Having a Windshield Replacement on a Classic Car

Classic car enthusiasts are aware of the increased costs in buying, running and maintaining a collectors standard of automobile, so it is no surprise that if you need a windshield replacement, or new headlights, this will cost a lot more than if you needed one of these items replacing on a bog standard BMW or run of the mill Renault. It is therefore essential that you take out special classic car insurance to cover your vehicle for any damages.

It is possible to get a cheaper windshield replacement done, but you must consider whether this will be worth it in the long run. If you are ever planning to resell the car, you will need to have the highest quality of windshield put in, which will be as similar as possible to the original, if it is not an official replacement piece or an exact windshield which has been removed from your exact model of vehicle. Having a low quality, unofficial windshield put in will drastically reduce the resale value of the vehicle. If you have just bought the classic car as a personal restoration project, or for your own amusement you can have a cheaper windshield put in, as only you will know, since these windshields will look almost identical to the untrained eye. In these cases, it is a matter of personal preference.

If the damage only amounts to a small crack or chip, you should try to get a repair done, rather than resorting to a full windshield replacement, because this can serve to fix the damage without having to remove the original windshield from the car. Although some such fixes are not even noticeable to the untrained eye, some other classic car enthusiasts will be able to spot this kind of windshield repair. Whilst it may reduce the value of your classic car slightly, it will not reduce the value of the car as much as a full windshield replacement, so it is very important that you contact a repair expert as soon as you notice the smallest chip.

You may also consider having a cheaper replacement windshield put in temporarily whilst you attempt to source an official replacement piece. It is very unlikely that most local auto glass specialists would be able to provide you with an official replacement piece straight away, although they may have experience of where to source one from. It can be very hard to find replacement parts for old, classic cars, because these models are no longer in production, and some of the companies which made these cars are not even in business any more. Although there are dealers who specialise in parts for classic cars, windshields are often hard to come by, due to the fact that windshields are one of the most easily damaged car parts. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that older cars did not utilise the same windshield technology that modern cars now use, so classic car windshields are even more susceptible to damage than modern windshields are today.

Having to have a windshield replacement on a classic car will be more expensive than having a windshield replacement on an ordinary car, but it will be worth the money to be able to continue driving it. You can get more information at windshield replacement in Orange County and mobile auto glass installation.

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Classic Cars: How to Avoid Winter Storage Issues

Owning a classic car can be a very rewarding experience. The envious looks of others as you take to the roads on warm summers days is almost a joy to behold. Owners of classic cars will certainly concur that there is something very special about being a member of this exclusive club.

Unfortunately, all too quickly the summer sun fades and is replaced by cooler weather patterns. It is at this point that the experienced classic car owner will often start to think about storing their vehicle, before the real nasty weather sets in.

Here are some suggestions that should enable you to avoid some of the winter storage issues that can hamper classic cars.

Getting Prepared

Classic car enthusiasts recognise that the single biggest issue that can affect their vehicle is that of corrosion. Sadly, many owners will only associate potential issues with what they can see on their vehicles exterior. They will be looking out for scratches or stone chips without delving very much further.

Whilst it is true that the above areas should always be dealt with, much of the corrosion issues that happen with classic cars occur from the inside out. Rust can manifest when a combination of air, water and steel are present; a mixture that is inevitable when storing a vehicle. The rust or corrosion happens when air and water start to break down the composition of the steel. It is important to understand that when referring to water, the moisture in the air is a sufficient accelerant for this process.

Hard to Reach Areas

The answer here is to instigate an element of rust proofing. Put simply this requires a layer of either a wax or petroleum based coating to be applied to the inside panels of your vehicle. Certain areas will be harder to reach than others. It might be necessary to access these areas through either existing or specially drilled holes. Additionally the same coating is then applied to the exterior surface areas.

Mud is one of the major causes of rust; especially when it clings to the inaccessible areas underneath the car. The reality here is that mud is super effective at retaining moisture, allowing this moisture to go on and wreak havoc with your pride and joy.

Helping Rust to Form

An effective rust treatment program should be considered. It is essential to remove all grime, dirt and mud from the car; only then can it be properly inspected for signs of corrosion. Failing in this vital area will only serve to help rust to form. Something that will become all too obvious when you start using your car after the cold weather period has passed.

Coating stone chips or other damaged areas with a rust inhibitor is great way to start your rust prevention strategy. After this these areas can be touched in with the desired exterior paint colour. To help avoid unsightly repairs it is best tackle this in a slow fashion, allowing several layers to dry will produce better results than trying to do it in one fail swoop.

Are you planning to store your classic car this winter or for long periods? Here are a few rust prevention suggestions that will help keep your pride and joy in tip top condition. The DINITROL range of rust treatment products are well acknowledged as an ideal range of products for classic car enthusiasts.

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