the convenience. Without sanding, filler or painting, preserving the integrity of the vehicle’s original factory finish. Technicians use specially designed tools that allow them to access the problem and actually massage it out. If paint touchups are required, the technology is available to match your vehicle and repair scratches, minor chips and blemishes on most surfaces. There are a couple of factors that have an effect on the success of this process: • The location of the dent on the car is important. For example, a dent on the edge of a door, trunk or hood probably can’t be fixed using this process. • If there is paint damage or scrapes across multiple panels, this may indicate that the damage is too severe, as the paint may crack as the dent is removed. Like dents and dings, chipped cracked glass can also diminish the value of a car. However, the fix is not necessarily a new windshield. Seventy percent of all glass damage is repairable. Using resins that are constantly being improved, technicians not only can fix your glass, but also make it stronger. In addition, the resin can create a repair that is difficult to detect. This technology can be used to repair the following types of glass damage in automobiles: star breaks, combination breaks, bulls-eyes and cracks of any length. Before having any repairs performed, Car Care Canada reminds you to choose the facility as carefully as you would choose your automotive repair shop. Be sure to get all estimates and warranties in writing. Ask for two or three references and call them. Finally, find out what happens if you’re dissatisfied with the job. With Valentines Day behind us it's not too soon to begin thinking about Mother's Day. One place to look for useful ideas is from the driver's seat of the car, especially if Mom spends a lot of time behind the wheel. Her vehicle is her home away from home and gifts that enhance her enjoyment of that second home are likely to be appreciated, suggests Rich White, spokesperson for the Car Care Council. "We tend to gravitate toward gifts like jewelry, a framed photo or flowers," he says. "But why not break from the traditional and dress up her car? Maybe she's always wanted a sun roof or has admired someone's wood grained dash trim. Her wish could come true, with the help of your local auto specialty shop." White suggests that, beyond the obvious gifts such as a car phone or floor mats, Mom might appreciate having her damaged steering wheel replaced with one that's stylish, possibly leather covered. Her sun- damaged and faded padded dash could be repaired, replaced or recovered to upgrade the interior. "Security devices such as a remote keyless entry or alarm systems are popular add-ons," says White, "as are custom wheels or wheel covers. Women usually are interested in safety and appearance accessories, as opposed to those which are performance related. Gifts can be inexpensive, too. Those net shopping bags, for example, that hook on back of the driver's seat, are great gift items." For more ideas and prices visit your auto supply store or specialty shop listed in the classified phone directory. Classic car restoration projects canbe very rewarding, giving restorers a chance to bring life to an old car that might once have appeared beyond repair. Though trial and error is an integral part of the vehicle restoration process, there are steps first time restorers can take to avoid some of the many pitfalls that can pop up when trying to get that ‘57 Chevy or ‘41 Buick back up and running and ready to hit the road. · Do your research and take your time. You must first do your research so you can choose a vehicle wisely and ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re not quite sure of what you want, several publications can act as strong resources that can help you make a decision. Also, before choosing your car, go online and see what the car might look like once you’re finished. If possible, ask others you know whorestored the same model what you can expect to pay. Restoring classic cars is not a hobby for those with tight purse- strings, so knowing a ballpark list of expenses beforehand is a good idea. · Know from whom you’re buying. Weekend classified sections in newspapers are filled with antique autos for sale, which increase your chances of finding a car and getting ripped off. Similar to most other big- ticket expenses or jobs that will require you to invest lots of time and money, getting a referral is a great way to go, even if it is difficult to find. Oftentimes, sellers will tell you only the great things about a car and regale you with tales of how much money their car can save you on restoration expenses. It’s important not to be too trusting, especially if you weren’t referred to a seller.· Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A large investment earns you the right to ask however many questions you want. Make sure you ask if the car runs, if the brakes work, if anything is leaking, as well as other questions you might have pertaining to the vehicle’s condition. One very important question to ask is how long the seller has owned the car. Beware of any seller who is selling a car after only owning it for a brief period of time. This likely means the seller has decided the car is more trouble than it’s worth, or finding parts for it is too problematic. Asking why the seller is selling the car is good, too, as his response can help you gauge how well he took care of it while he owned it. If the car runs, ask to take it out for a drive. · Be prepared to spend just to get it home. If the car runs, this shouldn’t be a problem, as most states will issue you temporary tags if the car isnot registered. The fee for such tags is typically not very large. Where you can expect to pay a steeper price is if the car doesn’t run at all. If you purchase the car particularly far away from home, trucking costs can be expensive. Most companies have standard fees of $1 per mile uncovered, $2 permile covered. Naturally, these fees can add up depending on where you purchase your car. But this shouldn’t dictate where you look, as the trucking fee is a one-time expense and you shouldn’t limit your search only to those areas close to home. OOnn tthhee RRooaadd &CUSTOMIZING 519-523-9726 email: countryside@tcc.on.ca 82589 London Rd. South of Blyth • Insurance claims • Collision repairs • Refinishing • Restoration • Spray in truck box liners • Oil spray undercoating ENVIRO LINER World’s First Environmentally Friendly Bedliner World’s first 100% environmentally safe, sprayable, tough and durable coating. It is one of the toughest coatings ever developed; it resists all solvents, acids, gasoline and abrasion AND it is environmentally friendly with ZERO VOC content. ENVIRO LINER can be used as a coating for millions of uses and as a truck bedliner is only one of them. Don’t want to make an insurance claim for that fender bender? See Raymond for an economical repair and a free estimate! Now doing car cleaning Call for appointment 519-357-4305 597 Cedar St., Wingham PENTASTIC MOTORS Specializing in trucks 4x4 Trades Welcome 2001 Harriston Rd. Gorrie www.pentasticmotors.com USED CARS & TRUCKS Dave Robertson Heather Robertson pentast@wightman.ca Bus: 519-335-6565 Cell: 519-357-7090 Fax: 519-335-4090 “Specializing in on-the-farm-service” Bruce Willits 456 Ross Street, Lucknow 519-528-2103 ALL MAKES OF PASSENGER TIRES, LIGHT TRUCKS, MEDIUM TRUCKS AND FARM