Automotive How-To Tech Articles
The following articles are written for the mechanically inclined person who already has automotive experience. Hopefully they will be of some help when confronted with a new challenge.
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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're rarely the exact size that you need.
Read: How To Make Brake Lines
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How To Rebuild Wheel Cylinders
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
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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: How 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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Replace Sway Bar Links and Bushings
That squeeking from the front end is getting worse and worse, and then there's that clunking noise when driving over bumps. It's an unglorious task, but it needs to be done.
Read: Replace Sway Bar Links
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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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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 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 Paint 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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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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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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Latex Work Gloves
Working in and out of automotive repair shops over the years, I've tried many different brands of gloves. These are the ones I buy for personal use. They're more expensive than others, but they feel better and last longer.
Shop: Powder-Free Gloves (Large)
Tip: Buy the size larger than you think you need.
Shop: Powder-Free Gloves (Extra-Large)
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