Time takes its toll on all things –– and that includes classic cars. While many dedicated owners have taken great pains to maintain and restore classic vehicles, many classic cars still require serious repairs or alterations in order to make them safe for regular use on the road. Plain and simple, mechanical parts that are 50+ years old often need to be replaced, repaired, or even upgraded. To that end, today we’ll explain everything you need to know about a classic car engine rebuild. Here, we’ll describe the difference between a rebuild and repairs, how to tell if your car needs a rebuild, and if it’s worth the investment.
Classic Car Engine Repairs vs Rebuild
Maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of any classic car. However, maintenance and repairs typically occur in isolated events. Replacing a worn spark plug is a good example of a common repair that a mechanic may recommend during a tune-up. On the other hand, a full engine rebuild involves disassembling the engine completely and addressing most (if not all) components of the engine. Note here that some shops will try to blur the lines between regular repairs and a rebuild project, but they are not the same –– in scale, price, or final result.Signs Your Car Needs an Engine Rebuild
There are some telltale signs of engine trouble that all classic car owners should be aware of. Noticing one of these issues alone might not indicate the necessity of a full engine rebuild. Still, if your car exhibits several of these signs at once, then you may need to consider a rebuild:- Banging or knocking sounds.
- White exhaust.
- Metal flakes in the engine oil.
- Excessive oil consumption.
- Poor engine compression.
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