Old car reliability

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <3.0.32.19980819225006.01312eac@postoffice.worldnet.att.net> Richard Funnell writes:

> What do listers do to keep old cars reliable?  This question comes from
> losing a brake flex hose on my urQ driving in the mountains of Lake
> Tahoe.

Around three times a year it gets ramped at BR Motorsport and I spend
about half an hour going over it with either Martin or Tim.  We use a
hand-held floodlight and a large screwdriver to prod and poke just about
every bush on the car, and check out all the bearings and flexible
hoses.  The engine bay gets checked over once a week for hose leaks
and other problems.

My car gets _pushed_ (a lot) in daily driving and I like to know it's
safe.  I know that both Martin and Tim know what's important and what
isn't, and I have a fair degree of ex-rally mechanic experience myself.

I also make a habit, whenever I'm in narrow and quiet city streets,
of lowering the windows and listening to the car just rolling and
braking.  I know what it usually sounds like, and I've occasionally
spotted wheel bearings on the way out that we haven't been able to
'feel' on the ramp.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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