Automotive How-To Tech Articles
The following articles were written for the mechanically inclined person who owns or has access to a fair amount of tools, has some automotive background, and is willing to learn new skills. Although there are numerous ways to approach any given problem, we have found these methods to be practical, reliable, and economical, while still providing a quality outcome.
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How To Fabricate Brake Lines
Steel brake lines are vulnerable to corrosion. The problem with the ones you buy in auto parts stores is, they rarely have the correct fittings and the exact length that you need.
Read: How To Make Brake Lines
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How To Rebuild A Wheel Cylinder
Although it's usually faster to replace one than rebuild one, there are several reasons for rebuilding a wheel cylinder. The first is lack of quality of replacement units.
Read: Rebuild Wheel Cylinders
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How To Make Patch Panels
If a body panel has rust spots but no collision damage, replacing the whole panel may not be necessary. An alternative is to cut out only the rusted area, then make a template, trace it onto sheet metal, cut it out, and weld it in.
Read: How To Make A Patch Panel
MIG Weld Sheet Metal
You may have heard people say that it's easy to MIG weld. When trying to weld thin sheet metal metal, it's easy to MIG weld badly.
Read: MIG Welding Sheet Metal
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How To Cut Sheet Metal
From a $10 hacksaw to a horizontal band saw costing hundreds of dollars, there are many ways to cut sheet metal.
Read: Nine Ways To Cut Sheet Metal
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Starting A Car That Has Been Sitting A Long Time
Before you pour gas in that old car and try to start the engine, there's several precautions you should take to avoid damaging the motor.
Read: Getting An Old Car Running
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How To Lap Valves
Lapping valves does not take the place of a valve job, but it does confirm whether or not one is needed. It actually takes longer to clean, prepare, and round up the supplies than to actually lap the valves.
Read: How To Lap Valves
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How To Rebuild A Steering Cylinder
Rebuilding a power-steering cylinder is less expensive than a replacement unit, and also keeps your classic car as original as possible.
Read: How To Rebuild A Steering Cylinder
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How To Paint A Car
If you're willing to put in the time and energy, painting a car yourself can be done. Just be sure to include a realistic time schedule in your plan, and keep it flexible. Things can and do go wrong.
Read: How To Paint A Car
Read: Best Spray Gun For Automotive Restoration
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How To Spray Paint An Engine
Applying a few coats of paint to your rebuilt engine provides protection as well as good looks. Here's some tips on how to spray paint an engine block and engine components from an aerosol spray can.
Read: Spray Painting An Engine
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How To Paint Brake Calipers
Painting calipers is all about surface preparation.
Read: Painting Brake Calipers
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Tire rotation is moving the front tires to the rear, and rear tires to the front. This allows the tires to wear more evenly and give a longer, quieter life.
Read: How To Rotate Tires At Home
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Replace Ripped Dust Boots
When ball joint or tie rod boots rip or tear, the grease ends up on your car's undercarriage, but worse, the parts wear out much faster. It starts as a creaking or clunking, then worsening to excessive play in the suspension and steering.
Read: Replace Tie Rod Dust Boots
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Replace Sway Bar Links and Bushings
That squeaking sound from the front end is getting worse and worse, and then there's that clunking noise when driving over bumps. It's an inglorious task, but it needs to be done.
Read: Replace Sway Bar Links
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Floor Jack Repair
After 25 years of service, my old floor jack stopped holding pressure. Rather than buy a replacement, I decided to repair it.
Read: Repair An Old Floor Jack
Read: Best Jack Stands And Lifting Procedures
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Replace Corroded Battery Terminal Ford F150
The dealer wants to sell you the whole cable harness, but there's a better way.
Read: Replace Battery Terminal Ford F150
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Replace Shift Interlock Solenoid 2006-2010 Explorer
Designed to fit 2006 through 2010 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, and 2007 through 2010 Sport-Trac pickups, the Dorman 924-707 module is a direct replacement for the original circuit board which has been known to fail.
Read: Replace Shift Interlock Module Ford Explorer
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From time to time, I need a few pounds of air in one my car's tires. Although I have a garage air compressor, it's often easier to bring an air tank to the tire. I simply fill up my homemade portable air tank at the workbench, then carry it out to where it's needed.
Read: Air Tank Conversion Kit
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