Most classic car enthusiasts enjoy the pleasure of driving their dream car in small doses—usually at weekends on the odd occasion. But what if you wanted to use a classic car as a daily driver? For some people that aren’t interested in showing their car at car shows and keeping it hidden away in a garage for the rest of the year, this is appealing. So, how do you go about having a classic car as a daily driver? Here at JD’s Auto Repair, we’re going to show you how you can achieve just that without breaking the bank.
Which car to choose?
Using a classic car as a daily driver will mean getting used to doing frequent repairs and maintenance—it just comes with the territory! You’ll therefore want to choose a car that is durable and relatively easy to find spare parts for. If you choose a car that’s rare and quickly succumbs to wear and tear, you’ll likely find that your love affair with having a classic car as a daily driver is cut short.
Which type of restoration should you choose?
Check with your state authority about the safety requirements for using a classic car on the road. Many states require that you have a certain standard of brakes, seat belts, or even chassis work to make it safe for yourself and others when on the road. Also, if you’re used to driving a modern car, you may want to upgrade the suspension, tires, and even the entire engine to make it feel somewhat similar to what you’re used to.
Comfort upgrades
If your car is just for you and you enjoy that raw feeling of a vehicle without the mod cons we’ve gotten so used to, you may not need any additional comfort upgrades. But, if you’re planning to use it as a family vehicle or drive around with friends, you may want to think about installing features such as air conditioning, comfortable seats, and power steering to make the journey more pleasant for them. The last thing you want is your friends and family dreading the ride in your beautiful classic car!
Consider how often you should do maintenance checks
The reality is, you will run into problems sooner or later. Taking preventative measures is the best way to avoid these happening when you’re on a highway or out in the middle of nowhere. Change the oil, check the tires, and check the vehicle’s structural integrity regularly—at least twice as often as you would a modern car—to make sure you’re not causing damage that could easily be prevented.
Ask the experts
If you’re not very handy with classic car repairs, you’ll need to schedule regular maintenance checks with expert mechanics that know about them. Here at JD’s Auto Repair, our mechanics are all classic car enthusiasts, so your vehicle couldn’t be in better hands! If you’d like to have our staff look over your vehicle, or if you’re considering buying a classic car daily driver, give us a call: (215) 515-4343 and we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions, offer our advice, or book you in for a maintenance appointment.
